How To Get Localized Search Results

Until last year, anyone could have checked their localized search ranking on Google simply by clicking “Search Tools” and then picking a new location. This was beneficial because you were able to see how your search terms appeared in a different geographical location. Unfortunately, to the dismay of many businesses and marketing professionals, Google took away this feature.  The search engine took away the opportunity for them to analyze their presence in certain areas around the globe. Fortunately though, online search experts found new and inventive ways to make up for the loss of the Google feature. Here are a few ways you are still able to monitor search results locally and globally.

Adjust the Location of Your Keywords
This approach is often called the “band-aid solution”, which requires you to just add the name of different locations to your main keywords. For example, if you owned a clothing store in Milwaukee, you would search “clothing store Milwaukee.” This solution is in many ways, imperfect due to the fact that Google will look at “clothing store” and “clothing store Milwaukee” has two independent keywords. Thus leaving you with different search results then those actually in that location.

Adding the “Near” Parameter in Your URL
Online search expert, Barry Schwartz, found a simple way to get localized results that don’t require any new software. After putting in what you want to Google just add “&near=cityname” to the search bar. For example, if you wanted to search for a restaurant near Milwaukee, the URL would look something along the lines of: https://www.google.com/search?q=restaurant&near=Milwaukee

The biggest issue with this solution is that you are not always going to receive the specific city you’re searching for. This is because Google will gather results “near” your selected location, thus this might have you seeing results from the nearest big city to you.

Using the “Uule” Parameter
This solution encodes a geographic location, known as the “uule parameter,” into a search bar. The tactic is vital for targeting specific locations, and when formatted correctly, can provide accurate results for a user. To learn more about how to properly tweak your “uule parameter” click HERE (https://moz.com/ugc/geolocation-the-ultimate-tip-to-emulate-local-search). A common problem that has occurred when using this method is that you can only receive results from large metropolitan areas, meaning that any small cities will be excluded from your Google data.

For even more solutions on how to get localized search results click HERE!