Comments on: Ed Parsons: 1 in 3 Searches at Google are Local

By: Jared Richards

Jared Richards — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 06:53:11 +0000

Ari:

I’m not sure if this is what you mean, but Google already modifies its search results based on your geographical location. Anything that it deems to be a “local search” is skewed to your physical location. And, indeed, if you are logged into your google account, your prior history will affect your search results. Region-specific filters are already in place.

By: Ari Braverman

Ari Braverman — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 23:14:38 +0000

I’m really interested in this notion of place – specifically local geography – and Google (and the internet as a whole). This piece serves as a great reminder that a much of what people use Google for has to do with concrete information and region-specific locations and events, all despite the assumed unity and anonymity of the Web. It makes me think about the effects of physical geography on the internet as a non-physical place. Will there be region-specific filters for Google users in different places? Thanks for the great information.

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:54:02 +0000

That number is probably scaring the bigwigs at Google immensely. They are leaving so much money and quality on the table with Local that I am surprised more heads have not rolled. No wonder Marissa Myer jumped ship.

By: Mike Blumenthal

Mike Blumenthal — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:07:10 +0000

@earlpearl

Parson is one of the highest….

By: earlpearl

earlpearl — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:55:54 +0000

Mike: If 1 of 3 Google searches are local rather than 1 of 5 that makes YOU about 50-60% more important.

Not only should google pay you for doing their work, they should pay you 50-60% more than what was the going rate.

sincerely,

your agent.

I’d like to hear from high googler’s on this issue!!!

By: Rasmus Himmelstrup

Rasmus Himmelstrup — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:59:36 +0000

Sound reasonable to me. More and more generic keywords shows local listings and most mobile search terms are local in nature.

By: Andy Kuiper

Andy Kuiper — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 01:16:22 +0000

…”local” porn sites?

By: Mike Blumenthal

Mike Blumenthal — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:06:31 +0000

@todd

I think it includes every search that google has reason to believe has local intent and is in search of a place. It could be “statue of liberty”, directions from A to Z, car dealer with or without a geo modifier.

By: Todd Bryson

Todd Bryson — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 23:10:40 +0000

Do you think this only includes search terms that include geomodifiers are just any term like “tires”….that could have local intent but could also not have any local intent.

By: Mike Blumenthal

Mike Blumenthal — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 22:23:02 +0000

@Andy

There is a lot of nuance that would affect what the number is. Is he just referring to the desktop or is he including mobile? If he is including mobile where the % of local search can top 50% that would increase this number.