12 replies to this topic

[Martin C]

I noticed recently a considerable improvement in a few targeted search phrases and was surprised when the traffic from those phrases remained fairly static.

On investigation I then noticed that for some phrases Google's personalised search kicks in and I was getting a message towards the top right of the search results "Turn OFF Personalized Search (Beta) for these results" sure enough when I did the entries position returned to normal.

What I can't work out is when the personalised search kicks in, it seems to only work on a few search phrases. If I turn it 'Off' and then search again it switches back on, to disable I need to Sign out of Google, or totally delete the personalised search.

So, anyone using personalised search and are checking their search terms rankings look out for personalised rankings, you might need to put the bubbly back on ice.

I wonder how many unscrupulous SEO's are using personalised search to hoodwink their clients that they are doing better than they are?

Just goes to show it is not about rankings it is all about traffic.

[Jill]

I believe that the personalized results could kick in if you're logged into your Google (gmail/analytics, etc.) account.

If you stayed logged out of that, it can't happen. (I think!)

[OldWelshGuy]

yep, when you log into your google account, personal search kicks in.

[jehochman]

I believe you can stop personalized search, and prevent Google from storing your search history via this page if you select "pause."

[Martin C]

What I can't work out is when the personalised search kicks in, it seems to only work on a few search phrases.

The problem with turning it off is that you have to either sign out, or delete the history, since I use other Google features I don't always want to sign out.

For 95% of the searches I do I don't get personalised results, for the ones I do I seem to get them say for a singular search phrase but not if I use the plural.

Personally I would like to be able to dynamically switch between it being on or off.

My main point is people should check that any improved rankings are not because they have personalised search set on.

[Randy]

Agreed with your main point Martin.

One thing you may want to consider doing is simply installing another type of browser that doesn't ever use any personal settings. As far as I know, that should work since the login info is all saved as a cookie, which will be browser specific.

So for instance if you're using IE for your main surfing, you may want to simply install a version of Netscape, or Firefox or whatever to allow you to do quick checks sans personalization settings.

[Martin C]

Thanks Randy - good idea.

[kamsbry]

I found this same situation happening to me last week. I was first overjoyed and then dismayed when I realized I had turned on personaliztion.

If found the two browser solution to be the best option as it cuts down on the constant churn of cookie deletion on my main browser.

[Randy]

Welcome kamsbry !

Yeah, sometimes there's nothing quite as good as a good old KISS solution.

[arteworks]

Oh my gosh how embarassing. Good thing I haven't sent out this week's reports yet. Thank you all for this thread.

You need a smiley with a dunce cap, I could put it to good use.

[torka]

Matt: try this one -->

(It's one I personally find I have a lot of use for... )

HTH!

--Torka

[Dictina]

Hi,

I don't think that what I'm going to mention affects the SERP (it shouldn't, at least as it is stated in the google site) but I would like to bring your attention to some of the Google desktop features regarding personalizing results, specially for news.

desktop.google.com/en/advanced.html
desktop.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=38980
desktop.google.com/features.html


Advanced Features

Google Desktop sends Google non-personal data about how you're using the program, along with reports if it ever crashes. It also sends information about the websites you visit so that Sidebar can personalize the information it shows you, such as personalized news. (...)

I suppose that if it detects that you search for some keywords and visit those keyword related sites, the sidebar shows you news in connection with those keywords/subjects.

So, be aware that news results in the sidebar of Google desktop might be influenced by the webs you visit, so you might think that they are somehow better positioned, when in fact they're better, for you.

Anyway they also let you turn off this feature.

Nengorama

Edited by chrishirst, 19 June 2006 - 05:20 PM.

[torka]

Hi, Nengorama! Welcome to HR!

--Torka