How to See Google Search Results for Other Locations
The discrepancy seen in Google search results by country or even by region is not an accident. It is a meticulously developed mechanism that makes users' life easier by providing them relevant, localized information, and for businesses, it opens doors to a more targeted and effective marketing strategy.
So, let’s find out how to see Google search results for other locations, so you can optimize your SEO efforts to have a closer glimpse into your customer's world, even if that world is halfway around the globe.
Why Would You Look At Google Search Results for Different Locations?
Your choice of viewing Google search results from different locations should coincide with why you want to do it in the first place.
Are you trying to expand your business to a new region? Are you an SEO consultant evaluating local businesses? Or are you simply curious about how search results appear in different parts of the world?
Your reasons will invariably influence your choice.
Typically, businesses gain insights into:
💡 Local Competitor Analysis: Uncover what strategies local competitors are implementing to secure high SERP rankings.
💡 Keyword Performance: Evaluate how specific keywords perform in various regions and adapt your SEO strategy accordingly.
💡 Customer Behavior: Understanding search behavior in different locations can reveal new opportunities or areas to improve.
Why are Local Search Rankings Vital for Businesses?
Local search ranking is crucial for businesses, especially for small, local enterprises. Google factors in location data when ranking websites to ensure users get the most relevant, and geographically close, results first.
If you run a café in Boston, you want your website to show up when locals in your area search for "best café" or "coffee shop nearby".
Otherwise, your site could also pop up on the search results of someone sitting in San Francisco dreaming up a future visit to Boston.
An important step towards understanding Google's location-centric results is acknowledging the importance of localizing your keyphrase. When a user types in a search, Google's algorithm doesn't just pick out the main keywords. It also considers the geographic location from where the query was initiated.
When users search using terms like "restaurants near me" or "best salon in town", Google must provide results that are both relevant and within the user's vicinity. This is where localized keyphrases come in.
By incorporating location phrases in your keyword strategy, you improve your chances of appearing in relevant local searches. For instance, "best florist in New York" is a more effective keyphrase than just "best florist".
🌟 See also: 7 Must-Have SEO Tools for Small Businesses (Free & Premium)
5 Methods to Check Google Search Results and Rankings for Other Locations
Looking at Google search results by country or region is a crucial step in understanding your business's reach and effectiveness in different geographical areas.
Here are some methods you can use to check the geography-specific results on Google:
1. Using SEOmator’s SERP Rank Checker Tool
For a comprehensive SEO evaluation, several online SEO tools offer location-specific rank tracking. By using these tools, you can follow your local SEO performance for specific locations.
For instance, with SEOmator’s Free Google SERP Rank Checker all you need to do is set your preferred locations, input your keywords, and let it do the tracking.
The report this tool generates will provide you with a full picture of your website's performance across various geographical areas.
2. Conducting a Google Advanced Search
Google Advanced Search is a time-saver for SEO experts and marketers who need to check search results for different locations.
Open Google on your web browser and click on "Settings" in the lower right corner of the Google homepage.
Choose "Advanced search" from the drop-down menu. This will navigate you to the Google Advanced Search page.
Scroll down and find the "region" field. From there, you can select the country for which you want to see the search results.
After selecting the country, fill in the other fields according to your search needs and hit the "Advanced Search” button.
3. Using a VPN/Proxy to Conduct Your Search
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that masks your actual IP address by distributing your network traffic through a server in a different location. This effectively can show you Google Search results from that location.
Download a reliable and highly rated VPN service. Install and run the VPN on your device.
Select the country or specific location you want to appear from. Open Google, and your search results should reflect your chosen location.
Content creators and digital marketers often use VPNs to glance into a different market’s perspective.
4. Using the Google Ads Preview Tool
The Google Ads Preview Tool is another effective method that can let you view Google Search results from different countries without altering your behavioral data.
Simply input your search term and fill your chosen location, language and device.
Press enter, and voilà, you’ve got your location-specific search results.
This tool is particularly nifty as it allows viewing ad results without increasing the ad's impression count.
5. Entering Latitude and Longitude Using Google Chrome's Developer Tools
For tech-savvy individuals, Google Chrome's developer tools provide a way to replicate a search from a particular geographical region. All you need are the specific Latitude and Longitude coordinates.
Open the "Developer Tools" from the Chrome menu and click on the tool symbol on the upper right corner to open “Settings”. Click “Locations” on the left panel to access the list of geolocation presets.
You can use these presets or customize them by adding a location to override geolocation in Chrome.
After saving a location, you can navigate to “Sensors” in the Developer Tools and select it from the “Location” drop-down list.
Refresh the page and perform a Google Search; the results will be tailored to that location.
This method allows for hyper-specific location testing. It can show results at city-level or even street-level.
Deciphering Which Method Would Work Best for You
Your choice of method to view Google search results by location will depend upon your requirement, comfort level with technical details, and the depth of information you need.
🛠️ Local Parameter & Advanced Google Search: If you are a beginner and need a quick glimpse into location-specific results, adding a location to your search phrase or using Google Advanced search ensures easy insights.
🛠️ VPN and Proxy Servers: If you need a more authentic view, VPN and Proxy servers do a pretty good job of mirroring the browsing experience of users from different locations. But, remember that they might slow down your internet connection.
🛠️ SEO Tools: If you handle multiple businesses or locations, automating your SERP checks is crucial. There's an array of economical as well as advanced tools to get the job done.
🛠️ Latitude/Longitude Feature: For advanced users needing pin-point accuracy, using Google Chrome's latitude/longitude feature is useful. For businesses needing comprehensive SEO reports, SEO platforms offering API services collectively provide all the search result data you need.
In sum, while there are several methods to see Google search results for other locations, you need to ponder over your requirements, available resources, and the extent to which you will use the data.
A well-thought-out decision will not only save you time but also reduce potential frustration caused by hasty choices.
Wrapping Up
Regional Google search results are critical for businesses that wish to grow and expand. For a local business seeking to spread its wings, understanding Google search results from the perspective of their target geography is paramount.
Every business has a story to narrate—one that transcends boundaries and languages. With the methods above, you can easily check how your keywords and business rank in other locations.
According to these results, you can optimize your digital content for search engines. This way, you're positioning your business to attract, engage, and convert users, potential customers, and repeat clientele!
🌟 See also:
- How to Rank a Website in a Specific Country
