How can I find my Google ranking?

[tekno]

My website comes no.1 when searching certain terms. I was really happy about this until I realised Google probably remembers what I've searched for and adjusts the results accordingly.

How can I find out what A. N. Other's results would be when inputting a certain search term?

 

[smithrh]

No, they don't adjust the results that way.

If you're number 1, then you're number 1, and be happy with that.

To verify this, simply use a different computer and search for your terms.

 

[tekno]

So am I missing something here...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Personalized_Search

 

[smithrh]

Interesting - that is pretty old, so I wonder if it's still in effect or they've moved on.

I do search my company's search terms quite frequently, both when logged in, not logged in, and from computers where I've never searched before (so Google couldn't know it was me), never seen any real, material differences.

One part of that Wikipedia entry was intriguing - "even if you're not logged in." OK, well, how do they figure they know who you are then? Just your IP? That doesn't work...

Good catch and quite interesting, but I've never actually found any differences.

 

[malman89]

Interesting - that is pretty old, so I wonder if it's still in effect or they've moved on.

I do search my company's search terms quite frequently, both when logged in, not logged in, and from computers where I've never searched before (so Google couldn't know it was me), never seen any real, material differences.

One part of that Wikipedia entry was intriguing - "even if you're not logged in." OK, well, how do they figure they know who you are then? Just your IP? That doesn't work...

Good catch and quite interesting, but I've never actually found any differences.

It still works. They made personalized search default for Google users (at least me) about 6 months ago. I immediately turned it off. I think for those not logged in, Google just uses the IP to somewhat tailor to local results rather than worldwide, depending on the search (like a common restaurant name - Miller's Bar or something).

 

[smithrh]

It still works. They made personalized search default for Google users (at least me) about 6 months ago. I immediately turned it off. I think for those not logged in, Google just uses the IP to somewhat tailor to local results rather than worldwide, depending on the search (like a common restaurant name - Miller's Bar or something).

Thanks for this... another reason to hate Google onto the pile.

How the F would Google know what I was looking for? Yeah, they *think* they know, but maybe they're just ramming the same crap into search results over and over again.

Just give me the unbiased search results, you idiots...

 

[KnightWRX]

OK, well, how do they figure they know who you are then? Just your IP? That doesn't work...

A mix of your IP, a few cookies in your browser, the browser user agent you're using.

IE if all those match, they can identify you properly without you having to log in or create an account. Sure they'll have a few mistakes, but really, same IP, using the same browser and sending us back the same 5 cookies we placed last time he searched for X ? Pretty good catch they'll nail it.

that's why Google Chrome has an "incognito mode", because browsers just leave around a bunch of stuff and do things without the user knowing that lets website identify them.

 

[tekno]

Soooo...

How can I find out how I would rank to someone who has never before input a specific search term? I'm aware that the fact I've searched several times in the past means my results are skewed.

 

[KnightWRX]

Soooo...

How can I find out how I would rank to someone who has never before input a specific search term? I'm aware that the fact I've searched several times in the past means my results are skewed.

Incognito mode on a browser, using a different computer from a different location, etc.. the options have been given to you already.