Testing Google as if from Certain Country

[Tom_Cash]

Hey Peeps,
I am currently working on a large companies group of websites. They have the same website in several different languages, including Italian. However, I've been told by the Italian division that when searching for the website in Italy that it doesn't appear in their results.

I found this very unusual as in all the other 33 countries, this is not an issue.

My problem is, I don't know how to test this...

I went to google.it but I'm sure that's not the same as searching from their area. Or is it?

Any help regarding this would be super!

Thanks in advance,
Tom.

[Tom_Cash]

Bump! :)

[Rumbas]

Hi Tom!

That's a good question and the only way you can be 100% sure on the local results in by doing the searches locally.

If the Italians tell you that the site is not present in the local searches, they are probably right.

Things to make sure you're showing up locally:

- local ccTDL - fx. domain.it
- Italian language on the site
- Italian links pointing to the site
- Create a Google Webmastercentral account, verify the Italian site and see what Google tells you about localization.

Good luck :)

[vivalasvegas]

There is a Firefox plugin called "Google global extension" that lets you pick the search location. Very helpful and free.

[Tom_Cash]

Rumbas, thanks for the comprehensive reply. I think we may need more inbound Italian links...

VLV, I didn't see much benefit of this? The toolbar is litteraly adding the gl GET variable to the end of my query... My results also didn't change. Perhaps it's only me?

[Rumbas]

You are welcome.

vivalasvegas, I'm not sure the FF plugin will shows the whole truth. If Google detects you from a certain country, they will server you the local serps.

You need a local proxy to make sure you're local.

[vivalasvegas]

VLV, I didn't see much benefit of this? The toolbar is litteraly adding the gl GET variable to the end of my query... My results also didn't change. Perhaps it's only me?

I suppose you added your location using "Show options". If you're seing the same results for the same locations that's what Google is showing.

vivalasvegas, I'm not sure the FF plugin will shows the whole truth. If Google detects you from a certain country, they will server you the local serps.

You need a local proxy to make sure you're local.

This is a plugin offered with Firefox officially and recommended by Google. Now, what would be the point of offering it if it didn't work? Below is a quote from the Firefox website (I've been using this plugin myself and it works fine):

Google Global allows users to quickly and easily see organic and paid Google search results as they appear in different countries, cities, regions, ZIP codes and IP addresses.

[Tom_Cash]

Okay, perhaps I'm just doing it wrong. Thanks for your help buddy. I'll give it another bash...

[Tom_Cash]

I've tried entering Google through an Italian proxy. It seemed to work but I can't be sure without speaking to someone from overseas...

Any thoughts on this?

[bill]

Rumbas is offering you some good advice here. A true local proxy would solve your issue. I have no idea about this plug-in.

[Tom_Cash]

Thanks Bill. :)

[Joshb]

Hi Tom,
From my experience with Google.co.uk and Google.fr you don't get the same result as with a local IP.

I've a toolbar from Geoedge with proxies in many countries. But it is not a free service. If you just need Italy I'm sure you can find a free proxy somewhere.

J.