filter=0 to view our listing on google.co.uk

[marcusbond]

Since last week, searching for '#*$!#*$!' search term on google.co.uk with the default radio button 'the web' selected, results in our listing not being shown?

Selecting the 'UK only' radio button results in us being shown as usual in 5th position.

Using some of the googledance tools on the web (to see what they see) appears to show that we're being listed at 5th position both for 'the web' searches and the 'UK only' searches, even though we can't see us for 'the web' type searches when using google.co.uk

Further investigation has found that we do appear for all types of searches as normal on google.co.uk if we add filter=0 to the URL.

We've not been blacklisted, or put in the supplemental listings. Searching the forums shows that a similar type of problem with filter=0 knocking out complete - non duplicate - listings occured at the backend of 2005... We've sat tight since last week because these type of issues tend to resolve themselves a few days later... but we're beginning to consider we may need to take some action... only what?

[marcusbond]

Well this morning, after our post appeared overnight, our listing has reappeared for all search types in 5th position as normal.

We assume that whatever data google uses to influence how filter=0 is applied to a particular site/listing, is updated/calculated at a slower rate than recently spidered and updated pages in its index.

In our case the delay between the page cached date, and correct implimentation of filter=0 was 6 days... just incase this is helpful to anyone else who experiences a similar problem in the future.

[foolsgold]

Geo Targeting, happens all the time.

[M_Bison]

This problem has been happening for ages. Basically, you disappear for one term, and one term only in "the Web" results, but in the local country search you're OK.

It usually is confined to a few DCs which correct themselves after a week or two.

[marcusbond]

Ah... now that makes a lot of sense... it was for one search term, and one search term only... doubt we would have noticed if it hadn't been a major one!

Not exactly sure why filter=0 brings it back though, other than it's somehow using the same mechanism as Geo Targeting.

Thanks for the information, I won't get so worked up next time.

[AjiNIMC]

It is happening for one of my friend's site too. He was ranking in top 10 for a high profile keyphrase but suddenly it is gone. Now if you put filter=0 it works and he is back to his position.

Is this hinting to some bad patch? Is it some duplicate content issue?

Thanks,
Aji

[rocker]

Could someone explain to me what filter=0 means?

Do I perform this type of search "keyword1 keyword2 filter=0"?

[M_Bison]

filter=0 means don't apply any filters to the results.

That means omitted and supplemental results will show.

[tedster]

The way you use it is to take the google URL for the search results page and add &filter=0 to the end of that address.

[edited by: tedster at 9:10 pm (utc) on Mar. 30, 2007]

[rocker]

Thank You M_Bison and tedster :)

[tedster]

One of the informative factors you can see by using &filter=0, especially with results set to 100, is more than 2 urls from a domain. You get to see, in order of relevance to the search term, however many urls the algo returned.

They still cluster - but it can be quite useful to see how many total pages from a domain appear highly relevant in Google's eyes. In some cases, you can spot other pages on your domain worth developing further.