SERP drastically different based on location

[TElwell]

I'm sure this topic has been covered before but I can't seem to find any of the proper threads. If someone could point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated!

I'm helping out a client with his search results and was able to clean up his SERP fairly well in every location EXCEPT the location that he lives in, San Diego. For instance, in NYC if I type in his name the negative result is #10 or #11 in his results, while when he searches from San Diego, the negative result is #2 for him... very frustrating.

What makes it even more confusing to me is that the negative result is not even that optimized for his name OR for San Diego (both are only mentioned once).

I'm looking for advice on how to better his results in San Diego- is there any advice you could give that would help make his results more consistant across various locations? Or methods for boosting the results I already created for him in San Diego? Thanks so much,

-T

[edited by: tedster at 11:09 pm (utc) on Sep 18, 2012]
[edit reason] no specific sites, please [/edit]

[tedster]

I don't know of any way to make results more consistent across various locations - but I think your challenge is a bit simpler than such a huge job. For some reason, one critical result is still featuring on page one in the very area where your client does business, San Diego. It's this single result you need to address.

I don't know how long you've been working with this reputation issue, but from my own experience, I know it can take years to see the first page completely clean.

There may be some regional connection for the negative article that is #2 - for example, links from sites in that area, even if they only go to the home page. Whatever the reason that Google feels a localized result is important, I'd say just continue with the kind of ting you've been doing.

Look for ways to get your client's positive message on regional websites. And if there is even a kernel of truth to the criticism, take steps to fix whatever the problem is.