Using Google to search for your own business can be considered a bad practice due to a phenomenon known as “personalized search results.” When you search for your own business on Google, the search engine takes into account various factors, such as your browsing history, location, and previous interactions with your website. As a result, the search results you see may not accurately reflect how your business appears to others.
Here are a few reasons why using Google to search for your own business is generally not recommended:
- Personalized results: Google tailors search results based on your individual preferences and browsing history. This means that your website may rank higher in the search results for you than it does for others. It can create a false perception of your business’s online visibility.
- Inflated metrics: Frequent searches for your own business can artificially boost your website’s traffic and engagement metrics. This can lead to a distorted understanding of your website’s actual performance.
- Ineffective optimization: By searching for your own business, you may see your website ranking well even if it is not effectively optimized for search engines. This can mask underlying issues that might prevent your website from reaching a broader audience.
- Misinterpretation of results: If you’re not familiar with the nuances of search engine optimization (SEO) or the factors that influence search rankings, you might misinterpret the search results. This can lead to incorrect assumptions about your business’s online presence and hinder your ability to make informed decisions about improving your visibility.
To gain a more accurate understanding of how your business appears in search results, it’s better to use SEO tools and analytics platforms specifically designed to provide unbiased insights. These tools can offer comprehensive data on your website’s performance, search rankings, organic traffic, and more.
Effective ways to obtain search engine ranking data
To obtain accurate search rankings for your business, it’s important to rely on reliable SEO tools and techniques. Here are some effective ways to gather accurate data:
- Use SEO Analytics Tools: Utilize reputable SEO analytics tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, Moz, Ahrefs, or SimilarWeb. These tools can provide detailed insights into your website’s performance, organic search rankings, keyword visibility, and traffic sources. They often offer features that allow you to track and monitor your search rankings over time.
- Incognito/Private Browsing Mode: When manually checking search rankings, use the incognito or private browsing mode in your web browser. This prevents your search history and personalization factors from influencing the results. Simply open a new incognito/private window, perform the search, and review the rankings as they appear to an average user.
- Local Search: If your business primarily serves a specific geographic area, it’s important to check your local search rankings. Tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark’s Local Rank Tracker can provide accurate rankings for location-specific searches. These tools allow you to track your business’s visibility in local search results and monitor your performance against competitors in your area.
- Monitor Search Console: Google Search Console is a free tool provided by Google that offers valuable data about your website’s search performance. It provides insights into keywords that drive traffic to your site, click-through rates, and average search positions. This information can help you understand how your website is performing in search results and identify areas for improvement.
- Track Competitors: Keep an eye on your competitors’ search rankings to gain insights and benchmark your own performance. Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or SpyFu allow you to monitor your competitors’ organic search rankings, keywords, and overall online visibility. This information can help you identify opportunities to improve your own rankings and stay competitive in your industry.
Remember, search rankings can vary based on numerous factors such as location, device type, and personalization. Therefore, it’s crucial to use a combination of tools and techniques to gather comprehensive and accurate data about your business’s search rankings.
Read more about Search Engine Optimization and Website Development at Michael’s website – https://michaelwinchester.com
Website developer, field recordist, instrument builder.
With a background in art and design for the music industry (websites, micro-sites, AdWords admin, and even apparel design) I bring a unique skillset to SEO and website marketing. This fresh approach to corporate and construction-related web projects helps my clients to stand apart and genuinely challenge the competition.
My goal here at The-Link-Builders is to help my clients better understand different aspects of the SEO work I do and how it relates to overall website development; I write short, easy-to-digest articles on search engine optimization and website performance-related topics.
In my free time, I enjoy field recording, sound design, and building unusual musical instruments.
Michael Winchester is a website developer and search engine consultant in Southern California.
Michael Winchester Design | (562)283-5688