Why do Google results differ from the first page vs. the last page? Which do I trust?

simpleonline1234 · 11-02-2009, 06:45 AM

I was doing some research on Google competition and came across some kind of fishy....previously I was basing my competition level by just using the "keyword" search in Google. The first page is normally some like 123,000 sites competiting but hen i actually attempt to go the last page of competition it only ends up being like 434 pages of competition...

Which number should I be trusting to rate my competition with? The first page or last page of Google?

Thanks for any insider tips you can toss my way.

Sumit Menon · 11-02-2009, 06:52 AM

Well, all the assumptions on getting to page 1 is made on looking at the Page 1 statistics. So, I guess you should consider that.

Sumit.

JamesRad · 11-02-2009, 07:28 AM

When researching any keyword there are many different metrics you need to look at.

Looking at the number of competing sites is only one thing to consider.
Google will often give you different search numbers even for the same keyword, there tends to be no great difference between the 2 numbers and sometimes its Google simply taking out similar results.

Try checking intitle: search for an accurate picture of how many sites have the keyword in the Title. This is a good indication whether they are actually marketing towards that keyword.

Never just go on the competition figures look at the strength of the competition on the 1st page and also look for other features like is Video represented on the 1st page. Is Google Base shopping results appearing if it’s a product based keyword.

Also Google uses several different "Data Centres" for different visitors depending on their location, so the results you see may be different to your customers.
e.g based UK and selling in US.

James

11-02-2009, 06:45 AM	#1
simpleonline1234 SEO Analyst War Room Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 458 Thanks: 0 Thanked 56 Times in 34 Posts	Why do Google results differ from the first page vs. the last page? Which do I trust? I was doing some research on Google competition and came across some kind of fishy....previously I was basing my competition level by just using the "keyword" search in Google. The first page is normally some like 123,000 sites competiting but hen i actually attempt to go the last page of competition it only ends up being like 434 pages of competition... Which number should I be trusting to rate my competition with? The first page or last page of Google? Thanks for any insider tips you can toss my way.

11-02-2009, 06:52 AM	#2
Sumit Menon . Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 657 Thanks: 552 Thanked 246 Times in 153 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Why do Google results differ from the first page vs. the last page? Which do I trust? Well, all the assumptions on getting to page 1 is made on looking at the Page 1 statistics. So, I guess you should consider that. Sumit.
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11-02-2009, 07:28 AM	#3
JamesRad Proud Student of MWA 3.0 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: UK Posts: 91 Thanks: 9 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts Social Networking	Re: Why do Google results differ from the first page vs. the last page? Which do I trust? When researching any keyword there are many different metrics you need to look at. Looking at the number of competing sites is only one thing to consider. Google will often give you different search numbers even for the same keyword, there tends to be no great difference between the 2 numbers and sometimes its Google simply taking out similar results. Try checking intitle: search for an accurate picture of how many sites have the keyword in the Title. This is a good indication whether they are actually marketing towards that keyword. Never just go on the competition figures look at the strength of the competition on the 1st page and also look for other features like is Video represented on the 1st page. Is Google Base shopping results appearing if it’s a product based keyword. Also Google uses several different "Data Centres" for different visitors depending on their location, so the results you see may be different to your customers. e.g based UK and selling in US. James