Geographical target - webmaster tools

[Newcott]

Hi All,

Just been looking through webmasters tool for the first time in ages and noticed the Target geographical location option. Currently it has nothing set but was wondering if it would be more beneficial to put the UK in there.

With my webdding photography I'd prefer this to be UK based but would it harm web presence overall ?

Thanks

Nick

 

[Olliver]

Is your domain a .co.uk? Is it hosted on a UK server? Have you submitted KML maps? That's all to be considered before we can give you a definite answer.

Generally if your domain is a .co.uk and hosted in the UK it will not do any difference for your rankings whether you set it to UK or not.

If your domain is a .com but on a UK server and has submitted a KML it will not make much of a difference either.

However if your domain is a .com on a US server and no KML you should set it to the UK in order to higher your rankings on google.co.uk.
This then might drop your rankings on google.com slightly (I've personally never experienced a drop though) but it will definitely increase your rankings on google.co.uk (which I have seen many times).

 

[Newcott]

Ok two sites (sorry to over complicated)

Is your domain a .co.uk?

One .com & .Co.UK

Is it hosted on a UK server?

Yes - both

Have you submitted KML maps?

Not yet but now you've mentioned them I will.

That's all to be considered before we can give you a definite answer.

Generally if your domain is a .co.uk and hosted in the UK it will not do any difference for your rankings whether you set it to UK or not.

If your domain is a .com but on a UK server and has submitted a KML it will not make much of a difference either.

However if your domain is a .com on a US server and no KML you should set it to the UK in order to higher your rankings on google.co.uk.
This then might drop your rankings on google.com slightly (I've personally never experienced a drop though) but it will definitely increase your rankings on google.co.uk (which I have seen many times).

Thanks Oliver - that clears it up

 

[newsvend]

Clearly put Olliver, I second this from our experiences.