Different SERPs from different computers

While I was back in NZ (freezing my butt off and visiting family!!) I did a Google search on my key phrases and was very pleased to see I'd shot up to #2 or 3 spot!

When I told my wife (who was back in California) she did a Google search (same key phrases) and the site came up on page 8. When I got back home, I did the search again on my computer (different to hers) and it shows me at #3 still. She redid the search on hers - now page 9.

Is this something "smart" in the algorithm that is picking something up when I search (it's gotta be VERY smart!) or is there another answer? I really prefer MY results (:-) but I DO want to know what the real result is.

Keyword phrase we are entering is Sacramento Web/site design/er/s and the site is http://www.citruskiwi.com .

Thanks!!

Sounds like Google personalization is affecting your search. Google personalization biases your search results based on your previous browsing habits. So webmasters often see their own sites at the top, simply because they visit their own site often.

I use FireFox and installed the Google Global plug-in. It automatically turns off personalization so you get the true, unbiased result. Plus it lets you pick a country so you can see how you appear when viewed from that location.

Ed

Hello

I am agree with addyf. I also used the same Google Global plug-in for automatically turns off personalization.

Thanks guys. Grabbed that plugin, and, alas, my wife's search was the correct one.... :-( Was awesome being #3 for a while!! LOL!! Cheers

What's the search term? Give us the URL also and the forum will help make your first page result a reality!

I guess Google factors in local search.

In our case, we also verify our google ranking in other countries but in case of discrepancies, we treat the rankings we see as more accurate.

When I was new and starting SEO on our real estate site I thought we were #1 as well....it's very embarrassing when you go to show someone else and you are on page 9. LOL!