So you've got your web site(s) all optimized for certain keyword searches and you do a Google search on a regular basis to make sure your web site is at the top of the list for those keywords. Did it ever occur to you that Google might just be showing you what it thinks you want to see? (It's very agreeable that way.) When you search with Google (and other search engines), your results are often affected by past searches and other online behavior.
For example, if Google knows that you regularly search for pictures of rabbits, then your search for "rabbit" will probably show results more heavily weighted with cute bunny photos; someone who does a lot of searches for recipes, however, will probably see results for rabbit stew.
How can you do a search that disregards your browsing history, cookies, etc. without deleting the history and cookies? By using private browsing! Private browsing helps prevent your browser from storing data about your browsing session. This includes cookies, temporary Internet files, history, and other data.
If you use Internet Explorer, click on Tools, Safety, InPrivate Browsing (or press Ctrl-Shift-P) to open a private browsing session. In Google Chrome, click on wrench icon, select New Icognito Window (or press Ctrl-Shift-N). Now run those keyword searches again (and try not to scream). In my case, a search for "Herndon Real Estate" shows one of my web sites at the top of the first page in Google. Using private browsing, it shows up at #2 - okay, I'm still happy. :-)
Try it and let me know your results!
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