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Geo-SEO glossary
The parameters and terms behind location-based Google search, defined in plain language. Each one links to a deeper explanation and, where it helps, a worked example.
- uuleGoogle location parameter
- The uule URL parameter encodes a canonical place name so Google returns results as if the searcher were physically standing there.
- glgeolocation / country parameter
- The gl parameter sets the country of a Google search (gl=ca, gl=us), biasing results toward that country's index.
- hlhost language / interface language
- The hl parameter sets the interface and content language of a Google search (hl=en, hl=fr), which shifts which results appear in bilingual markets.
- pws=0personalized web search
- Appending pws=0 to a Google search URL disables personalized results based on your account and history, for a cleaner geo test.
- SERPsearch engine results page
- A SERP is a search engine results page — the full page Google returns for a query, including organic links, the local pack, ads, and answer boxes.
- Local packmap pack / 3-pack
- The local pack is the block of map-based business listings Google shows for local-intent queries, usually three results above the organic links.
- Geo-targetinglocation-based search simulation
- Geo-targeting means telling Google which place a search should come from, using URL parameters, to preview local results from anywhere.
- Canonical location nameGeotargets name
- The canonical location name is Google's exact, comma-separated spelling of a place (e.g. Surrey,British Columbia,Canada) required to encode a valid uule.
- Criteria IDGeotargets ID
- A criteria ID is Google's stable numeric identifier for a targetable location, used to reference a place without its full canonical name.