I never really noticed speed being an issue when it comes to server location. In my browsing experience, I've had comparable speeds regardless of whether the server is in the US, UK, Europe or Asia. Current technology has made it so that access is fast from almost anywhere in the world. Game servers are a different thing entirely since speed is more critical than with web servers.
Regarding Google Local Search, server proximity is no longer a factor (or rather, is no longer much of a factor) for getting listed. What they use in determining whether your site is listed in local search are factors like: whether you've submitted a business listing to Google's Local Business Center (LBC), whether you are listed in other business databases, having a website optimized for local search terms (keyword and location), and etc.
|