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You probably use Google several times a day. But there’s a good
chance you’re probably still using Google in its simplest form,
unless you’re a tech geek.
If you currently use Google to just type in a few words and
tailor your search query until you find what you’re looking for, I’m
here to tell you that there’s a better one. method and it is not
difficult to learn.
On the other hand, even if you are a tech geek and you are
already using Google as the best among them, I still recommend you to
read this article on advanced search tips of Google. Then when
you’re ready to rip your hair out in frustration, have tips at hand
when a newbie repeatedly types in basic questions looking for
something.
The following advanced Google search tips are based on my own
experience and things I find very helpful. I intentionally kept the
description of the search tips brief because if you look at examples
from Google you will see most of them anyway.
Here are some of the most useful Google search tips. You will
become an expert on Google search engine in no time.
Advanced Google Search Suggestions
1. Clear Expression
For example, let’s say you Google for inbound marketing
material. It’s better to explicitly search for the term, rather than
just typing inbound marketing into the Google search box. To do
this, simply enclose the search term in double quotes.
2. Skip the words
For example, let’s say you want to search for inbound marketing
material, but you want to exclude any results that contain the term
advertising. To do this, just use the sign – in front of the word
you want to exclude.
3. this or that
By default, when you do a search, Google includes all words
that appear in the search. To search for one or more matching words,
you can use the OR operator. (Note: OR must be in upper case).
4. Words in the Text
If you want to find a webpage where all of the words you’re
looking for appear in the text on that page (but not necessarily next
to each other), type allintext: directly followed by words or
phrases.
5. Words in text + title, url, etc.
When you want to search for a web page that contains one word
in the text of that page and another word appears elsewhere on the
page, eg.
6. Words in the Title
Do you want to find a webpage with specific words in the title
(but not necessarily next to each other)? Enter all titles:
immediately followed by words or phrases.
7. Title + words in text, url, etc.
Do you want to find a web page that contains one word in the
title of that page and another word elsewhere on the page, such as
text or URL? Write the title after the first stanza: immediately
followed by the second stanza.
8. Words in URL
If you want to search for pages where your search query is
mentioned in the URL, enter allinurl: immediately after your search
query.
9. How to Find Websites
Often times, you want to search a particular website for
content that matches a particular phrase. Even if the site doesn’t
have built-in search functionality, you can use Google to find your
term on the site. Just use the site: modifier somesite.com.
10.
Related Research
If you want to find new websites with content similar to a
website you already know, use the affiliate modifier: somesite.com.
11. A page that links to another page
For example, let’s say you want to find all websites that cite
a Buzzfeed article on your site. To do this, use the link: command,
immediately followed by the name of a page. Google will provide you
with all the pages that link to the official BuzzFeed website. The
more specific the URL, the fewer results you’ll get.
12. Similar words and synonyms
For example, let’s say you want to include a word in your
search, but also include results that contain similar words or
synonyms. To do this, use ~ in front of the word.
13. Word Definitions
If you need to quickly find the definition of a word or phrase,
just use the define: command. You can hear the pronunciation of the
word by tapping on the Megaphone icon.
14. Missing Words
Have you ever forgotten a word or two in a particular sentence,
song, movie quote, or anything else? You can use an asterisk * as a
wildcard to find the missing word in a sentence.
15. News at a Specific Location
If you’re looking for news about a specific location, you can
use the location: command to search Google News for articles in that
location.
16. Specific Types of Documents
If you’re looking for a specific type of result, you can use
the filetype: modifier. For example, you may only want to browse
PowerPoint presentations related to inbound marketing.
17. Translation
Do you want to translate a simple word or phrase from one
language to another? You do not need to go to the translation
website. Just search [word] for translation in [language].
18. Telephone List
Suppose someone calls you on your cell phone number and you
don’t know who it is. If you only have a phone number, you can
search it using the phone book function on Google.
19. Area Code Search
If all you need to do is find the area code for a phone number,
just type in the three-digit area code and Google will tell you where
it came from.
20. Postcode Search
When you need to find the ZIP code for an address, simply find
the city name and the rest of the address including the state,
province or country. This returns the result with a prefix (if
applicable).
21. Digital Sphere
This is a little used, but very useful trick. For example,
suppose you want to find results that contain a range of numbers.
You can do this with the X..Y modifier (if it’s hard to read, put a
colon between X and Y). This type of search is useful for years (as
shown below), prices, or anywhere you want to provide a range of
numbers.
22. Share (ticker symbol)
Simply enter a valid stock symbol as a search term and Google
will give you a quick thumbnail chart for updated finance and stocks.
23. Calculator
The next time you need to do a quick calculation, you can type
your expression into Google instead of opening the Calculator applet.
24. Tip Calculator
In addition to the usual pocket calculator, Google has an
integrated typing calculator. Just take a look at Tip Calculator and
you can customize the bill, tip percentage and the number of people
who share it.
Respectfully
Vasile,