If you're like me, you probably use Google Many times a day. But chances are, unless you're a tech geek, you probably still use Google in its simplest form. If your current use of Google is limited to typing a few words and changing the search until you find what you're looking for, then I'm here to tell you that there is a better way – and it's not hard to learn.
On the other hand, even if you are a tech geek and can use Google like the best of them, I suggest bookmark this article from Google Advanced Search Tips.
So, you'll have these tips on hand when you're ready to tear your hair out in the frustration of watching a neophyte repeatedly type in basic queries in a desperate attempt to find something.
The following tips Google Advanced Search They are based on my own experience and things that I really find useful. I've kept the Search Tips descriptions intentionally brief, since you'll probably catch most of these just by looking at the Google example anyway.
Tricks for searching on Google
1) Explicit phrase
Let's say you're looking for content about inbound marketing. Instead of simply typing inbound marketing into the Google search box, it's probably best to explicitly search for the phrase. To do this, simply enclose the search phrase in double quotes.
Search example: “inbound marketing”.
2) Exclude words
Let's say you're searching for content about inbound marketing, but you want to exclude results that contain the term advertising. To do this, simply use the sign - in front of the word you want to exclude.
Search example: inbound marketing – advertising.
3) This or That
By default, when you perform a search, Google will include all the terms specified in the search. If you are looking for either one or the other term of the same height, then you can use the OR operator. (Note: The OR has to be capitalized).
Search example: advertising OR inbound marketing.
4) The words in the text
If you want to find a web page where all of the terms you're searching for appear in the text on that page (but not necessarily next to each other), type allintext: immediately followed by words or phrases.
Search example: allintext: ski house in vermont
5) Words in the text + Title, URL, etc.
If you want to find a web page where one term appears in the text of that page and another term appears elsewhere on the page, such as the title or URL, then type in that first term followed by intext: followed immediately by the other term.
Search example: neil diamond intext: Red sox.
6) Words in the title
Do you want to find a web page with certain words contained in the title (but not necessarily next to each other)? Type allintitle: immediately followed by words or phrases.
Search example: allintitle: wine club
7) Words in title + text, URL, etc.
Do you want to find a page where one term appears in the page title and the other term appears elsewhere on the page, such as in the text or URL? Type the first term followed by intitle: followed immediately by the other term.
Search example: intitle flu: tips
8) The words in the URL
If you want to find pages with your search query mentioned in the URL, type allinurl: immediately followed by your search query.
Search example: allinurl: HubSpot Blog
9) How to search within a web page
Often, you want to search a specific website for content that matches a certain phrase. Even if the site doesn't support a built-in search feature, you can use Google to search for the site for your term. Just use site:domain.com modifier.
Search example: site:www.smallbusinesshub.com “inbound marketing”.
10) Related searches
If you want to find new websites with content similar to one you already know, use the related:domain.com modifier.
Search example: related:visualy.ly
11) A page that links to another page
Let's say you want to search for every website that cites a BuzzFeed article on their web page. To do this, use the link: command immediately followed by the name of a page. Google will give you all the pages that link to the official BuzzFeed website. The more specific the URL, the fewer and more accurate the results will be.
Search example: link:buzzfeed
12) Similar words and synonyms
Let's say you want to include a word in your search, but you also want to include results that contain similar words or synonyms. To do this, use ~ in front of the word.
Search example: “inbound marketing” ~ professional.
13) Word definitions
If you need to quickly look up the definition of a word or phrase, simply use the define command. You can hear the pronunciation of the word by pressing the megaphone icon.
Search Example: define: plethora
14) Missing words
Have you ever forgotten a word or two of a specific phrase, a song lyric, a movie quote, or something else? You can use an asterisk * as a command, this will help you find the missing word in a sentence.
Search example: much* of nothing.
15) News in a specific location
If you're looking for news related to a specific location, you can use the location: command to search Google News for news coming from that location.
Search example: Star Wars location: London.
16) Specific documents
If you are looking to find files that are of a specific type, you can use the filetype: command. For example, you may want to find only PowerPoint presentations related to inbound marketing.
Search example: “inbound marketing” filetype:ppt.
17) Translations
Do you want to translate a simple word or phrase from one language to another? There is no need to go to a translation site. Simply use translate [word] to [language] (in English language).
Search example: translate Krankenwagen to english.
18) Telephone list
Let's say someone calls you from their cell phone number, and you don't know who it is. If all you have is a phone number, you can Google it using the phonebook feature.
Search example: phonebook: 617-555-1212.
19) Area Code Search
If all you need to do is look up the area code of a phone number, just enter the three-digit area code and Google will tell you where it comes from.
Search example: 617
20) Postal Code Search
If you need to look up the ZIP code of an address, just look up the rest of the address, including the name of the town or city and state, province or country. You will see results with the area code (if applicable),
Search example: Benito Juárez 2451., Mexico, DF
