If you’re like me, you probably use Google many times a day. But chances are, unless you're a technology geek, you probably still use Google in its simplest form.
If your current use of Google is limited to typing in a few words and changing your query until you find what you’re looking for, I’m here to tell you that there’s a better way -- and it’s not hard to learn.
On the other hand, even if you are a technology geek and can use Google like the best of them already, I still suggest you bookmark this article of Google advanced search tips. Then, you’ll then have the tips on hand when you're ready to pull your hair out in frustration watching a neophyte repeatedly type in basic queries in a desperate attempt to find something.
The following Google advanced search tips are based on my own experience and things that I actually find useful. I’ve kept the descriptions of the search tips intentionally terse, as you’re likely to grasp most of these simply by looking at the example from Google anyway.
Here's an overview of some of the most useful Google search tricks. You'll be an expert Google search-er in no time.
Google Advanced Search Tips
1. Explicit Phrase
Let's say you're searching on Google for content about inbound marketing. Instead of just typing inbound marketing into the Google search box, you will likely be better off searching explicitly for the phrase. To do this, simply enclose the search phrase within double quotes.
Example Search:
"inbound marketing"
2. Exclude Words
Let's say you want to search for content about inbound marketing, but you want to exclude any results that contain the term advertising. To do this, simply use the - sign in front of the word you want to exclude.
Example Search:
inbound marketing -advertising
3. This OR That
By default, when you conduct a search, Google will include all the terms specified in the search. If you're looking for any one of one or more terms to match, then you can use the OR operator. (Note: The OR has to be capitalized).
Example Search:
inbound marketing OR advertising
4. Words in the Text
If you want to find a webpage where all the terms you're searching for appear in the text of that page (but not necessarily beside each other), type in allintext: followed immediately by words or phrases.
Example Search:
allintext:vermont ski house lake
5. Words in the Text + Title, URL etc.
If you want to find a webpage where one term appears in the text of that page and another term appears elsewhere on the page, like the title or URL, then type in that first term followed by intext: followed immediately by the other term.
Example Search:
neil diamond intext:red sox
6. Words in the Title
Want to find a webpage with certain words contained in the title (but not necessarily beside each other)? Type in allintitle: followed immediately by words or phrases.
Example Search:
allintitle:wine club
7. Words in the TItle + Text, URL, etc.
Want to find a webpage where one term appears in the title of that page and another term appears elsewhere on the page, like in the text or the URL? Type in that first term followed by intitle: immediately followed by the other term.
Example Search:
flu shot intitle:advice
8. 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.
Example Search:
allinurl:hubspot blog
9. How to Search Within a Website
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 the site for your term. Simply use the site:somesite.com modifier. (Read this blog post to learn how to do this in more detail.)
Example Search:
site:www.smallbusinesshub.com "inbound marketing"
10. Related Search
If you want to find new websites with similar content to a website you already know of, use the related:somesite.com modifier.
Example Search:
related:visual.ly
