I’ve used Google Search for years, and over that time, I’ve mastered some tricks that save me time and improve the quality of my search results. So, if you want to become a Google Search pro, these are the top tips you need.
1Use Quotation Marks for Exact Phrases
Most times, when searching, you have a clear picture of what you need. In this case, enclose your search terms in quotation marks so that Google only returns results that contain the terms in the exact order you specified.
For instance, I searched for"how to lace a soccer boot"and was prompted to search without quotation marks, as there wasn’t any relevant result. I swapped soccer with football, and a couple of relevant results popped up.
Note that while this is a great way to avoid irrelevant results, it isn’t a foolproof method. Some websites may include the phrase you’re searching for in their metadata or in otherparts of the page that Google indexes. So, a few results that aren’t relevant to your query might still pop up, just like the two irrelevant results I got.
2Exclude Words with the Minus Operator (-)
Imagine you’re looking for the best coffee beans available in your area but don’t particularly enjoy decaf (no judgment here). In this case, you can use the minus sign to exclude decaf from your search:best coffee beans -decaf.
After running the search, you’ll find that Google has excluded pages containing the specified word—decaf in my case.
You can also exclude full phrases or sentences. You’ll just have to enclose them in quotation marks. So, instead of -Elon Musk, you’d have -“Elon Musk”.
This operator is perfect for excluding results that explore a different context or meaning than you’d like, as well as results from a certain page (like"how to lace a football boot" -LetsFixItas in the option above).
3Use the Asterisk (*) as a Wildcard
This trick is especially helpful if you’re a serial puzzle or crossword player. Include an asterisk in a query in place of an unknown word—or a word that can have many synonyms.
For instance, I can search forby the * of your teeth, and Google will display results with any word or phrase replacing the asterisk in my query.
Just like I’ve got skin (and hair, weirdly) as my missing word, you can also get all the answers to your puzzles.
4Search Within a Specific Website
MUO is my preferred tech publication, so I’d rather limit my search queries to the site. For any tech information I need to find, I usually use thesite:operator.
Thanks to this search operator, you’ll only get results from your preferred website. This is particularly useful when you trust a specific site or know where the information you’re looking for should be.
5Find Related Sites with the Related: Operator
Looking for websites similar to one you already love and adore? Use therelated:operator.
Google will display results listing similar sites. This is also a fantastic way to discover alternative services in any industry.
6Search for Specific File Types
Suppose you need a sample three-statement financial model, which you know is only presentable on a spreadsheet. If you just searched without specifying the file type, you’ll get heaps of results, some of which just explain what it is without presenting the actual model spreadsheet.
Instead, you’re able to use the following search query:sample Three-Statement Financial Model filetype:xls.
Google will only return results in the specified file format: XLS. Once you click the link in a search result, you’ll be directed to download a file.
This one’s particularly helpful if you’re a researcher, student, or professional looking for reports, papers, or presentations.
7Use Intitle and Inurl for Targeted Searches
Another way to refine your search results is to use theintitle:andinurl:operators.
You can also add quotation marks to your search term so that Google only returns exact matches.
8Limit Results to a Specific Period
It’s also easy to access the most recent or historically relevant information. After searching, clickToolson your desktop PC and expand theAny timedropdown selection. you’re able to choose any time frame between the past hour and the past year or select a custom range.
If you’re searching on a mobile device, tap onSearch tools, which you’ll find to the far right ofAllunder the search bar.
Another thing to note is that you won’t be able to specify a custom range, as is possible on the desktop version.
9Search Within Specific Numeric Ranges
When looking for information within a numeric range—from one date, price point, or unit of measurement to another—use two periods (..).
Let’s say you’re searching formuseums created 1900..2000. Google will display results that describe museums created between 1900 and 2000 and even highlight some of the relevant years in the page excerpts.
Although you’ll still get a few results that are not exactly within your specified range, most will have references to the range you’ve specified.
10Use Google’s Search by Image Feature
Suppose you’re with an object you want to know more about or have a picture you’d like to explore. Depending on your device, click or tap the camera icon on the Google Search bar, and you’ll be directed toGoogle Lens, where you can upload a picture—or snap one if you’re using a mobile phone—to search by image.
Google will show you images that are similar to yours, purchase pages, or even information about where the image appears online. This feature is great for identifying landmarks, products, or artworks.
