Tip of the Week: Advanced Google Searches

Google—the name that has become synonymous with searching online, it is (if we’re being totally honest) the go-to means of seeking out the information we need. We’ve all used it, but did you know that there are tricks to make your searches more efficient? For this week’s tip, we’ll go over these tricks so that you can use Google Search that much better.

Exact Phrase Search

Let’s say that you were seeking out a resource that contained a very specific line of words. Google gives you the capability to search for that phrase directly. Simply type it into the search bar while enclosing it in quotation marks.

So, if you wanted results that expressly said managed services, you would type in “managed services”. Easy!

Synonym Search

This tool can help when you’re unsure of the exact term that would be best to search for, but you have a general idea. By incorporating a tilde (the little squiggly line) into your search, you instruct Google to also consider synonyms of the word that follows it.

Therefore, if you were to search for ~red paint, you would also get results that involved scarlet paint, vermillion paint, cherry paint, and so on.

Website Search

There may be the time that you know that you’re looking for something on a specific website, but you’re not sure where on the website to find it. Alternatively, you might be seeking out anything related to a certain term on that website. Google gives you the means to do so with Site Search. All you need to do is add the website’s name and a colon in front of your search term.

For instance, amazon.com:red paint will deliver a results page filled with links to Amazon pages selling red paint.

Exclusionary Search

However, what if you want to search for something, but knew that it would likely kick back a bunch of results that you had no interest in? This capability allows you to proactively take results related to specific keywords out of consideration. All you need to do is add a dash in front of the terms that were to be excluded.

For example, if you were looking for a recipe, but had a few people with a peanut allergy, you could find some options by searching for recipes -peanut, or whatever ingredient that needs omission.

Range Search

If what you’re searching for falls between two numbers on a scale, Google offers a simple means of eliminating the rest of the scale from your results. For instance, let’s say you were looking for a copy of the fictional newspaper, The Exemplar Chronicle, that you knew was published between 1943 and 1947. By searching for Exemplar Chronicle 1943.. 1947, you will be presented with any results that match those specific parameters.

Multiple Query Search

Finally, Google also can search for websites containing multiple keywords at once. To do so, all you need to do is separate each query with a vertical bar, and the search engine will look for each.

So, if you wanted to seek out an IT provider that could offer proactive services and other crucial solutions, you could type in managed services | backup | data recovery, and you’d be much more likely to find the local company to serve your needs.

Of course, if comprehensive managed services are your end goal, you’ve already found the best provider available. Horne & Benik can serve every one of your business’ technology needs. Find out more about what we offer by calling us at (603) 499-4400.