7 Google Search Techniques to Help You Find Information More Easily

You intend make information search in Google search engine, then you enter a keyword or sentences in Google search box. The returned results display millions. Are you going to browse through one by one or page by page?

Here are some useful phrases or symbols you may use in Google search box to narrow down or broaden your search and give more accurate search by combining keywords, phrases or terms.

1. Use of Square Brackets ( [ ] )
Example:
[Black Dog] is one query.
[Black] [Dog] is two queries.
[Black Dog] represent one sentences, means Google will display the words that contain “Black Dog” only. While [Black] [Dog] will display the terms of “Black” and “Dog”.

2. Use of Double Quotes ( “” )
Putting double quote in a set of words, you are actually telling Google to extract words in that exact order without any change.
Example:
[“Simon George”] (with quotes)

3. Specific Website ( site: )
To specify certain website define by your query.
Example:
[Google Wave Overview site:simonlwc.com] (with quotes)
[Health site:.gov]
[University site:.edu]

4. Use of Wildcard or Asterisk ( * )
By using wildcard/asterisk is to procurator for any unknown term and find the best match.
Example:
[Canon Powershot SX20 *]

5. Use of plus ( + / AND )
Attaching a plus sign or AND word will actually telling Google to match exactly as typed.
Example:
[+mount kinabalu]
[+“sabah mount kinabalu”]
marketing + internet
marketing AND internet

6. Use of Exclude ( – / NOT )
Attaching a minus sign or NOT word is used to exclude certain aspects from the search result. You may exclude as many words as you want.
Example:
[Malaysia –petronas]
[Malaysia –f1 –sepang –KLIA –hotel]
marketing – retailing
marketing NOT retailing

7. Use of ( OR )
Use “OR” when your search result is too little. This will broaden your search and increase the amount of information you find.
Example:
[Aircraft OR Airplane]
e-business OR e-commerce

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I hope this article will benefit you and try applying these search techniques or strategy into your search habit in Google. I am sure it will save your time and helps you find the most relevant information.