Google is powerful, but few make the most of it. Our guide to advanced Google search, optimize your searches and find precise results Here are 15 must-have tips for exploiting Google like an expert.
1. Use quotation marks (" ") for an exact match
If you're looking for an exact phrase, enclose it in quotation marks. For example:
"effective digital marketing
Google will only display pages containing exactly this phrase.
2. Exclude a Term with Minus Sign (-)
To avoid certain words in the results, use a hyphen in front of the word to exclude.
Advanced SEO -advertising
This will display the results on advanced SEO without mentioning advertising.
3. Search on a Specific Site (site:)
Want to find content only on a specific site? Use :
site:example.com SEO
This will only display pages about SEO on example.com.
4. Find Similar Pages (related:)
To find sites similar to the one you know, use :
related:amazon.com
Google will offer shopping sites equivalent to Amazon.
5. Search for a specific file type (filetype:)
If you are looking for a PDF or Excel file, use :
SEO filetype:pdf
Google will display SEO-related PDF files.
Watch our Youtube video to learn more about this type of Google search.
6. Search for a keyword in a page title (intitle:)
If you want your keyword to appear in page titles :
intitle: "SEO avancé"
Useful for finding specific items.
7. Search for a Keyword in the URL (inurl:)
To target pages containing a keyword in their URL:
inurl:SEO
Ideal for identifying niche pages.
8. Search for a Keyword in Text (intext:)
To find pages where the keyword is in the content :
intext: "content strategy
9. Use asterisk (*) as wildcard
The asterisk replaces an unknown word in a search.
"the * is king
Google will complete the sentence with popular suggestions.
10. Find Quick Definitions (define:)
To get the definition of a word :
define:SEO
11. Filter by Period with Search Tools
After performing a search, click on "Tools" then "Date" to limit results to a given period (last year, last month, etc.).
12. Find Pages with Links Pointing to a Site (link:)
link:example.com
Displays pages linking to example.com.
13. Compare Two Terms with (vs)
SEO vs SEA
Useful for direct comparisons.
14. Converting Units and Currencies
Simply type :
100 USD to EUR
Google will convert instantly.
15. Perform calculations directly
250*3+20/5
Google will return the result.
Conclusion
Mastering these 15 advanced search tips will help you save time and get ultra-precise results. Experiment with these techniques and make them part of your daily routine for more effective searches!