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11 + Advanced Search Tips To Research On Google For Less Time

Last Updated on May 23, 2018 By Ian Kang'ara 26 Comments

Google search operators

Most freelancers heavily rely on Google to search for information online.

But, only very few know how to make the most of it.

They search and keep searching, only to get lots unrelated results. It’s like searching for a needle in a hay stack.

It’s annoying, right?

And, like most people, you most probably have also searched on Google. But, do you use it to its full potential?

Google’s search prowess spreads far and wide. You could do more with it than just inputting a few terms on the search bar.

Enter search operators.

So, what are search operators?

Search operators are commands and characters that help you filter and refine search engine results. They can narrow or expand the focus of your search.

Guess what? You’re now in charge of your search. No more irrelevant and unrelated results.

Sounds cool, right?

Then, Lets jump right in.

Below are the search operators. And, there’s tons of them. So, I’ve split them to three:

  • Symbols
  • Basic Operators
  • Advanced Operators

Of course to get the best out of them, you’ve to learn how to use them. I’ll show you how:

Symbols

1.Quotation marks [ “”]

When you put your keyword in quotes, the results you’ll get will be exact matches to your keyword. And, they’ll be in the exact same order as in the quotes as opposed to a normal search.

It can be helpful to find sites that are targeting your exact keyword.

Or even better, you can use it to force Google to search for the exact keyword you want without auto correcting your query.

For instance, when you search “blind colour”. You’ll get results for “blind colour” and not “blind color”.

2. Asterisk [ *]

Want to search for a term but don’t know part of it?

Don’t worry. The asterisk got you.

The asterisk search operator comes in handy. It is used as a place holder to search for wild card terms or unknown words.

For example, *in need is a friend*

3. Underscore [ _]

Well, this doesn’t work for traditional search. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the mention.

In fact, it’s a bit unique.

It can help you utilize Google auto suggest and obtain keywords. Just place _ between two keywords in the search bar and Google will suggest filler words.

4. Pipe Operator[ | ]

Basically, the pipe operator is similar to the OR function. It helps you to search for one or more times to match.

Hence, Google will look for the first or second word or both. For example content marketing strategy Vs Content marketing | strategy

5. Range Operator [ ..]

Here’s another simple but very useful command.

Looking for a specific range in your query? Look no further.

Just place two periods between the numbers in your query without spacing. And, also give a unit of measurement to specify the range e.g. 30..55 years old will gives you results within that range.

You can also use it as a suffix. For instance, when you search 30.. years old, the results will include numbers greater than 30.

Basic Operators

These operators are general simple phrases that help you get refined results. Though used differently, they are better than symbols.

1. OR

As mentioned earlier, it’s similar to the pipe operator. But, it is important to note that the OR has to be in caps for the command to be successful.

For example, Inbound OR Content marketing will give you results for either Inbound or Content marketing or both.

2. Site:

Site: is a command you  can use to find search terms from a specific site only. So, all the results are confined to a particular site.

Its particularly useful when the site you’re searching doesn’t have an in-built  search feature.

So, let’s say you’re searching for a term on a site like Copyblogger. And, want results only from copyblogger.

You can go to their site and start clicking their pages one by one which may take ages.

Or use the site: command and let Google do the hard work for you.

3. Related:

Related: is used to find sites similar to the domain you’re targeting. Actually, you use can find who else is doing what you’re doing.

You can use it to ‘steal’ your competitors ideas and enable you to standout from the crowd.

But, remember that only URLs and domains can be used. Not keywords.

For example, when you wanted to search a site related to Hubspot, just type related:hubspot.com

4. Filetype:

One of the best search operators I have come across. Hope you like it too.

This commands confines search results by type of file extension. It very useful when you only want to search for images, PPT, XML, pdf, doc e.t.c

For instance , If you looking for power points for content marketing, search  Content marketing filetype:ppt, or  Content marketing filetype:doc  to look for word documents.

Cache:

Just imagine, you need info from a site and find its not available or its down. Should you leave it at that?

No. Not anymore.

You can check what a page looked like last time Google visited. And, the page looks no different from when the site is live.

To check how Cnet.com looked search “cache:cnet.com”

Advanced Operators

These are a bit complicated for starters. But, with time you’ll master them and search Google like a pro.

1. allintitle:/ intitle:

Actually, these are two commands that basically do the same thing.

They search for that have the search terms you want in the title of the page.

So, here let’s see how the intitle: commands at work:

You’ll note that all results have your selected term in the title. But, only the first term in your word is modified.

That’s where the allintitle: command comes in. Let’s try again, this time with the allintitle: command.

All the terms in the selected keyword are in the title.

Impressive, right?

2. allintext:/ intext:

Unlike the previous operator, the allintext:/intext: operator refines the search to where your selected word or phrase is in the text.

So, what’s the difference between allintext: and intext: operators?

The allintext: operator  returns results that include all the selected keywords but the intext: operator only returns results that includes the term immediately following the colon (: ) .

Still, the allintext: operator can only be used at the start of a query while the intext: operator can be used anywhere in the query.

3. AROUND ( )

It’s sounds like a range, right?

Yeah, sure it has something to do with a range but not entirely.

This search operator refines your search by allowing you to be specify keyword proximity. Simply, you can limit the number of words that appear between your selected keywords.

But, note that the AROUND () operator must be in CAPS. And, the number between the keywords sets the max distance between the two terms.

4. allinanchor:/ inanchor:

I know what you’re thinking. Let me guess.

This operator returns results with keywords in the anchor text.

It’s similar to the allin/in operators above. The allinchor: operator gives results that include all the keywords in your search term while the inanchor: refines results to only those that include the immediate term after the colon.

Search has just become easier, right?

Now, armed with these operators you won’t dread researching online anymore. In fact, you should start using them right away.

But, wait…there’s a catch. You may use these operators and still not narrow down  to your desired results.

So, to get your desired results you’ll have to use command chains. Simply, this means you’ll have to use more than one operator in your query.

For, instance you can combine a symbol and other operators. You can also combine basic operators, advanced operators together. But, here are some rules you should keep in mind:

  • You should not put spaces between the symbol or phrase and your search term. Example: site: com won’t work but site:huffpost.com will.
  • The allin command should always come at the start of your query.
  • Google will ignore any punctuation that isn’t part of a search operator.

What tricks do use to narrow your search results on Google? Please leave a comment below. I’ll be glad to reply.

And, please SHARE widely to help more people learn this Google tricks.

READ: How to make money online as a freelance writer.

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Comments

  1. MaheGoat Mahegoat says

    June 6, 2018 at 12:39 pm

    Interesting stuff.

    A little clarity; what do you intend to imply with the following sentence?

    “They search for that have the search terms you want in the title of the page.”

    Pray do tell.

    Reply
    • Kangara Ian says

      June 9, 2018 at 6:56 pm

      Okay sorry for the typo! It’s supposed to be “They search for keywords you want in the title of the page.”

      Reply
  2. Morris says

    June 5, 2018 at 4:43 pm

    Ooh, great. It’s working,thanks

    Reply
    • Ian Kang'ara says

      June 7, 2018 at 6:39 pm

      Welcome Morris Glad its working

      Reply
  3. Consolata says

    June 5, 2018 at 11:55 am

    Thank you, Ian,
    The article has definitely taught me a lot I did not know. However, I did not quite get the AROUND ( ) bit, kindly clarify and if possible give an example.
    Thanks

    Reply
  4. Jacline says

    May 28, 2018 at 1:12 pm

    Thanks Ian. This is a very helpful article.

    Reply
  5. njagi says

    May 27, 2018 at 10:11 am

    I’m still studying this to get the mastery of it. Very good stuff.

    Reply
    • Ian Kang'ara says

      June 7, 2018 at 6:42 pm

      Just apply these tips consistently and the results will come organically

      Reply
  6. Kelvin says

    May 26, 2018 at 4:31 pm

    What have I been doing with my Google life!
    Thanks for the great content.

    Reply
    • Ian Kang'ara says

      May 27, 2018 at 12:33 pm

      Thanks Kevin…now your Google life is better??

      Reply
  7. lilian mutoro says

    May 25, 2018 at 10:49 am

    Wow..I have learnt a lot.thanks.

    Reply
    • Ian Kang'ara says

      May 26, 2018 at 2:30 pm

      You’re welcome Lilian. Its now on you to apply of what you’ve learnt.

      Reply
  8. Maryanne M. Kihori says

    May 24, 2018 at 2:59 pm

    I didn’t know there are so many ways to use the search engines.

    Reply
    • Ian Kang'ara says

      May 24, 2018 at 8:20 pm

      Now, you know?. All that is left is to use them.

      Reply
  9. Florence says

    May 24, 2018 at 11:46 am

    Amazing stuff Ian im glad

    Reply
    • Ian Kang'ara says

      May 24, 2018 at 8:26 pm

      Thank you? Florence

      Reply
  10. Charles says

    May 24, 2018 at 11:25 am

    Soo helpful!. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Ian Kang'ara says

      May 24, 2018 at 8:21 pm

      You’re welcome Charles

      Reply
  11. Erickson Sunday says

    May 24, 2018 at 9:55 am

    Well researched i put. very useful tips, now using it for my project

    Reply
    • Ian Kang'ara says

      May 24, 2018 at 8:23 pm

      Yeah, Sure I had to some extensive research. Don’t forget to use them as command chains…its easier

      Reply
  12. Elizabeth says

    May 23, 2018 at 10:54 pm

    Oh my life has never been easier. thank you very much and God bless you.

    Reply
    • Ian Kang'ara says

      May 24, 2018 at 8:25 pm

      God bless you too Elizabeth. I am happy I made your life easier.The pleasure is all mine

      Reply
  13. Maina says

    May 23, 2018 at 7:58 pm

    An eye opening piece…….thanks

    Reply
    • Ian Kang'ara says

      May 23, 2018 at 8:31 pm

      You’re welcome…Am glad you found the article helpful?

      Reply
  14. Taraga says

    May 23, 2018 at 5:36 pm

    Good work. I like the quotation mark search.

    Reply
    • Ian Kang'ara says

      May 25, 2018 at 4:09 am

      Awesome ! Now you can search results will only have exact keywords

      Reply

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