Google has become a platform for most people to find answers to their everyday queries. Whenever one needs or wants to know something, they google. However, many of the times, one does not get specific or relevant answers to the queries.
Nevertheless, this problem can be sorted by conducting some smart Google search tips. Here are a few of them:
1. Search using Google Scholar
If you are into academic research, you need to go to Google Scholar and enter your queries in the search tab so that you find more scholarly and reliable sources of information.
2. Search using ‘+’ sign
When one uses the ‘+’ sign (plus sign) before the keyword, this indicator firmly directs Google that s/he requires that keyword in every search result.
3. Search using ‘-‘ sign
The use of ‘-‘ sign (minus) with some words commands Google that it is not required in the search results. For example, if one wants to search for the recipe of gluten-free bread, they can type ‘bread recipe-gluten’.
4. Search using quotation marks
By the use of quotation marks (” “), one directs Google to find the webpages which have those words written with quotation marks in the exact order of words and spelling of the words. One can use this tip while searching for books, lyrics of the songs, writers, etc.
5. Search using file type
If one is looking for a particular file type, be it pdf or Word or PowerPoint or Excel, one can simply type ‘filetype:’ and mention the file type and search for the results. By being specific about the file type, you can find about 10 times fewer search results.
6. Search using an asterisk
While searching, if one is confused about the spelling or does not know the particular word in a phrase or partly remembers something, one can use ‘*’ (asterisk sign) instead of that word. This way, Google will try to find that word and shows the search results accordingly.
7. Search using specific websites
Some of the information one looks for can be found on a particular website only. For example, one has to go the official website of Nepal Rastra Bank to know the official forex rate in Nepal. In such case or in the case where one wants to find out about that word/phrase on one specific website, one can type ‘site:sitename.com’ along with the keyword.
8. Search using specific tabs
There lie eight tabs (All, Images, News, Videos, Maps, More, Settings, and Tools) just below the Google search bar. One can narrow down their search result by using these tools. For example, if you are searching for some image, click on the ‘Images’ tab.
