Tricks for performing online searches
Each and every one of us knows what it’s like to perform an online search and find results that are not even close to what we were searching for. This can be quite aggravating. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple steps you can take that can ensure more appropriate search results.
Keep it simple
When you’re performing online searches it is typically best to use as few words and phrases as possible, while still communicating what you’re searching for. If you’re looking for a bookstore in your area, simply type in “bookstore” and add the name of your town or your zip code. This should provide you with accurate results that will likely be quite relevant.
Learn about Boolean
You probably learned about Boolean search terms in school, whether you know it or not. Boolean searches are based around using “and,” “not” and “or” in your searches. These terms enable you to include or exclude multiple terms in your search results.
The concept of Boolean searches also applies when you use simple pluses and minuses in your queries. This is a quicker way to accomplish the goal of Boolean searches. If you want a certain term included in results type a “ ” before the term in your search. If you want to ensure something doesn’t show up in your results, simple precede it with a “-“ in your search.
Be precise
Preciseness is one of the most basic ways to ensure better search results. Using general phrases can often leave you with thousands of results that have little to nothing to do with what you’re searching for.
Quotation marks are generally very useful when performing an online search. Most search engines recognize it as meaning “search for this exact phrase.” So, when you know the business or idea you’re looking for, it may be best to search for it in quotes.
All of these tips are unbelievably simple and extremely useful. Taking these into account when you’re searching online can greatly improve your search results.
If you’d like more advice on performing better online searches, check out this article.
