On the surface, Google seems like a very simple machine to operate. You type a phrase in a box, and Google reaches into the ether and pulls out all the information it deems relative and authoritative enough to aid you in your search.
However, with the knowledge of a few extra commands at your fingertips, Google can become much more efficient. In this Google Operators Guide we will run through some of the lesser known commands that can prove to be a great ally when conducting a difficult search.
1. “Search Term“
This is a relatively common operator. The use of the speech marks indicates that the user would like the search engine to find the exact term in the speech marks only. This can be great when a term you are searching for is too broad and results in lots of undesired information.
2. –Search Term
This command indicates that you want to conduct a search that removes a given term that might be closely associated with what you are trying to find.
For example, if you search [jaguars ,cars], your results will remove all results to do with the car manufacturer, Jaguar.
3. +Search Term
The opposite of the term above. Using the + symbol will return search results that feature a given term.
For example searching [Jaguars +cars] will return results that are to do with the car manufacturer.
4. site:
This command will instruct Google to only pull its results from a certain domain.
For example, if you search [site:guardian.co.uk Charlie Brooker], you will be presented with a list of results taken from the Guardian website that feature the writer Charlie Brooker.
5. allintitle:
This command indicates that you would only like to see results with your search tem given in the title of the webpage.
For example, if you search [allintitle:guitar pedals], you will receive a list of results with ‘Guitar Pedals’ in the page title.
Check back soon for the next five commands that are really going to help your experience with search. In the meantime, practice using these operators and experiment to find what works for you.
Good luck, searchers!
