In this section you have already been introduced to many search techniques that allow you to search smarter. In Google as well, there are ways to find what you are looking for faster. Sometimes this works the same as in databases, but there are also search tips specific to Google. With these 10 tips Google will make you smarter:
Tip 1. Exact word phrase
Useful if you search with compound search terms (for example "Social History") and phrases (for example, "cycling in Limburg"). This way you only search the word combination, not one single word. So, with "internet of things" you do not look for webpages with only "internet" or only "things" mentioned.
Tip 2. OR
Put your OR (use uppercase letters) between search terms and do multiple searches at the same time. If you search maple OR ahorn, you will find results containing maple or ahorn. This way you search wider and the odds of you missing information is smaller. .
Tip 3. Exclude
If you put a minus before a word in Google then this word will not appear in your search results.
Tip 4. Reach
With .. you search for all the numbers in the number range. For example 2015..2019 Dutch elections will therefore also yield results for the Dutch general elections in 2017.
Tip 5. Site:
If you are using site, you will only search within that website. For example, above you will find search results within the website thecorrespondent.com about Rotterdam.
Tip 6. Filetype:
The example above only provides Google search results of documents in pdf format about e-health. With this command you can of course also search for other types of files such as jpg or docx.
Tip 7. Related:
The example above provides websites that, just like usa.gov/statistics, contain statistical information about the United States.
Tip 8. @
Search social media by placing an @ in front of a word. The example above provides results of tweets containing the words 'school canteens health'.
Tip 9. Combining
Of course, you can also combine the above tips in your search.
Tip 10. Advanced search
You can also use ‘advanced search’. Google even has a very extensive menu where you can find even more tips on how to Google smarter. You can find the advanced menu under Settings.