Posts Tagged ‘google search tricks’

Google Search Tips & Tricks: Part Deux

June 25th, 2010 by Jessica Runberg

Two weeks ago, we featured the first installment of some of our favorite Google Search Tips & Tricks. Now, I’m back to bring you the second installment of our favorite Google shortcuts. Without further ado, here we go!

#1 Use Google as Your Spell Checker. It’s actually pretty crazy how great of a spell checker Google is. If you type in a search query even remotely similar to the actual spelling of a keyword, Google will oh-so-helpfully point you in the right direction. It’s a lot more forgiving than the spell checker in Word and is sometimes faster than using a dictionary.

Bonus tip! Google keeps track of popular misspellings and includes search-volume data about them in the Google AdWords search tool. If your company name or products are often misspelled, this can be a great way to harness additional search volume.

#2 Check the Weather. Google’s so good, you don’t even have to type in your zip code. Just Google “weather” for the current temperature and a four-day forecast.

#3 Catch a Flick. Again, you don’t even have to type in your city to get the latest movie info. Just type in “movies” and you’ll get a list of showtimes in your area complete with descriptions, reviews, trailers and more.

#4 Use the OR Operator. Can’t decide between Maui or Kauai for your vacation? Then Google Maui OR Kauai and you’ll get results for both! Give it a try next time you’re feeling indecisive or simply want to narrow down your search results.

#5 Keep Your Time Zones Straight: Whether you work with clients or customers across the country or around the globe, it can be tricky to get the time zone right. Just type in “current time in Hawaii” and you’ll see the aloha islands are just three hours behind PST.

Of course, there are many more Google shortcuts out there. These are just a few of the ways that Google works its magic on the Web!

Google Search Tips & Tricks: Part Ι

June 7th, 2010 by Jessica Runberg

There’s more to Google than meets the eye. If you think Google is all about just typing a few keywords into a search box, think again. Google has countless search tricks up its sleeve to help users find just what they’re looking for. Here is the first installment of our favorite search tricks.

#1 Let Google Do the Math. Google has a built-in calculator you can use that’s right in the search box. Try entering an equation like 43*65 or converting tablespoons into teaspoons. It’s pretty cool and faster than busting out that mini calculator you keep in desk drawer…somewhere….

#2 Search within a Site. If you need to find something on a particular site, but don’t know where it is, use the site: command. Say, for example, you want to find the article I wrote on SERPs last month, but don’t want to sift through all of the other entries we’ve posted since then. Simply type site:submitawebsite.com SERP and, voila, there it is!

#3 Use the Area Code Lookup. If you’re receiving a call from area code 303 and have no idea where it is, look it up! A quickie Google search will reveal that the incoming call is from Denver – all within plenty of time to answer the call or screen it.

#4 Use Google Suggest. As soon as you type the first few letters of a keyword phrase, Google will try to fill in the blank by suggesting keywords other users have queried. The suggestions can help you further refine your search results or help you find other keywords that customers are using to find your business.

#5 Click the “I’m Feeling Lucky” Button: The “I’m Feeling Lucky” button takes you straight to the first Google result. It works especially well if you’re Googling a company or website name. Either way, it’s kind of exciting to see where you might end up. (And it’s all the more reason to employ an SEO specialist to get you to the very top of the search results.)

Stay tuned: More to follow in just a couple of weeks with Google Search Tips & Tricks: Part 2. Until then, let us know your favorite Googling search tips!