5 Secrets to Better Search with Google

By Reggie · May 11, 2008

“Google it”…that’s what we do when we need more information? Whether we’re looking for directions or real estate property; Google is often the first place we start.  But are you searching effectively? I love having the power to find exactly what I need-when I need it! So I thought I would pass along a few of my favorite search tips.

1. Site Search
Having a tough time finding what you are looking for on a particular site? If they don’t have a search you can use Google. Try searching for a keyword only on that domain. See example:

Use this format: Phrase or Keyword site:domain

Here is an example search:

Paperless site:MyTechOpinion.com

[Hint: If you are still having trouble finding the phase you searched on a particular site? Try using Google Cached version. It will highlight your search phrase or keyword.]

2. File Types

Outside of standard web documents, Google searches many other popular file formats. To restrict your next Google search to a specific file type, try this format. Start by searching your brand or name. You may find other people talking about your business in PDF, PS, PPT, etc..?

Use this format: “Search Phrase” filetype:extension

Here is an example search:

“Marketing Tips” filetype:pdf

Here are the file formats Google provides. Try running your search against:

• Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf)
• Adobe PostScript (ps)
• Lotus 1-2-3 (wk1, wk2, wk3, wk4, wk5, wki, wks, wku)
• Lotus WordPro (lwp)
• MacWrite (mw)
• Microsoft Excel (xls)
• Microsoft PowerPoint (ppt)
• Microsoft Word (doc)
• Microsoft Works (wks, wps, wdb)
• Microsoft Write (wri)
• Rich Text Format (rtf)
• Shockwave Flash (swf)
• Text (ans, txt)

3. Search by Number
Waiting for your new sign rider to be delivered? Do you have a tracking number? Let’s head to Google. Yes, Google will let us type tracking ID’s or patents. Type your Tracking ID, see below for example:

Try this demo UPS Search:

1Z9999W99999999999

Google’s search by number works for the following:

• UPS
• FedEx
• USPS
• Vehicle ID Numbers (VIN)
• UPC Codes
• §Telephone Area Codes
• Patent Numbers (Format search like this: “patent 5123123″)

4. Google Negative Search
Have you ever searched for a topic only to find unrelated results are returned? Why not filter the poor results by excluding a keyword. All you need to do is add a minus (-) sign before the word you would like to exclude. For example:

Use this format: Search Phrase -excluded word

Here is an example search:

Real Estate News -Mortgage

5. Google Phonebook Search

I’m sure you’ve used Google’s large phonebook directory before. Maybe when search Google local. But did you know you can query not only business listings, but residential too? For example:

Use this format:  bphonebook: last name, city   or   rphonebook: last name, city

Here is an example search:

rphonebook: Smith, San Francisco

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