20 Google Search Tricks to Find Exactly What You’re Looking For (Stop Guessing, Start Finding)

Learn how to Google like a pro with these game-changing search hacks for marketers and entrepreneurs.

Google Search is an Art, Let’s Make You an Artist

We’ve all been there: typing out our best guess into Google, hoping we’re spelling it right, phrasing it correctly, or even using the right language.

And somehow, Google gives us… cat memes when all we wanted was a good guide to SEO (though I get it—cat memes are great too).

But fear not, my friend. It’s time to put an end to the random, hope-for-the-best Googling. Instead, let’s add some precision to your online searches and become the Sherlock Holmes of finding the right results. After this, you’ll Google like it’s an art form.

Because it is.

Below, I’m sharing 20 of the smartest, easiest, and most effective tricks to make sure that when you Google something, you get the best, most relevant answers right away.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

I promise you, after this read, you'll turn search from a game of chance into a well-honed skill—kind of like using SEO...but for your brain.🧠

Keywords Are King (But You Already Knew That)

Let’s keep it simple: be specific or be sorry.

Google doesn’t know your life, and it certainly can’t read between the lines if you type in “how to improve online presence.”

You’re better off with, “SEO strategy 2024” or “content marketing tips for small businesses.”

The tighter you tailor your keyword phrases, the more Google is able to connect you with the right resources—just like your ideal clients find you through your masterfully crafted SEO.

Think of keywords as little flares signaling exactly what you need.

Use Specific Keywords

Use precise and specific terms related to your query to get relevant results.

Instead of typing "how to be good at SEO," try "SEO best practices 2024" for targeted information

The Complete, Super-Smart Search Guide:

Alright, now let’s get a bit deeper into each trick and throw in a few more clever examples, because context makes everything better.

But here's the complete guide to take your Google searches from basic to boss.

1. Quotes are for Winning: Use Quotation Marks (“ ”) for Exact Matches

You know when you want that exact answer, no deviation allowed?

Use quotation marks around your phrase.

Example:

Searching "social media marketing strategies" means Google will look for this precise phrase only.

No mixed matches or "did you mean…?" sidetracks. It’ll be like typing in the magic words.

2. Exclude the Junk: The Minus (-) Operator

There are times you want to research a topic, but certain things keep cropping up that are not at all relevant. The minus operator lets you subtract those.

Example:

Want marketing advice but can’t deal with another Instagram how-to?

Just type:"marketing tips" -Instagram

Now you're free to explore a world of TikTok, YouTube, or even email marketing.

3. The Wildcard Trick: Fill in the Blanks with Asterisk (*)

This one’s fun.

Use * as a wildcard character to let Google fill in the gaps with whatever it thinks is relevant.

It’s like a "choose your own adventure" for search results.

Example: "best * tools for marketers"

Could turn up "best SEO tools for marketers" or "best analytics tools for marketers."

It's ideal when you know most of what you want to say, but need Google to be creative.

4. Site-Specific Searches: Get the Gold from the Source

Sometimes, you know the source is good, but you need the treasure buried inside.

Use the site: operator to search within a specific website.

Let’s say you love what we do here at AlexandraRobuste.com (flattery will get you everywhere).

Example: site: alexandrarobuste.com SEO consulting tips

Boom—You’ll see every single blog, guide, or snippet I've ever written about SEO. It’s like having a direct portal to my best advice.

5. OR Operator: For Flexibility, NOT for Settling

Why settle for one keyword when you could have two or more?

Use OR between words to give Google multiple chances to impress you.

Example:

SEO tips" OR "content marketing strategies"Google will bring you results for either of these topics, and sometimes even combine them for you.

 Boolean Operators

AND: Include multiple topics (often implied by default). Example: content marketing AND SEO.

OR: Search for either of two terms. Example: digital marketing OR social media.

NOT: Exclude terms. Example: startup marketing NOT advertising.

6. Keep It Current: Use Date Filters for Up-to-Date Info

Marketing changes quickly, and using old information could put you way behind the curve.

That’s why you should use date filters.

Example:

After typing your search, click on “Tools” just under the Google search bar, and set the time filter to “Past year” or “Past month.”

Now you’re only getting fresh, timely content—none of that dusty 2015 SEO advice that doesn’t apply anymore.

7. File Type Searches: Be a Document Hunter

Looking for specific formats like a PDF guide or PowerPoint presentation? The filetype: operator can save you hours of searching.

Example: digital marketing strategies" filetype:pdf

Voila—only downloadable PDFs will show up in your results.

8. Searching Titles and URLs: Focused Results

If you want Google to narrow its search based on titles or URLs, you can use intitle: or inurl: to make it happen.

Example: intitle:"marketing trends 2024"

Results will only include pages that have “marketing trends 2024” in the title.

This one is particularly great for finding articles and blog posts with very specific topics.

9. Related Websites: Find Similar Gems

Fell in love with a website’s content? Find similar websites with related:.

Example: related: moz.com

You’ll see websites that have similar SEO content to Moz—like SEMrush or HubSpot.

10. Search Definitions with Define

Google’s built-in dictionary function is a huge timesaver. Just use define: to get the exact definition of a word.

Example:define: backlink

You’ll see not only the meaning but often the context, pronunciation, and other helpful tidbits.

11. Use Synonyms with the Tilde (~)

Not sure if you’re using the best keyword? Use a tilde (~) in front of a word to tell Google to include results with synonyms.

Example: ~cheap hotels Los Angeles

Will also include results for “inexpensive” and “budget” hotels.

12. Find Missing Info: Use an Asterisk for Unknowns

If you know most of a phrase but not all of it, let Google work it out.

Example:

"The best * for SEO"Could help you find "The best tools for SEO" or "The best tips for SEO."

13. Use Number Ranges for Products and Dates

You can find results within a specific number range using .. between two numbers.

Example: "laptop reviews $500..$1000"

This will show you laptops reviewed in that price range—super handy when buying anything on a budget.

14. Find Pages that Link to a URL: Use link

Want to see who's linking to your site or a competitor's?

Use link:.

Example: ink: alexandrarobuste.com

This will show you sites that link back to my website—a great tool for building backlinks.

15. Add a Local Flair to Your Searches

Add your city or neighborhood to your searches to find local businesses or services.

Example:

"SEO consultant" Los AngelesNow you’re getting the best consultants (ahem, me) in your area.

16. Find Related Websites with Related:

Ever stumble upon an awesome website and wish you could find more like it?

The related: operator is here for you.

Example: related: hubspot.com

This will show you websites similar to HubSpot—think of it as discovering a whole new neighborhood of amazing content without the hassle of endless searching.

Like finding your favorite coffee shop, then realizing there’s a whole street full of them.

17. Use “intitle:” or “inurl:” to Pinpoint Keywords in Titles or URLs

Sometimes, it’s all about narrowing down where Google should look for those keywords.

Want them in the title? The URL? No problem.

• Intitle: Use intitle: to only get results with your keyword right in the headline.

  • Example: intitle:"content marketing trends"—Google will give you articles with those words front and center.

• Inurl: Use inurl: if you want results that mention your keyword in the URL.

  • Example: inurl:SEO tools—Perfect when you’re after specific tools pages.

  
  

Think of it as being able to tell Google: “I know exactly where I want that keyword, thank you very much.”

18. Get the Latest Results with Google Search Tools

Outdated information? No, thank you. With Google’s built-in search tools, you can make sure you’re only seeing the latest and greatest.

How to use it:After searching, click “Tools” just under the search bar. Set the filter to “Past Year” or “Past Month” so you’re only getting fresh, relevant content.

It’s like telling Google, “Please don’t show me last decade’s SEO tips—I’m all about today’s trends.”

19. Formulate Questions Like a Pro

Google likes clear questions, but it doesn’t need all the fluff. Cut to the chase and focus on the core keywords.

Example:

Instead of typing "how to increase website traffic effectively" just go for increase website traffic tips 2024. Short, sharp, and to the point—Google loves that.

It’s a little like the difference between saying “Hey, if it’s not too much trouble, could you maybe pass me the salt?” and simply saying “Salt, please.” Directness gets results.

20. Find Synonyms with Tilde (~)

Stuck on a keyword but open to similar terms? The ~ tilde is your new BFF.

It tells Google to look for synonyms too—making sure you don’t miss out on any relevant content.

Example:

~cheap flightsThis will bring up results for “cheap,” “budget,” “inexpensive”—basically all the good deals.

It’s like letting Google read between the lines and find the bargains for you.

Search Smarter, Not Harder

There you have it—15 Google search tricks that will change how you look for information forever.

No more pointless scrolling or finding outdated advice.

With these, you’ll only see the good stuff, the relevant stuff, and—most importantly—the stuff you need.

So go ahead, give them a spin. Your future self—who finds what they need in seconds instead of hours—will thank you.

And if you want more help navigating this digital world, whether it's SEO, digital marketing, or creating amazing content that turns heads and drives sales—hit me up! You know where to find me. Spoiler alert: I'm only a Google search away 😉

Ready to become a Googling guru?

Put these tricks into practice and watch your productivity soar!

And if you need professional help with your SEO and marketing strategy—reach out today.

Let's make your business shine! here

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