We all use Google every single day—from asking simple questions to learning new skills. But most people only use about 5% of Google’s true power. Google isn’t just a search box; it’s an incredibly powerful tool if you know how to use it correctly.
If you’re tired of endlessly scrolling through pages of search results, this guide is for you. Here are 10 advanced tricks that will turn you from a normal user into a Google search pro and save you a massive amount of time.
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1. Use Quotes for Exact Phrases
When you search for a phrase, Google often shows results where those words appear separately. To search for an exact phrase, enclose it in quotation marks (” “).
- Example:
"what is a mutual fund SIP" - Result: Google will only show pages where those exact words appear in that specific order.
2. Use a Minus Sign to Exclude Words
If you want to remove a certain word from your search results, just add a minus sign (-) right before it.
- Example:
best smartphones -apple - Result: This will show you the best smartphones, excluding any results about Apple’s iPhone.
3. Search Within a Specific Website
If you want to find something on one particular website, use the site: operator.
- Example:
index funds site:yourwebsite.com - Result: This will only show you articles about “index funds” that are published on your website.
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4. Use an Asterisk as a Wildcard
If you can’t remember a word in a phrase, use an asterisk (*) as a placeholder. Google will fill in the blank for you.
- Example:
the quick brown fox * over the lazy dog - Result: Google will tell you that the missing word is “jumps.”
5. Find Specific File Types
If you need a PDF, a PowerPoint presentation (PPT), or an Excel spreadsheet, use the filetype: operator.
- Example:
indian budget 2025 filetype:pdf - Result: This will only show you results that are PDF files related to the Indian Budget 2025.
6. Find Similar Websites
If you like a particular website and want to find others like it, use the related: operator.
- Example:
related:amazon.in - Result: Google will show you other e-commerce websites similar to Amazon, like Flipkart or Myntra.
7. Search Within a Range of Numbers or Years
To search for something within a range of numbers, prices, or years, put two dots (..) between the numbers.
- Example:
best camera phone $200..$300 - Result: This will show you the best camera phones that fall within the $200 to $300 price range.
8. Use “OR” to Search for Multiple Things at Once
If you want results that contain either one of two terms, just put OR (in capital letters) between them.
- Example:
how to invest in stocks OR mutual funds - Result: This will show you results about either stocks or mutual funds.
9. Get a Quick Definition of a Word
To get the definition of any word instantly, use the define: operator.
- Example:
define:blockchain - Result: Google will display a definition card for “blockchain” right at the top of the results.
10. Search for a Cached Version of a Website
If a website is down or inaccessible, you can often view an older, saved version of it from Google’s cache. Use the cache: operator.
- Example:
cache:yourwebsite.com - Result: This will show you the version of your website that Google last saved.
Conclusion
By incorporating these simple tricks into your daily search routine, you can get more accurate and relevant information from Google in a fraction of the time. You’re no longer just a normal user; you’re a pro searcher who knows how to find information quickly and effectively.