Googling Is a Skill: 4 Advanced Search Tips to Ask Google the Right Way

"Hey, man! So I've got a problem with...", "Abram. Do you have a minute? I'm struggling with this error.", "Ab, what is Computer?", "Can I get a roadmap to becoming a backend developer?", "How do I know if I am ready?"

Huh? Is it just me, or do you all get sad when questions like the above hit your DM? Bro. Why don't you just ask Google?

You actually ask; "Google, do you know where I can find x or y?" Or, "Google, how do I become a backend developer?" And Google will answer you by proposing links or web addresses to find what you’re looking for. Yes!

If you’re like the above person, you probably use Google many times a day. Yes? But chances are, unless you're a technology geek, you probably still use Google in its simplest form.

If your current use of Google is limited to typing in a few words and changing your query until you find what you’re looking for, I’m here to tell you that there’s a better way — and it’s easy to learn.

The following Google advanced search tips are based on my experience and things that I find useful. I’ve kept the descriptions of the search tips intentionally terse, as you’re likely to grasp most of these simply by looking at the example from Google, anyway. Anyway, I'm only giving you 4 tips, really. Harness the power of the web! Let's go!

1. Explicit Phrase

Now, let's say you're searching on Google for videos about becoming a software developer. Instead of just typing, become a software developer into Google's search box, you will probably be better off searching for the phrase explicitly.

To do this, simply enclose whatever it is you are searching for within double-quotes.

Example: "become a software developer"

2. Words in the URL

If you want to find pages with your search query mentioned in the URL, type allinurl: immediately followed by your search query.

Example: allinurl:hackernoonopen-source

3. Search Within a Website

Often, you want to search a specific website for content that matches a certain phrase. Correct? Even if the site doesn’t support a built-in search feature, you can use Google to search the site for your term.

Simply use the site:somesite.com modifier.

Example: site:hackernoon.com "web monetization"

Brace yourself, son. This is the last tip.

4. A Page That Links to Another Page

Let's say you want to search for every website that cites a HackerNoon article on their website. To do this, use the link: command, immediately followed by the name of a page.

Google will give you web pages that link to Hackernoon’s official website. The more specific the URL is, the fewer, more pointed results you'll get.

Example: link:hackernoon

Conclusion

Yosh! That's the end. But really, learn how to ask Google. If you don't know how to search, use Google Assistant. Amazing assistant, I dare say.

Have an amazing day, buddy! Remember that you have the power already in your hands.

Previously published here.