37 Advanced Google Search Tips for Smarter Searching

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advanced google search tips

Google, the world’s most powerful search engine, has changed how we find information. Use these advanced Google tips & tricks, and you’ll become a search ninja. If you’re looking for some fun, try the Google Hacks.

Advanced Google search techniques include using operators like “intitle:” to find words in a web page’s title, “filetype:” to search for specific file formats, and “OR” to search for one of multiple terms. These operators refine search queries, enabling more precise and targeted results.

I’ve compiled the best advanced search operators to improve the way you search Google. Let’s go!

Advanced Search Definition Key

Search query = Data entered in Google’s search field.
Keyword = 1 or more words in your search query. AKA search terms.
[bracket word] = words inside brackets are user-defined.

Advanced Google Search Tricks


  1. Use an Exact Phrase
  2. Search with OR
  3. Exclude a Word
  4. Find Words (allintext)
  5. Find Words (intext)
  6. Search in Title (1 word)
  7. Search in Title (multiple)
  8. Search Keyword in URL
  9. Search Within a Website
  10. Search Similar Words
  11. Search Related Words
  12. Definition Search
  13. Price Search
  14. Location-based Search
  15. Wildcard Search
  16. Translations
  17. Search File Type
  18. Area Code Lookup
  19. Conversion Calc
  20. Zip Code Lookup
  21. Stock Info
  22. Calculator
  23. Tip Calculator
  24. Numeric Ranges
  25. Stopwatch
  26. Timer
  27. Sunrise & Sunset
  28. Weather Data
  29. Flight Status
  30. Sports Info & Scores
  31. Nutrition Info
  32. Images Search
  33. Movie Search

 

1. Google must include search term: Use an Exact Phrase

How to make sure a word is included in Google search: To ensure a specific word is included in your Google search results, place the word in double quotes. For example, if you’re searching for articles about climate change but want to make sure the term “renewable energy” is included, you would type: climate change “renewable energy”. This method guarantees that “renewable energy” appears in your search results.

Google search include a single word

Enclose your keyword within double quotes, and Google will do an exact phrase search.

  • Use case
    Find classes or training on sales. The training query must contain “sales”.
  • Single word syntax
    "[keyword 1]" [keyword 2]
  • Example
    “sales” training

Google search include all words

Enclose all your keywords within double quotes, and Google will do an exact phrase search.

  • Use case
    Find training on SAAS sales. The training query must contain “saas sales”.
  • Prase syntax
    "[keyword 1] [keyword 2]" [keyword 3]
  • Example
    “saas sales” training

2. Try Using… OR in search

Google will include all words from your search criteria unless you specify. By typing OR between your terms, Google will know it can look for one set of terms or the other. Capitalize OR, otherwise Google will assume it’s just part of your keyword.

  • Use case
    I’m looking for grilled recipes for either shrimp or scallops.
  • Syntax
    [keyword 1] OR [keyword 2]
  • Example
    grilled shrimp OR scallops
Google Search Tip: typing capitalized OR between two topics will give results for both
google search tips

3. Google Search Exclude Word

Exclude a word from Google search by adding a minus sign in front of that word. This can be tricky, so let’s see it in practice…

  • Use case
    You’re looking for marketing automation tools, but you don’t want email marketing automation tools as a search result. Let’s have Google exclude the word “email”.
  • Syntax
    -[keyword to exclude] [keyword to include]
  • Example
    -email marketing automation tools

4. Find all Words in a Text Block

Use Google’s allintext: syntax to search only a site’s body text and ignore links, URLs, and titles.

5. Find Words Within Text + Title + URL, etc.

Find web pages where your search terms are in different locations. Ie – in the page body text, page title, URL, etc. For this use intext: before your keywords.

  • Use case
    You’re looking for an article on the health benefits of running
  • Syntax
    intext:[keywords]
  • Example
    intext:health benefits running
    NOTE: Google will search for “health” only in the body text where “benefits running” can be a results criterion for body text, page title and URL.

6. Google Search in a Title (one word)

Search for a word inside a web page title, and another set elsewhere on the web page. For this you’d blend intitle: into your search query.

  • Use case
    You’re looking for marketing blogs that use the word inbound in the title.
  • Syntax
    [keywords 1] intitle:[keywords 2]
  • Example
    marketing blogs intitle:inbound

7. Google Search in a Title (all multiple words)

Search within a web page title for all words in your query, use allintitle: before our search words.

8. Search Within in a URL

Searching for keywords inside a URL is easy using  allinURL.

  • Use case
    You’re looking for an article on “SEO competitor research” and want to restrict search results to URLs that contain your keywords.
  • Syntax
    allinURL:[keywords]
  • Example
    allinURL:seo competitor research

9. Search Within a Website

Search for a word within a website – use the site: syntax in front of the website URL, followed by your search term. This will restrict search results to that website only.

  • Use case
    You’re looking for the abbreviation for the New York Stock Exchange only on the New York Times website.
  • Syntax
    site:[website URL] [keywords]
  • Example
    site:nytimes.com nyse

FYI – Use this tip for searching within websites even if they don’t have an organic search function.

10. Google Search Similar Words

Google search for similar keywords or phrases we’ll use the ~ sign to get synonyms related to your query.

  • Use case
    Return exact results for direct marketing along with words similar to strategies, like tips and best practices.
  • Syntax
    "[keywords]" ~[keyword synonym]
  • Example
    “direct marketing” ~strategies

To find websites with similar content, use the modifier related: followed by the site you know.

  • Use case
    You’re looking to compare Inbound Marketing Software that’s similar to something you already know of, in this case, HubSpot.
  • Syntax
    related:[website URL you’re familiar with]
  • Example
    related:hubspot.com

12. Google Search Definitions

Easily find the definition of a word without having to go to a dictionary website by using define: before your word. Google will deliver the definition and an audio player that offers the word’s phonetic pronunciation

  • Use case
    You’re looking for the definition of marketing.
  • Syntax
    define:[keyword]
  • Example
    define:marketing
Google search definition example
Google search definition example

13. Google Search for Price

Google can help comparison shop and help look for other price options. Use a $ in front of a number to return price based search results.

  • Use case
    I know the new Amazon echo plus retails for about $149 and I’m looking for cheaper options.
  • Syntax
    [keywords] $[number]
  • Example
    amazon echo plus $99.99

14. Location-based Searches

To find news or information within a specific location, enter your search term, followed by the location: command.

  • Use case
    You heard the Avengers movie was filmed somewhere in Georgia and looking for info specific to that location.
  • Syntax
    avengers location:georgia
  • Example
    avengers location:georgia

15. Google Search Wildcard (Missing or Unknown Words)

Can’t think of all the words? Include an * to tell Google to fill in the blanks for you. This works well for song lyrics or book titles as an example.

  • Use caseYou’re looking for the remaining words to the nursery rhyme “Humpty Dumpty”.
  • Syntax
    [keywords 1] * [keywords 2]
  • Example
    Humpty Dumpty * a wall

16. Translations

One of the handiest Google search tips is the ability to translate words between languages. Use the word translate, along with the word in the language you know, followed by the new language.

Google search translation example
Google search translation example

TIP – if you don’t see your translation, go directly to: https://translate.google.com/

17. Google Search File Type

Search for  file types such as PowerPoints, PDFs, etc use the filetype: command in your search words.

  • Use case
    Let’s say you wanted to find only PowerPoint presentations about marathon training plans.
  • Syntax
    [keywords] filetype:[file type extension]
  • Example
    marathon training plan filetype:ppt

18. Google Area Code Lookup

Easily find where an area code is located. Enter the words area code plus the three-digit code, then Google will return the location. Tip – we can also search in the reverse to find all area codes for a location. See both use cases below…

  • Use case 1
    You’re looking find where the area code 212 originates.
  • Syntax
    area code [3-digit area code]
  • Example
    area code 212
  • Use case 2
    You’re looking find the area codes for New York City.
  • Syntax
    area code [location]
  • Example
    area code New York City
Google Search Tips: Google can lookup area codes
google search tips area code lookup

19. Conversion Calculations

Use Google to convert US to Metric or any other like measurements.

  • Use case
    You’re looking to convert 32 miles (a US distance measurement) to kilometers (a metric distance measurement).
  • Syntax
    convert [data value + unit of measure] to [like unit of measure]
  • Example
    convert 32 miles to km
Google Search Tips: Google can provide conversion calculations
Google search tips for conversion

20. Google Zip Code Lookup

It’s easy to find the zip code for an address.

Google Search Tips: Google can lookup zip codes for any address
Google search tips zip code lookup

21. Stock Information

Enter a company’s stock ticker symbol in your search bar, to get the latest performance data.

TIP: if you don’t know a company’s ticker symbol use Syntax 2.

  • Use case
    You’re looking for Microsoft’s stock performance.
  • Syntax 1
    [stock ticker symbol]
  • Syntax 2
    [company name] stock
  • Example: msft
Google Search Tips: Google can give you stock information
Google Search Tips: Google can give you stock information

22. Google Search Calculator

Use Google as a calculator by entering your calculation into the search bar.

Numerical operators
* for multiply
+ to add
– to subtract
/ to divide

  • Use case
    You’re looking to multiply 20 times 25.
  • Syntax
    [number] [operator] [number]
  • Example
    20*25
Google Search Tip: calculator results for 20*25 = 500
Google Search Tip: calculator results for 20*25 = 500

23. Tip Calculator

Google Search Tip: Google can calculate the appropriate tip from your bill
Google Search Tip: Google can calculate the appropriate tip from your bill

Want to figure out the tip? Besides regular calculations, Google also has a handy tip calculator function. Enter the search term tip calculator into the search box. Google will return a simple calculator to help you determine the percentage to tip based on your total bill.

24. Search Within Numeric Ranges

To find information that falls within a range of numbers (dates for example), use two periods between a set of numbers. This tip is most powerful when combined with a set of keywords.

  • Use case
    You’re looking for Star Wars data from the date range 1977 to 1983.
  • Syntax
    [keywords] [first date]..[second date]
  • Example
    star wars 1977..1983

NOTE: you can leave [first date] off as optional.

25. Stopwatch

Use Google stopwatch if you don’t have your smartphone handy, enter stopwatch into Google for a stopwatch tool.

Google Search Tip: Use Google stopwatch to keep expert time.
Google Search Tip: Use Google stopwatch to keep expert time.

26. Timer

If you need a timer and don’t have your smartphone handy, enter timer into Google for a stopwatch tool.

  • Use case
    You need a ten-minute timer
  • Syntax
    [length of time] timer
  • Example
    10 minute timer
Google Search Tip: Google can act like a timer
Google can act like a timer

27. Sunrise and Sunset

Find sunrise and sunset times on a specific day and/or location we’d use the term sunrise or sunset.

  • Syntax 1:
    sunrise {enter} – Google uses your IP location
  • Syntax 2:
    sunrise New Haven, CT
  • Syntax 3:
    sunset los angeles July 4, 2019
  • Example: sunset madrid spain

28. Weather Data

If you’re looking for weather information for a particular location, enter the location plus the word weather. Google will return current conditions, weather alerts and forecasts for that location.

  • Use case
    You’re looking for the current weather in Seattle, Washington.
  • Syntax 1
    weather [location]
  • Syntax 2
    [location] weather
  • Example
    weather seattle wa
Google Search Tips: Google can give weather details from your area
Google can give weather details from your area

29. Flight Status

A little-known search tip that will save frequent fliers some time is the flight status search. Enter the airline name plus the flight number. Google will return information about the flight including estimated departure time delay information and current status.

  • Use case
    You’re looking to track the status of a Delta flight 101.
  • Syntax 1
    [airline name] [fight number]
  • Syntax 2
    [airline abbreviation] [fight number]
  • Example
    delta 101
Google Search Tips: Google can give you flight status
Google can give you flight status

30. Sports Scores, etc

Are you a sports fan? Google search is an easy way to stay on top of scores and the latest news about your favorite team. Enter the name of your team or two teams playing each other, and Google will return information about scores and schedules.

  • Use case
    You’re looking for info on the Champions League game, Manchester United vs PSG.
  • Syntax
    [team 1] [keywords] [team 2]
  • Example
    manchester united vs psg
Google Search Tips: Google can give you sports scores and game details
Google can give you sports scores and game details

31. Nutrition Information

Trying to decide what to have for lunch? Enter your food item for info about fat content, calories, nutrients and more.

Google Search Tips: Google can give you nutrition details
Google can give you nutrition details

32. Google Images Search

Find images name, description and type.

  • Use case
    You’re looking for sales funnel image in PNG format.
  • Syntax 1
    [keyword] image type
  • Example
    sales funnel png

33. Movie Search

Find info about a movie such as showtimes, IMDB rating, streaming services, cast and more.

  • New movie (use case)
    You’re looking for showtimes for the latest Avengers Movie.
  • Syntax 1
    movie:[new movie name]
  • Example
    movie:avengers
  • Old movie (use case)
    You’re looking for streaming services that have the old Humphrey Bogart movie “Casablanca”.
  • Syntax 1
    movie:[old movie name]
  • Example
    movie:casablanca
Google movie search
Google movie search

Google Hacks


  1. Do a barrel roll
  2. Flip a coin
  3. Askew
  4. Play arcade games

34. Do A Barrel Roll

This is a fun little hack my kids showed me.

35. Flip A Coin

Who carries cash these days or, better yet – coins! For those times you when you need a coin flip.

36. Askew

Another fun little hack I do to my wife’s laptop.

37. Arcade Games

Ahh when you just need to take a mental break. Kick back with a few arcade games – then get back to work 🙂

How to do special Google searches?

Execute special Google searches using “search operators”. These include phrases in quotations for exact matches, the “-” sign to exclude terms, “site:” to search a specific site, or “filetype:” for specific formats. Add “link:” to find sites linking to a particular URL.

How to do deep search on Google?

For a deep search on Google, use advanced search operators such as “intext:”, “inurl:”, “intitle:” for focused results or “filetype:” for specific file formats. Include specific, relevant keywords and filter your search by time, region, or language for targeted information.

How do I make Google do tricks?

Google has several hidden “tricks” or “Easter eggs”. To trigger these, type commands like “do a barrel roll”, which makes the screen spin, or “Google in 1998” to view the search engine’s retro look. For a comprehensive list, utilize a search phrase like “Google tricks.”

How do I search Google smartly?

To search Google smartly, use precise keywords or phrases, and incorporate search operators such as quotations for exact-match results, a minus sign to exclude terms, or “site:” to search within a specific website. Consider search intent and evaluate People Also Ask section for additional insights.

Final Thoughts

Everyone knows how to use Google, but not everyone knows how to use its full potential. Use these Google search tips and the search shortcuts to find results faster and more precisely.

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AUTHOR

Eric Melillo is a HubSpot-certified digital marketer with over 25 years of experience and a co-founder of an international digital agency that has amassed $100MM in revenue across hundreds of brands. Recognized in Entrepreneur and Forbes, he's a respected industry leader. Eric is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to build financial security through blogging and affiliate marketing.