What Are Google Search Operators and How to Use Them?

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Google search operators are certain characters and commands that enable you to use Google more effectively. They help users find more targeted and refined results. Interestingly, you can use these search operators for content research, technical SEO audits, etc.

Once you master how to use search operators, you will realize that you haven’t been using Google search the right way.

What Are Google Search Operators?

Like I mentioned earlier, Google search operators (also known as Google search commands) are special characters or commands that enable you to use Google search more effectively.

These characters go beyond the limit or capabilities of regular searches on Google. They generally improve your online search results. And give you better insight into what your competitors are doing and how you can outsmart them with your content strategy.

You can use these advanced search features to narrow down your online search. And this could be effective for your content strategy.

It gives you an idea of the type of content to create, trending topics people are discussing in your industry, etc.

Additionally, search operators are not peculiar to Google search alone. You can also use these characters and commands on other search engines like Bing and Yahoo.

Whichever platform you use for these advanced search features, they can easily help you find the information you are looking for.

Why Use Google Search Operators

According to the recent statistics from Internet Live Stats, Google processes more than 40,000 search queries every second. That is about 3.5 billion searches per day and 1.2 trillion searches per year globally.

If this statistic is anything to go by, it means you have to go through several search results just to find the information you want.

But with Google search operators, you can find things faster on Google and other search engines.

As of today, Google’s global market share of search engines is 92.47%. So, you have to go through many searches just to find what you are looking for.

However, with search operators, you can search for anything online without stress. These commands and special characters will help you refine your web search.

How Do You Use Google Search Commands?

If you are using Google search commands for the first time, they may seem complicated to you. But it’s as simple as searching for information on Google.

All you have to do is enter search operators directly into the Google search box, just as you would search for text.

When using search operators, you can use symbols or words in your search to have more accurate results.

However, there are specific rules you need to observe when searching with Google search operators.

For instance, Google will not recognize any punctuation that is not part of search operators. Similarly, don’t include space between words and symbols; such a command won’t work.

For example, a typical search command is site:tycoono.com. But the command won’t work if you search for something like this site: tycoon.com. And that is because there’s a space between the punctuation and the next word.

List of Common Google Search Operators

Here is a list of some of the frequently used Google search operators;

“Search term”

You can use it to carry out exact match searches.

OR

A search operator is used to search for two terms on Google at a time. And you will get search results related to the two items or both.

AND

You use AND (all in cap letters) between two words if you want the search results to include both.

*

The asterisk symbol, commonly known as the wildcard, is used to search for any word or phrase you include in the search box.

|

It’s the pipe symbol and performs the same function as OR.

()

This is one of the commonly used Google search operators. It’s used to group commands—for instance, (SEO OR Content) marketing job.

–

Hyphen is used to exclude terms you don’t want to show on search results. Put it before the term, and it will be excluded from search results.

..

This is one of the most amazing search commands. You can use it to search for a range of numbers. For instance, if you want to search for digital marketing statistics between 2005 to 2021, all you have to do is to put a period between that range.

Something like this – Digital marketing statistics 2005..2021

$

You can use the dollar sign to search for prices. You can also use Euro signs to search for prices in Euros. For instance, you can see for the keyword “the best keyword research tool $50″.

@

This character is used to search for results on social media. For instance, @Facebook, @Twitter, etc.

#

The hash symbol is used to search for hashtags. For example, #blackfriday, #SEOstrategy, etc.

In

The “in” command is one of the most popular Google search operators. You can use it in between two units you want to convert. For instance, 100F in C.

Tips for Using Search Operators

Knowing the different search operators is not enough. You need to understand how to use them accurately. So, here are a few tips to help you use search operators;

Have a topic in mind you want to research

Decide on how you want your results. You have the option to either exclude specific results or look for information from a particular website. It depends on the search command you are using.

Look for the search operator that can perform your specific search. For instance, if you are looking for information from Tycoono. You can use the command site:tycoono.com. It will show all content from the website.

By now, you should understand Google search operators and how to use them. But if you have any questions regarding this topic, don’t hesitate to ask in the comment below.