I came across an article recently that touched on several aspects of using search engines in our everyday life and how that process can be both more efficient and also provide you with tools you didn’t even know these ubiquitous screens possessed. The article, 12 Ways To Be More Search Savvy, was a great reminder of how to best utilize search engines, especially given that most people are performing online searches many times throughout a day.
I think the most shocking statistic for me was Point 1, using “Find” after a search to locate your search words in the Search Engine Results Page (SERP). Then I thought about it and realized I probably don’t use “Find” in this situation, but only after I open up a particular link. Point 3, Define Operator, also was one I had known about but forgotten. That can definitely save me some time now-and-again. I also think Point 11 can be a real time saver, especially for students or for those conversions we need to do once-in-a-great-while.
The one point where I’m in alignment with one commenter is Point 8, Don’t Use the + Sign. While I agree one should not use this initially, it is a great tool when the initial search is not capturing a particular word, or words, that you want to be certain are included in the search. It’s basically a secondary filtering method. Using the “-” symbol also is a good tool and one I’d forgotten.
I think you will find some great tips in this article, 12 Ways To Be More Search Savvy. I know I did.
