Fine-tune your Google searches with these tips.

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How do you begin to search the Web efficiently and effectively for the right information? Start with these dos and don'ts for scouring the Web.


  • Do use the most common words that describe your search.
  • Don't be afraid to type in keywords that come to mind.


Here are five tips to maximize your searches with Google.


  1. Try it, you'll like it

    • Do what seems obvious first.
    • Don't be intimidated. Type in single or multiple keywords.
    • Don't bother with advanced search techniques, such as +, -, quotes, and so on, unless the most obvious keywords don't work.


  2. Search for keywords

    • Do provide several keywords that you think will appear in the search result.
    • Don't format a query in the form of a question. For example, if you want to see Internet pages about parachuting safety tips, type in the words "parachuting safety" without including the words "pages" or "about."


  3. Use quotes

    • Do use quotation marks to perform a phrase search. For example, to search for the book Wuthering Heights, use quotation marks around the entire title.


  4. Read all about it

    • Do read the snippets. Most search engines offer summary text with each search result. Google calls the summary text a snippet. The snippets will help you save time and provide an idea of what the webpage is about.
    • Do save time by picking out the best results from there.


  5. Looks like, sounds like

    • Do try the Web Directory to search for a general topic and not a keyword.
    • Do try Similar Pages to find other pages related to your search.


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