Hardcore Google: More Search Top Tips
In the last post, I gave a basic example of how by using a combination of Google Search, a bit of research and Google Images you can turn up some harder to find information.
What else should you know about Google’s search and what shortcuts can you use to find things more quickly?
Personally, I think it’s good to know the basic anatomy of Google SERPs. Being able to distinguish between the paid results and the ‘natural’ ones certainly influences my decision whether or not that I should click on them. Should I click on the results that Google has ‘mathematically’ selected to meet my query, or on the links that companies with the most money have paid to appear? Hmmm. Quite.
Generally, you’ll see paid listings in a column on the right hand side, or above the normal results. In each case, you see the words ’sponsored links’ above the area in question. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying never click on these - it’s how Google make their money, but if you’re not looking to buy anything then you’re probably wasting your time if you do.
1. Sponsored/paid listings.
2. A handy dictionary definition link of your search keywords.
3. ‘Normal’ search results.
Ok, enough of that. Let’s move on to some other useful bits and bobs. Did you know that you can search for some flight information quickly using Google? Just type the flight number in and bingo, look what links appear at the top.
How about using Google as a calculator? Or a converter? Or a really cool converter calculator (think 42 there btw…)?
Aswell as the definition method I touched on above, you can also get definitions by typing “define:” before the word/phrase. Let’s define my drawers… ooh matron.
The film times and reviews are neat. As is the ability to get current local time in different countries. There are a lot more things like this, but they’re mainly aimed at the US market, so I won’t bore you with those.
C’mon tell me you’re not impressed. Next time, we’ll have a quick butchers at Google Maps and Google Earth.
September 8th, 2006 at 11:46 am
Dude, how do you know these things???? Have you been reading Dave Gorman’s Googlewack adventure again and got all inspired? Tell the truth.
September 8th, 2006 at 3:18 pm
Well I think the honest answer is that, err, well, I’m just a little bit sad!
September 8th, 2006 at 4:21 pm
Nah, it’s interesting…or maybe I’m just sad too. Hey, your titles now in yellow, cool. er ok so I really need a life.
September 8th, 2006 at 4:25 pm
Ok I can’t get the really cool converter calculator thingy to work…what am I doing wrong oh guru???
September 8th, 2006 at 4:52 pm
Yeah, it’s gone yellow because when I was out and about earlier, I took a summery new picture that I thought could replace the lightning picture I normally have as a header. The white writing didn’t look quite right on it though. Just force a refresh on the main page and you should hopefully see a shiny new picture. Not sure if I’m going to get used to it though!
Google’s calculator uses ‘natural language’, so you just type in what you want it to calculate as if you were saying it. Try this!
It’ll probably help if you don’t try to convert incompatible things, like the number of furlongs in a year! But if you do “furlongs in a mile” it should work ok, as should “furlongs in 10 miles * 50″. I wouldn’t go trying anything tooooo complicated though.