Advanced Searching Techniques

Back to the topic of staying focused online to increase your productivity, search can lead you far off the track when you’re doing research. 

Tip #4:  Use advanced search options on major search engines.

For example Google’s Advanced Search will allow you to search for specific phrasing, exclude words, search within a specific domain or site, limit the number of pages returned.  This is extremely helpful if you know exactly what you are looking for, but don’t know where to look.  Most search engines have similar options, so use the search engine you like best.

Remember, if you’re looking for an image alone, you can also narrow down the search with Google Images.  Don’t go there unless acquisition of an image is your stated purpose.  You can get stuck there “browsing” and remember, stay focused!

Let us know how you make your online searches effective and efficient.  We’d love to hear your tools and tricks!