August 2011
Favorite advanced Google features
As many of you know, I often use professional online databases for research, with their specialized content and advanced searching capabilities. I also use Google for most projects, but it's difficult to sort through the junk to find the gold. This issue of ResearchNOTES includes some favorite advanced search features that I use to cut through Google's clutter and find the answers to my clients' questions...
There are two ways to utilize Google's advanced search features. The first is through the advanced search page. This is a great way to try out different combinations of keyword and phrases. At the bottom of the page, view more search options by clicking Date, usage rights, region, and more. I love the Filetype feature, because I frequently am looking for just PDF documents, for example – since many industry and government reports are published in that format.
The second way to do advanced Google searching is to run a basic search and then refine your results. On the left side of the results page, you'll see a More search tools link. Click that and you can limit your results by date. I also like using the timeline feature to identify search trends on my topic.
Google's features change frequently. You can stay up to date through their help page or through the Official Google Blog.
Do you have any favorite Google advanced search features?
Regards,
Marcy
Read my latest article, published in the Huffington Post: Know Before You Grow: Key Resources for Learning about your Customers and Competitors.
Marcy Phelps
Phelps Research
+1 303.239.0657 Email: mphelps@phelpsresearch.com
Web: www.phelpsresearch.com Blog: www.MarcyPhelps.com