Google Search Tips #1 - Explicit Searches

Jenny Marsden --September 29, 2018

Google Search Tips #1 - Explicit Searches

Searching in Google happens multiple times a day for most of us, however would you like to know how to refine your searches to include the most appropriate results? Stick with us for our series on Google Search Tips.

How To Search Using Explicit Search Terms

This is by far the easiest and best way to get the most relevant results if your search term consists of more than one word. By using the double quotes around your phrase, you can limit results to be these words in this exact order.

For Example:
Search Term - small business help
Result - Returned to me is a reasonably broad set of results showing everything from grants to fairwork to marketing.

Better Results:
Search Term - "small business help"
Result - you can see that I get a list of results that have the phrase "small business help" in their title, page or URL. While this is a reasonably generic search term (and that's why I've chosen it) you can see the immediate effect of using Google's explicit search.

My Results

The image on the left shows the text search without the quotes, and the image on the right shows it with the quotes. 

Add a recovery email or an alternative email you can access anywhere.
By Jenny Marsden January 28, 2025
So you don't find yourself locked out of your Google account, add a recovery email or an alternative email you can access anywhere.
By Jenny Marsden March 27, 2023
Are you having challenges with Chrome Browser using all your system RAM and slowing everything down? This Feature Flag from Chrome will help you to stop Chrome being such a RAM pig and set you on the path to better browsing.
By Jenny Marsden March 22, 2023
If you are considering designing and developing your small business website yourself, there are a few considerations you should be aware of. Check out my list of what to think about when doing your own DIY website Vs getting a professional web design expert.
By Jenny Marsden May 20, 2021
Things you can do and that I will be doing in response to Google's latest Web Core Vitals update.
Google tips for searching effectively.
By Jenny Marsden April 27, 2021
Google Tips Number 7 - How to get back into the search box on Google's results page. This simple keystroke can save you HOURS each month.
By Jenny Marsden April 20, 2021
While it is far from perfect, if you have a good clean clear photo with a very contrasting background, this tool might be what you need. I tested it with 3 different photos and you can see my results here.
By Jenny Marsden March 23, 2021
Blogging isn't as easy as it once was. With over 7 billion (yes that's a B) blogs now online getting found can be a huge challenge. Learn how to research and create a blog post that will keep your readers coming back for more.
By Jenny Marsden September 15, 2020
Blogging can be really hard. Don't add extra pressure by not formatting a catchy blog post title which could mean you blog post never gets read. Use these tips to have your readers clicking through on every single post.
By Jenny Marsden May 14, 2020
Choosing keywords and phrases for your website can be a challenging process. This guide will help you to work out what you are looking to achieve and how to go about it.
Show More