What Are Search Operators?

When you search for something on Google, you usually just type in keywords. However, many in the SEO industry use Search Operators in order to search better and find very specific information. Think of them as a way to refine your web searches. There are a million search operators but I’m going to share some that I use often. Keep in mind you can combine search operators if you want.

General

  • Exclude words from your search: Put – in front of a word you want to leave out. For example, jaguar speed -car
  • Search for an exact match: Put a word or phrase inside quotes. For example, “tallest building”.
  • Search for wildcards or unknown words: Put a * in your word or phrase where you want to leave a placeholder. For example, “largest * in the world”.
  • Combine searches: Put “OR” between each search query. For example, marathon OR race.
  • Search for a specific site: Put “site:” in front of a site or domain. For example, site:youtube.com or site:.gov.
  • Search for a keyword in a URL: Put “inurl:” and then the keyword. For example, inurl:members

Places to Guest Post

  • [IndustryName] “write for us”
  • [IndustryName] “guest post”
  • [IndustryName] “contribute”
  • [Location] “write for us”
  • [Location] “guest post”
  • [Location] “contribute”

Places to Get Listed as a Resource

  • [IndustryName] inurl:resources
  • [IndustryName] inurl:links
  • [Location] inurl:resources
  • [Location] inurl:links

Places to Find Sponsorships

  • [IndustryName] inurl:sponsors
  • [Location] inurl:sponsors