The secret to search operators

1. The Secret to Search Operators:
Search operators are key symbols that you can add to turn an average search into a
fine-tuned query. These symbols and terms give Google a better, more accurate
understanding of what you’d like it to find. For example, let’s search the most generic
word we can think of: potato.
Typing Potato alone – this basic search will fetch the basic go-to
information for your favorite starchy spud. Obvious things like pictures & Wikipedia
information will come up here.
“Potato”
If you add quotations to your search, Google will know to find the exact word you’re
looking for. The word in question and other nouns like bands, movies, or other pop-
cultural influences will come up in this deeper, more precise search. You can also add
multiple words inside of your quotation to come up with other fine-tuned searches
like “Red Potato”.
-potato
Adding a minus (-) to a search will exclude certain words from your query. For
example, if you type in soup recipe -potato, you’ll likely find a ton of awesome recipes
(sans the spuds). Just make sure not to insert a space before the minus sign
Link: potato.ca
By adding link: before searching a URL, you’ll find additional web pages that link to
your site in question.
Potato site:history.com
Include a specific site to your Google search to find information on your topic of choice
within that site. In this case, you’ll find interesting historical tidbits on potatoes like
the cursed Irish Potato Famine of 1845.
Related: potato.ca

2. by adding related: to your search, you can ask Google to find searches similar to the
one you mentioned. For example, if you type related: potato.ca, you’ll get information
on yams, sweet potatoes and other related root vegetables.
Sweet potato OR Idaho potato
If you type the word OR in capital letters between search terms, you ask the search
engine to present the pages that contain only one of two options. Remove the OR and
you’ll come up with pages that mention both.
Cache: potato.ca
Put this in your search query and you’ll get the latest version that Google has stored
on the site
Info: Potato.ca
This search will give you different information about the URL, such as cached versions,
similar pages & sites that link to the web address in question
Secret Search Symbols
Another great Google hack to fine tune your search query is to add these symbols to
your search.
&: Indicates a strong connection between words or search phrases. ie: Hockey &
Florida will give you information on some of your favorite sunshine state hockey
related things.
%: Can’t find a calculator? Try Googling it. Your favorite store has 55% off a $90
tshirt? Type 55% off of $90 and Google will calculate the savings for you.
#: Allows you to find trends related to a specific hashtag.
@: Put an @ in front of a word or phrase, and Google will search for relevant social
media mentions. For example @Wix will show pages and accounts that mention Wix
on social media channels.