There are many extra features to Google hundreds and hundreds, and there seems to be new ones appearing all the time. However here at Graphic Icing we use 8 regularly, so I am going to share them with you, some you may have come across and others you might not know, but remember to share them around.
Filtered image search
One of our favourite tools, ever what to find an image you are actually allowed to use or of a certain size, yes Google has a tool for this. Use Google’s image search as normal but click on search tools under the bar, and you will see a hidden set of options. The most important 2 are size and usage rights.
Definition and pronunciation of a word
I often come across words I do not know how to pronounce or I am unsure of there exact meaning. Google’s own dictionary is really powerful and to tap in to this source of knowledge type define than your word in Google’s search box.
Results from one site
You may have a need to see results from an individual site, this is useful especially when the site’s own search feature is of poor quality. Or maybe you need to see what pages of your website Google associates with your keyword. Just type your site address (domain) and keyword as, site:domain.com keyword
Exclude words
Tell Google not to include a word or site in your search, such as your own site or a normal relevant word. To do this just us the minus -. So for example Graphic Icing -site:graphicicing.co.uk or Graphic Icing -logos
UK sites only
There is a setting in Google that will allow you to only see UK site but what if you only what this to apply to one search. We use a variation of the one site tool and use site:UK, you can then add your search.
Calculator
Its bad I know to rely on a calculator but we just love Google’s widget, just type calculator in search bar.
Set timer
Like the calculator Google has a timer widget, just type set timer and the required time. For example set timer 10 minutes. We find this useful for focusing time, work for 50 minutes move away from the computer for 10 minutes.
Google trends
This is but is not a Google search tool so I have left it to the end. Google trends is separate to the normal Google search and can be found here. This tool allows you to analyse search terms around a subject, what day/time they are search for and what is popular right now. Very helpful for planning blog posts.
And that was 8, I hope these will be as valuable to you as they are to us.
Do you know of any tools we have missed that we should have included?
