Google is something almost everyone uses, to the extent that it’s become a household name.

"Googling" is universally understood, at least in first world countries, to mean the same as searching for something online. However, most people do not think about how effectively they are googling. There is a lot of content out there on the internet, most of which people never see in their lifetimes or have any need to.

The most important skill to master when using search engines in general is picking the right key words. Always use common words instead of flowery or technical language if possible unless you are searching for extremely technical information or a specific quote, because of how keywords function. Websites generally list the more common key words because it is impossible for them to cover every single synonym of every keyword they want to list.

Do not type “and” between every two words. You may not know, but there are many words that search engines commonly ignore. That’s right, the engine strips words out of your input before searching the web. It is especially painful for me when I see someone asking Google a question; for example, “How do I bake a cake?” as “How and do and I and bake and a and cake?” It simply makes no sense. Google does not need you to put a plus sign or “and” between search terms. A simple space will do. While it is unnecessary to omit “and” and other words, there is no need to go out of one’s way to insert them. The best practice may be to type questions into Google as you would say them when asking someone in person.

Most of the time, it is unnecessary and a waste of time to go past the first few pages. I have never found the result I was looking for past the third or fourth page in the search results. Google’s algorithm puts the most relevant results at the top, and while sometimes companies can boost themselves to the top the actual results you want will still usually be near the top.

In the case that you are unable to recall the name of what you want to search for, feel free to describe it. Google has already associated the description with the item in all likelihood, from past users who had the same temporary amnesia. Search “hard expensive rock” and you will probably find results pertaining to diamonds.

Finally, make use of other options than the main text search. Google Images and Video are surprisingly helpful resources for more than just finding cat pictures and “Florida Man Fights Alligator in Backyard Pool”. Google Images provides readily accessible formulas for mathematics, physics, and other sciences in infographic form. Videos can teach academic concepts in less than ten minutes, or serve as a review before you challenge your final exams. Please comment below if you have any tips you would like to share.