Sometimes, using advanced search techniques in Google will help you find information. This is particularly true when doing private company or emerging/niche market research.
Below are some strategies you can use to more effectively use Google to find specific information.
1. Search for specific domains
You can also limit results to sites with specific domains, such as .org, .edu, .mil, or .gov.
Type in Google your search terms + site:.edu. Example search: sustainable agriculture site:edu (limits the search to colleges and universities)
2. Search for specific file types
You can limit Google searches to particular files such as PDFs, PowerPoints, etc. This can be helpful when looking for reports, particularly by professional associations, organizations, and governments.
Type in Google your search terms + filetype:ppt. Example search: nanotechnology market filetype:pdf
3. Utilize Google Scholar
Google Scholar allows you to search for primarily scholarly or academic articles. It pulls from various sources, including open access (freely available) online journals, journal publishers, and institutional repositories (where faculty, staff, and students can place their academic work online).
4. Learn how to develop effective keywords
Sometimes figuring out the best way to structure or word your search can be challenging. In general, follow these guidelines:
If you have questions about your specific topic, contact your librarian!
Take a free online course offered by experts at Google to learn how to become a "power searcher."
Contact a librarian for help applying these tips to your own research!