How do I search correctly with Google?

How does Google Search work?

Google Search works with a huge index that includes billions of websites. When you search for something in Google, the algorithm searches the index at lightning speed and shows you the most relevant search results. This selection is based on many factors, e.g. relevance, page quality, links and your search intention. Your location or previous search queries can also influence the results displayed.

Why correct searches in Google are important

If you only use Google superficially, you often get inaccurate or inappropriate results. With a precise search query, on the other hand, you can find exactly what you need – and faster than you think. Whether you are looking for a specific page, a concrete example or up-to-date information: An optimized Google search saves time, provides better answers and helps you find targeted content.

How to improve Google search

1. search concretely and precisely

The more precise your search, the better the results.

Example: Instead of googling “CRM”, search for “Comparison of CRM systems for SMEs 2025”.

2. use synonyms

Google recognizes many synonyms, but you can also add them yourself.

Example: digital time recording or working time recording software comparison

3. use the advanced search and filters

Use Google’s advanced search to filter results by language, region, time or file type. For example, you can search specifically for PDFs, PowerPoint files or websites from certain countries.

4. work with search operators

You can use search operators to filter Google search results:

• “exact term” – searches for the exact term within the quotation marks.
  Example: “strategic personnel planning”
• term – excludes unwanted terms from the search.
  Example: Cloud migration -private user
• site:example.com – only shows results from a specific site/domain, in our case from example.com.
  Example: Employee retention site:haufe.com
  
• filetype:pdf – only finds PDF files.
  Example: IT security guide filetype: pdf
  filetype: can be used as a universal operator for any file type, e.g. filetype:docx

Use of Google Tools

1. AI summaries (Search Generative Experience): Google currently offers generative AI results with its search results, which provide direct summaries of your search query. This gives you compact information immediately without having to go through many pages.
2. Similar search queries: On every Google results page you will find the section “Users also asked” or “Similar search queries”. These often provide valuable information on how other users have searched and can help you to improve your own search strategy.
3. Google Image Search: If you are looking for visual content, Google Image Search is perfect. You can also set filters here – e.g. by color, size or usage rights.

Going beyond Google Search: New generative search engines

In addition to Google, there are now also AI-supported search engines that are breaking completely new ground:

1. Google Gemini: Google’s own AI integration, combines classic search results with AI answers.
2. SearchGPT: AI search with answer function, ideal for complex questions and summaries.
3. Perplexity.ai: Very popular for scientific research, with references.
4. Bing Copilot: Microsoft’s search with AI power from OpenAI. Provides in-depth information with sources.

These tools are ideal if you want more than just links – such as context-based explanations, comparisons or generated texts.

How to always find the best results with Google

The right Google search is no coincidence – it can be learned. If you know how to search precisely, use filters, apply search operators and use AI functions, you will always get better results. Whether you are looking for a specific example, a page, current information or in-depth content – with the right tips and a little practice, you will become a Google pro.