With Boolean operators you can configure more specific queries, create multiple combinations, modify existing requests and do many other crazy things that are not available in a simpler mode. Also, when you need to do something specific, for example, find all mentions of your brand that don’t contain links to it. For example, when your brand name is a common word. to produce a more complicated search query.īoolean search is used when you require stricter search criteria to eliminate unwanted results. While most searches are done by entering a keyword and waiting for the result (in Google, YouTube, social listening tools, etc.), Boolean search allows entering keywords combined with Boolean operators such as AND, NOT, AND NOT, etc.
I have never been a fan of ‘false positives’, preferring to seek affirmation of inclusions.
In my personal opinion, whilst ‘AND’ may not be a ‘Google’ operator, it does add a level of discipline to the way people think about and approach search, plus it has worked very well for me for many years. Instead, use a minus symbol in front of the search term you wish to exclude.) ( Please note: My valued LinkedIn Connection, Irina Shamaeva, recently pointed out that ‘AND’ is not a Google operator and shouldn’t be used (although it doesn’t harm your search results) and ‘NOT’ was never a Google operator. ***Currently, the Boolean operator ‘NOT’ does not work in Google!*** Each search engine will usually have a boolean operator guide found in the help screen or ‘Research resources’ section.Īt its simplest level, the three most common operators are ‘AND’, ‘OR’, and ‘NOT’. Employing Boolean Operators in a search significantly cuts or increases the number of results returned and eliminates irreverent or unwanted hits, meaning you don’t have to sift through thousands of results before getting to the helpful information you are seeking.ĭifferent search engines use Boolean operators in a slightly different way or may require the operator to be inputted with capitals or have special punctuation. The main benefit is the sheer amount of time and effort you can save when conducting a search. Trust me, using them is much more productive, streamlined and targeted once you get the hang of them. What Is This Boolean Operator I Speak Of?Įssentially, a ‘Boolean Operator’ uses simple conjunctions to generate more focused search results on search engines like Google by combining or excluding certain keywords within a search. But the vast majority of people I train, are unfamiliar with the expression ‘boolean operator’. Many people have heard me talk about the increasing importance of search. Are you familiar with ‘Boolean Operators’?
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