Mastering Google Search: Advanced Options and Querystring Variables

Douglas KarrLast Updated: Aug 19, 2024

1 minute read

Google Advanced Search List of Querystring Variables

Google Search is a powerful tool that becomes even more versatile when you understand its advanced options. While many users rely on the basic search bar, Google’s advanced search capabilities allow for more precise and targeted results. This article will explore these advanced options, focusing on the querystring variables that power them.

Understanding Querystring Variables

Querystring variables are parameters added to a URL to modify or refine a search query. They appear after the “?” in a Google search URL and are separated by “&” symbols. By manipulating these variables, you can create highly specific searches without using the Advanced Search interface.

Here’s a comprehensive table of Google Search querystring variables, their definitions, and example links:

Variable	Definition	Example URL
as_dt	Domain (i = include, e = exclude)	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=edu
as_epq	Search exact phrase	https://www.google.com/search?as_epq=”digital+marketing+trends”
as_eq	Without these words	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing&as_eq=traditional
as_filetype	Specific file type	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing&as_filetype=ppt
as_ft	Filetype (i = include, e = exclude)	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing&as_ft=i&as_filetype=pdf
as_lq	Find pages that link to a URL	https://www.google.com/search?as_lq=https://martech.zone
as_occt	Occurs in (title, body, url, links)	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing&as_occt=title
as_oq	At least one of the words	https://www.google.com/search?as_oq=SEO+PPC+SEM
as_q	Search all words	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing+technology
as_qdr	Last updated	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing&as_qdr=m3
as_rights	Usage rights	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing&as_rights=cc_publicdomain
as_sitesearch	Search within a specific site	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing&as_sitesearch=harvard.edu
lr	Language restriction	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing&lr=lang_en
num	Number of results	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing&num=50
safe	SafeSearch setting	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing&safe=active
start	Result offset for pagination	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing&start=10
tbm	Search type (images, news, etc.)	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing&tbm=isch
tbs	Time-based search	https://www.google.com/search?as_q=marketing&tbs=qdr:y

Advanced Search Techniques

While querystring variables offer granular control, Google also supports advanced search operators that can be used directly in the search bar. Here are some examples:

Site-specific search: site:example.com
File type search: filetype:pdf
Exact phrase search: "exact phrase"
Exclude words: -excludedword
Range search: 2000..2020
Related sites: related:website.com
Cache view: cache:website.com

Practical Applications

These advanced search options can be particularly useful for:

Market research: Find competitor information or industry trends
Content creation: Locate specific file types or recent publications on a topic
SEO analysis: Identify backlinks or assess content visibility
Academic research: Narrow searches to educational domains or specific file types

Mastering Google’s advanced search options can significantly enhance your ability to find relevant information quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re a marketer, researcher, or curious individual, understanding these querystring variables and search techniques will empower you to harness the full potential of the world’s most popular search engine.

Google Advanced Search

Remember, while these advanced options are powerful, they require effective practice. Experiment with combinations to refine your search skills and discover new ways to access the needed information.