When users input search terms the search engine then compares the search criteria to its index of websites and returns a list of sites that include the words and / or phrases that you have input as search criteria. Internet directories, on the other hand, are filled with websites that have been viewed by humans to determine if they have content that merits inclusion. Though many popular directories such as Yahoo have strict human requirements for inclusion, not all so-called internet directories are as carefully managed.

There are many ways in which we can improve the efficiency and accuracy of our internet searches. One of the easiest and most effective search techniques that is so commonly overlooked is the use of quotation marks to enclose search phrases. If you are searching for 'RV parks' and don't want to get results that include people park sites or other RV sites, enclosing the phrase within quotation marks can make all the difference and dump irrelevant results by the wayside.

Another simple way to greatly improve your searching skills is to use positive and negative signs before search terms that are required or cannot be found in websites, respectively. For example, if you want to find websites that have popular women's clothing brands, but definitely has Prada, then your search might look like this: +Prada "women's clothing" clothes -stores. Notice that the '-stores' will remove websites that list several different stores. This is more likely to show results that deliver you directly to store websites where you can see items and make a purchase.

Use addition signs to make phrases rather than single word criteria. Use addition symbols to be sure that those terms or phrases are included in the results that you are shown. Learning to use addition / subtraction symbols in combination with phrases is going to bring you amazingly accurate search engine results.


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