How to Effectively Utilize a Variety of Search Engines
Posted: Wednesday, January 06, 2010
by Sandra E. Graham
My Books and Articles
Gone are the days of blind-buying. Or at least it can be if you know how to use your computer's wide source of free information in Search Engines. Whether you prefer Google, Yahoo, MSN, or any number of search options, you can open a world of knowledge with just a few clicks of the mouse or keyboard.
1. Know What You're Looking For........
Let's say for instance, you have just got to have that fantastic, realistic electric fireplace to offset that new wrap around sofa that you got yourself for Christmas. You know nothing about electric fireplaces and have many questions you would like answered before you lay out some hard-earned dollars for a possibly pricey item. Some of the questions you may be able to answer for yourself:
1. Do you want a fireplace that is purely for looks?
1. Know What You're Looking For........
1. Do you want a fireplace that is purely for looks?
2. Do you prefer a functional fireplace that also looks good?
3. If you're looking for function, how large an area would you need to cover?
4. Are you sure you want electric or might you want gas or gel?
5. Do you want ventless? Or do you plan on tearing out a wall to build a chimney?
6. What price range are you looking for?
7. What color cabinet---light oak, walnut, mahogany, or maybe dark cherry?
8. What size are you looking for-----width, height, depth?
9. Which brand has the most realistic looking flames?
2. Key Words Will Make Your Search Less Stressful........
There may be more questions that you can answer yourself, but after thinking and possibly making a list of what you know you want, then you are ready to start your search. With the cost of gasoline on the rise again, your computer can save you money that can be applied to your prospective purchase. Log in and pick your favorite search engine. I'm sure I don't have to tell you where to go from there, but for grins, we'll pretend that you are computer illiterate and totally lost from the words "Search Engine." So, we'll start from scratch and click on the word Google. Or you can simply type into the box in one of your tool bars followed by the word "search". To get the most out of your search experience, you will want to use "key" words that will help your search zero in on your item of interest---in this particular case---FIREPLACE. To narrow your search, look through your list of questions for words that might stand out in your search. For instance if you have decided on an electric fireplace and you want a ventless electric fireplace, you would want to type in all three words. The more words you can use to help identify your particular needs, the fewer items you will have to search through. Knowing exactly what you are looking for will optimize your search tremendously. But don't lose faith if you're not completely sure as the key words you type in will bring up a variety of options at your disposal.
3. Let the Search Engine Work for You........
A good search engine will take you to websites that offer prospective customers the most in promotional information. Not only should their websites list the product of your search, but it should:
2. Key Words Will Make Your Search Less Stressful........
There may be more questions that you can answer yourself, but after thinking and possibly making a list of what you know you want, then you are ready to start your search. With the cost of gasoline on the rise again, your computer can save you money that can be applied to your prospective purchase. Log in and pick your favorite search engine. I'm sure I don't have to tell you where to go from there, but for grins, we'll pretend that you are computer illiterate and totally lost from the words "Search Engine." So, we'll start from scratch and click on the word Google. Or you can simply type into the box in one of your tool bars followed by the word "search". To get the most out of your search experience, you will want to use "key" words that will help your search zero in on your item of interest---in this particular case---FIREPLACE. To narrow your search, look through your list of questions for words that might stand out in your search. For instance if you have decided on an electric fireplace and you want a ventless electric fireplace, you would want to type in all three words. The more words you can use to help identify your particular needs, the fewer items you will have to search through. Knowing exactly what you are looking for will optimize your search tremendously. But don't lose faith if you're not completely sure as the key words you type in will bring up a variety of options at your disposal.
3. Let the Search Engine Work for You........
A good search engine will take you to websites that offer prospective customers the most in promotional information. Not only should their websites list the product of your search, but it should:
1. Give you a wide selection of websites of institutions offering free shipping for instance.
2. Name brands.
3. Complete product descriptions that are easy to read and understand.
4. Names and locations of stores in your area, and also,
5. The all important "Customer Reviews".
It is wise to go through and read the ratings and reviews posted by people who have purchased and experienced the actual product. A salesman or website can spend hours building up their product, but the best and sometimes the most reliable information you can get is from personal experience.
Whether it's ten degrees below outside and snowing cats and dogs or hot enough to fry eggs on the side walk, leave that car in the garage and as the old saying goes, "let your fingers do the walking---right across the keyboard of your computer and do your searching online. Happy hunting.
Whether it's ten degrees below outside and snowing cats and dogs or hot enough to fry eggs on the side walk, leave that car in the garage and as the old saying goes, "let your fingers do the walking---right across the keyboard of your computer and do your searching online. Happy hunting.
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Good article, good information, thanks for sharing. Linda DThanks, Linda, for reading and commenting.Sandra
you are right about that. You do need to know what you are looking for.Thanks, again, Cheyanne.
Great article, I am always getting on a search engine and it is so easy. Like they say let your fingers do the walking.Amen to that, Debbie. So much easier than depending on some store salesman do all the promotional gabbing-----which may or may not be true!Sandra
Always enjoy seeing your hat and face on a piece - good info here - thanks for writing this one! MarijoThanks, Marijo---glad you like my hat. Some have told me it isn't becoming--too bad, I like it anyway and still wear it even though I'm getting too old to fish like I used to!SandraIt is totally, uniquely YOU! If we can't be creative and one of a kind in our 60s then when? My Searchwarp photo I am holding a hat that you can't see because I cut the face part out but it is there and I had it on a minute before the photo was snapped - Marijo
you definitely know your SEO, thanks for the updates. Great article.!Thanks for commenting, James. And Welcome to Searchwarp.Sandra
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