How to do SEO Using Google Advanced Search Operators

How to do SEO Using Google Advanced Search Operators

A successful business starts with successful SEO! It is one thing to know what to do to help a client’s SEO, but it is another to actually put it into action.

Luckily, there are a number of tools out there to help you not only boost SEO but also track it. As an SEO Agency, we’ve found that Google Advanced Search Operators can really help you to audit your website’s SEO really quickly.

How to do SEO using Google Advanced Search Operators

Google Advanced Search Operators are special commands that you enter into the Google search bar to explore how Google is indexing your client’s sites. Then, you can improve your SEO efforts based on your findings.

There are a number of different commands, but we are just going to explore a few so that you get the idea.

Our Top 3 Search Commands

The following Google Advanced Search Operators search commands will notify you if Google is indexing the following, which can hurt your SEO rankings:

  • Duplicate content
  • Non-secured pages
  • Pages with outdated contact information

Non-Secure Pages

You never want Google to index non-secure sites that are tied to your client’s site. This is going to hurt their SEO because Google uses security certificates as a huge ranking signal.

An easy way to check is to look for HTTPS. The “s” stands for secure. But for a more in-depth search, use Google Advanced Search Operators.

In the Google search bar, enter the following command (xxx = webpage):

“site:xxx inurl:http”

Duplicate Content

Avoid using duplicate content. Be creative with the content that is being put on your client’s site. Using a quick search with the help of Google Advanced Search Operators, you can easily find duplicate content that Google is indexing.

When you do find this content, take the time to change it up. This is especially true for title tags.

It can easily happen, duplicating title tags, unless you keep track of every tag you use, but that is nearly impossible.

So, you need to run a technical report using a quick search command.

In the Google search, enter the following command (xxx = webpage):

“Site:xxx intitle:xxx”

The “intitle” part might be a little tricky. You will want to experiment and play around using different title tags. But, it is a good start to finding duplicate title tags and content.

Pages with Outdated Information

Pages indexed by Google with outdated contact information is going to hurt your client in more ways than one.

Not only is old information going to impact your client’s SEO, but it is also going to confuse potential customers.

To avoid this, when changing ANY contact information such as location, phone number, fax number, email, etc. be aggressive in making sure the new contact information is replacing the old. This means updating the client’s website, email signature, social media sites, letterheads, business cards, and all over the internet, especially Google.

Another simple search command can help you find these pages with outdated information.

In the Google search, enter the following command (xxx = webpage):

site:xxx intext:”old address” OR intext:”old phone number”

Again, you will need to mess around with the “intext” section, so that you are checking whichever updated information you changed. (example: phone number or address, as shown above)

Other Helpful Tips

Use Google to help find other search commands for a specific SEO technical issue.

Of course, you can also use other tools such as Moz and SEMrush, but there is no harm in adding more tools to run a comprehensive SEO report.

Why Run SEO Reports?

SEO reports actually benefit your clients more than anyone.

For one, it shows all of your SEO efforts.

It is hard to explain and even show how SEO works, so this is where SEO reports come into play.

However, they can be very beneficial to your digital marketing agency, too! SEO reports can alert you to errors so that you can fix them right away. Also, can help you find ways to improve current SEO efforts.

How often should you run SEO reports? 

It all depends.

Run them as often as the client wants. And keep in mind that if you make changes to your SEO plan, to run reports often in the first months to see if the new plan is working.

Just keep in mind, improving SEO takes time!

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Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Calli Verner
Calli Verner
Calli is an expert copywriter who has taken her passion for writing and mixed it with her knowledge of SEO and branding to create unique and informative content
Calli Verner
Calli Verner
Calli is an expert copywriter who has taken her passion for writing and mixed it with her knowledge of SEO and branding to create unique and informative content

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