Basic search engine techniques and keywords

1. Use Specific Keywords
   1. Instead of typing full sentences, use clear, concise terms.
   1. Example: climate change effects in Africa instead of What are the effects of climate change in Africa?
2. Use Quotation Marks (“”)
   1. To find exact phrases.
   1. Example: "digital literacy in Nigeria"
3. Use the Minus Sign (-)
   1. To exclude terms.
   1. Example: python programming -snake
4. Use Site Search (site:)
   1. To search within a specific website.
   1. Example: email etiquette site:bbc.com
5. Use File Type (filetype:)
   1. To find specific document formats.
   1. Example: email etiquette filetype:pdf
6. Use Asterisk (*) as Wildcard
   1. To replace unknown words.
   1. Example: "the * of technology"
7. Use AND, OR, NOT (Boolean Operators)
   1. To combine or limit search results.
   1. Example: education AND "online safety"
   1. digital skills OR computer skills
   1. literacy NOT media

Keywords in Searching

1. Use Specific Keywords
   1. Instead of typing full sentences, use clear, concise terms.
   1. Example: climate change effects in Africa instead of What are the effects of climate change in Africa?
2. Use Quotation Marks (“”)
   1. To find exact phrases.
   1. Example: "digital literacy in Nigeria"
3. Use the Minus Sign (-)
   1. To exclude terms.
   1. Example: python programming -snake
4. Use Site Search (site:)
   1. To search within a specific website.
   1. Example: email etiquette site:bbc.com
5. Use File Type (filetype:)
   1. To find specific document formats.
   1. Example: email etiquette filetype:pdf
6. Use Asterisk (*) as Wildcard
   1. To replace unknown words.
   1. Example: "the * of technology"
7. Use AND, OR, NOT (Boolean Operators)
   1. To combine or limit search results.
   1. Example: education AND "online safety"
   1. digital skills OR computer skills
   1. literacy NOT media

Keywords in Searching

• Keywords are the essential words or phrases that capture the main idea of what you’re searching for.
• Use nouns and specific terms (avoid filler words like “what”, “is”, “the”).
• Example: Searching for “how to create a professional email” → Use keywords: professional email creation, email writing guide