Boolean searches are a powerful way to find relevant information online, but they require careful selection of keywords that match your user intent. In this article, you will learn how to use accurate keywords to improve your Boolean searches and get better results.
Boolean searches are a type of search that use operators such as AND, OR, NOT, and parentheses to combine keywords and narrow down your results. For example, if you want to find articles about dogs and cats, but not hamsters, you can type "dogs AND cats NOT hamsters" in the search box. Boolean searches can help you filter out irrelevant or redundant information and find more specific and relevant content.
According to my experience, Boolean search is often badly managed and produces a good amount of problems in search engines, especially when it happens transparently. It affects how candidate documents are retrieved so it's vital to get it right if you want to have a good recall for your system. My recommendation is to don't go with a pure conjunction search (everything in AND). That's normally too strict, aim for a balanced approach setting a "minimum should match" that means a certain percentage of your query terms is required, potentially depending on the length of the query itself. I would also argue that you should carefully consider if enabling your users to run a custom boolean searches, as its understanding may not be obvious.
Digital Marketing Specialist at Ethereal Machines with expertise in Performance Marketing
Boolean searches are indispensable for precise research. By combining keywords strategically with operators like AND, OR, and NOT, I streamline my searches, uncovering valuable insights and optimizing campaigns effectively. They're a game-changer for targeted data mining in an era flooded with information.
Choosing accurate keywords is essential for effective Boolean searches, as they determine what kind of information you are looking for and how you want to combine it. To choose accurate keywords, you need to consider your user intent, which is the goal or purpose of your search. For example, if you want to learn how to train your dog, your user intent is educational, and your keywords should reflect that. You can use tools such as Google Trends, Keyword Planner, or Answer the Public to find popular and related keywords for your topic.
From the standpoint of searching through resumes and ATS systems, you need to consider user input. The candidates may use different words than you do. Search Google for keywords associated with the job/skills you are looking for. Check with AI like ChatGPT for ideas of words to use. Example: Maintenance Technician could be Maintenance Mechanic or Machine Tech or Facilities Engineer.
Digital Marketing Specialist at Ethereal Machines with expertise in Performance Marketing
Accurate keyword selection is not just about popularity; it's about relevance to user intent. Tools like Google Trends aid in understanding search trends, while Keyword Planner offers insights into search volume. Answer the Public helps uncover user questions, refining keyword choices. Understanding intent ensures our content aligns with user needs, boosting engagement and conversions.
The AND operator is used to connect two or more keywords that must be present in your results. For example, if you want to find articles about dog training and behavior, you can type "dog training AND behavior" in the search box. The AND operator can help you narrow down your results and find more relevant and specific information. You can also use the + sign instead of the word AND, such as "dog training + behavior".
Digital Marketing Specialist at Ethereal Machines with expertise in Performance Marketing
Combining keywords like "dog training AND behaviour," ensures ads reach users interested in both aspects. This focused approach enhances relevance and boosts engagement, maximizing ROI.
The OR operator is used to connect two or more keywords that can be present in your results. For example, if you want to find articles about dog training or behavior, you can type "dog training OR behavior" in the search box. The OR operator can help you expand your results and find more diverse and comprehensive information. You can also use the | sign instead of the word OR, such as "dog training | behavior".
The NOT operator is used to exclude a keyword that you don't want in your results. For example, if you want to find articles about dog training, but not behavior, you can type "dog training NOT behavior" in the search box. The NOT operator can help you eliminate irrelevant or unwanted information and find more focused and accurate information. You can also use the - sign instead of the word NOT, such as "dog training - behavior".
Parentheses are used to group keywords and operators together and specify the order of execution. For example, if you want to find articles about dog training and either behavior or psychology, you can type "(dog training) AND (behavior OR psychology)" in the search box. Parentheses can help you create complex and precise Boolean searches and control the logic and structure of your query.