The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Web Searchers
- The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Web Searchers
- Use the best tool for the job.
- Read the instructions.
- Choose unique keywords.
- Use multiple search engines.
- Consider the source.
- Know when to look elsewhere.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Web Searchers
We're not professional searchers, but we've logged a lot of hours over the years searching the Internet and other online systems. We have a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn't. Here are our recommendations for effective Web searching, organized into seven steps or "habits" that can make you a better searcher.
The Seven Habits at a Glance
Develop the Internet habit.
Use the best tool for the job.
Read the instructions.
Choose unique keywords.
Use multiple search engines.
Consider the source.
Know when to look elsewhere.
1. Develop the Internet habit.
When you have a question about anything--and we mean anything--your first step in nearly every case should be to check the Net. The answer may lie deep within a company-sponsored Web site, or in a newsgroup posting from two years ago, or among the millions of listings in a white or yellow pages directory, or somewhere else. But with the right search tool and search strategy, chances are you can find it.