When It Comes to Search Engines, Google is Not the Only Game in Town
June 19, 2008 by Jodee
Filed under Freelance Writing
My first job working online was as an Internet researcher. I found sites with educational content and reviewed them. I was very new to using the Internet back then: Until my editor mentioned it, I didn’t even know what Google was! It’s hard to think that I wasn’t familiar with one of the Big Three search engines (Yahoo and MSN round out the list), but it’s true.
Now, Google is a great SE and I do use it regularly. But even the largest one can’t possibly index all the web sites out there. I want to suggest that you consider using other search engines other than Google, Yahoo, and MSN the next time you need to find information online.
Since each search engine has different criteria for ranking sites, you may find the piece of information you need in the search results you get by using an alternate SE. I would like to recommend a couple for your consideration:
Dogpile is a metasearch engine that will give you results from a number of SE’s. I use this one when I’m having trouble getting the right bit of information for something I’m working on. Not only do I get results based on the search terms I have used, but a list of alternate search terms pops up at the top, right-hand side of the screen.
Another SE that I think is often overlooked is Ask.com. When you search for information here, you have the option of narrowing or expanding your search by clicking on a list of suggested search terms. I’ve found it very helpful when I’m trying to find additional information on a topic and I’m not really sure how to frame the search terms.
Which search engines do you use most often? Are you happy with the results you get from them?
Dogpile is a great search tool. I discovered this search engine about ten years ago, it came in handy when researching information for my college papers. I have to admit, I’ve kind of neglected this SE and others. Searching for something on Google is a natural reflex.
GoodSearch is a search engine that donates money to charity every time you use it. You can chose what charity you want to donate the money to.
What about AltaVista? I find that it brings up some interesting searches plus as you type in the keywords, it pops up suggestions of other searches using those keywords.
I can’t remember if AltaVista is now part of the bigger engines like Yahoo or MSN … Any ideas?
Just had to add. I have not heard of Dogpile; am checking it out now and it’s awesome! Thanks.
This is great info! I used to use MSN all the time, but it got to be very annoying that so many products would come up when I was seeking information. I’m not in love with Google, but I didn’t know there were so many other choices. That GoodSearch sounds great! I’m going to go play around with these now.
I used Ask.com the other day and couldn’t believe how unintuitive and badly designed it is.
Take a look… the most viewed part of the page is the top left hand corner, Ask manages to fill that space with a useless sidebar column and advertisments.
I used to use Dogpile… I’ve forgotten about it, though. Thanks for the reminder! Can’t wait to go back and start checking it out.
Discovered Dogpile several years ago and have used it ever since. The few times I have searched on other SEs I have been disappointed. Because Dogpile pulls from so many places you get a wide variety of information as well as other suggested searches. I am amazed when Internet users haven’t heard of it.