Do you often search the web for the latest sports gear, that elusive vinyl record, or articles about Harley Davidson motorcycles?
You probably find things on the web using popular global search platforms like Google, Yahoo, Bing, Firefox, Yandex, and Baidu.
Did you know there are common search platforms designed for specific needs to make your web search easier?
Learning the ins and outs of search platforms will help you find better results, faster!
Platform or Engine?
The term search platform is used interchangeably with search engine . It's a tool you use to search and find information, images, or other things on the internet.
🛠️ How does it work?
web-based software program
accessed on the internet using computers, laptops, phones, etc.
users search and find content located on websites
💻 How do you use it?
enter a basic search query, such as keywords and/or phrases into a search bar
it delivers a list of content results to match your search query
you'll get links to various websites, images, videos, and other data or media
You can find almost anything searching the internet if you know where to look!
Search Parameter Tips
Get better results for your search parameters with these basic search engine strategies and techniques:
Identify search parameters
Use precise keywords or phrases
Refine, filter, narrow, or broaden search results
Search a topic using different descriptions or a synonym
Filter search by type: files, news, images, articles, or videos
Use Booleanoperators
Include symbols plus (+) or minus (-) within search parameters
Use the words "AND", "OR", and "NOT" to narrow results
Put quotation ("") marks around two or more words (e.g., "house hunting")
Add an asterisk (*) to root words for variations of the word (i.e., auto* automatic)
Quiz
Which Boolean operator is best for your search parameters to find mountain bikes for trail riding?
Search for Images and Media
Look for search platforms solely dedicated to images, photos, or other types of multimedia content.
Photo by Aditya Candra on UnsplashPixabay— visit this multimedia sharing platform for free photos, images, music, and videos.
Search & Find:
stock photos, illustrations, graphics
video, music, sound effects
content type, orientation, and size
editor's choice, curated collections, and trending topics
Photo by Michael Skok on UnsplashTinEye— browse this platform with reverse image identification and verification technologies to find photos.
Search & Find:
free image or photo search by category
photo comparisons with original image
reverse search query for an uploaded or pasted image
image location, verification, and tracking
Photo by Souvik Banerjee on UnsplashPinterest—search this platform for creative inspiration, ideas, and current trends. It's a social network and visual pinboard collection of lifestyles and interests.
Search & Find:
pins on relevant topics, people, brands
pinboards, pins, or boards by creators
curated collections with videos
pinboards to follow or bookmark pins
Photo by Alexander Shatov on UnsplashVimeo— explorefree and premium services for your video hosting, sharing, and content creation needs on this all-in-one solutions platform.
Search & Find:
videos to livestream and share
trending topics and staff picks
different categories and genres
videos for education, business, and community events
Search for Audio & Sound
Trying to find some background music or a snippet of sound for your presentation? Look no further than these search engines.
Photo by Anthony Roberts on UnsplashFindSounds— check out sound effects, musical instrument samples, and unique sounds on this free, child-safe, audio search engine.
Search & Find:
index of sounds and effects in formats MP3, WAV, AIF
sounds of nature, animals, and birds
sounds of people, sports, ringtones, chaos, and mayhem
sounds of vehicles, tools, and machinery
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on UnsplashAudioburst— browse short topical segments from podcasts, TV, and radio stations from multiple sources across the web.
Search & Find:
real-world daily updates of podcast and radio highlights
categories by author, tech, business, and trending topics
index lists and collections of curated content to create playlists
Photo by michal dziekonski on UnsplashListen Notes— look up your favorite podcast episodes and interviews curated on this search engine.
Search & Find:
aggregated results of podcast episodes
real-time hot topics and community playlists
podcast genres or podcast authors to create free playlists
Photo by Firmbee.com on UnsplashMP3 Juice— browse these popular free MP3 and MP4 audio music sources. Stream online or directly download files.
Search & Find:
categories of songs, music, tracks, and sounds
audio via keyword, URL, phrase, or title
track by video URL to convert to audio
copyright-free audio and video sounds
⚡ Knowledge Check
Ahmed is editing a video. He wants to add some outdoor sound effects of birds and insects. He doesn't want to spend too much time searching the web for appropriate sounds. He has several search options to locate what he needs.
(A) Search a platform that contains different types of music and sounds and browse its contents until a specific match is found.
(B) Searchmultiple general search engines to locate different types of sounds and music and then compare results.
(D) Search an audio and sound platform, use key words and Boolean operators to define and narrow the search query for relevant sound effects.
(C) Searcha multimedia search engine with a search query for backyard sound effects and lawn mowing noise.
Quiz
Which search method would you recommend Ahmed perform to achieve best results?
Search for Jobs & Careers
Use these employment and recruitment platforms to focus your search for jobs and new career opportunities.
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on UnsplashIndeed—start yourjob search on this multi-service recruitment platform. Free for job seekers to access job listings, career paths, and trending occupations.
Search & Find:
jobs by industry and profession
sample resumes and cover letters
resources on career development
applicant hiring and onboarding
Photo by Claudio Schwarz on UnsplashGlassdoor — research potential employers on this free job search and company review platform. Find extensive company information for your job applications and interviews.
Search & Find:
job vacancies by various categories
salary and compensation comparison
company leadership approval ratings
other premium career services
Monster— are you a new graduate? Start your job search here with a section dedicated to new graduates. There's a host of free job search tools, and job vacancies for all levels of experience.
Search & Find:
qualified candidate and job matching
salary data research and comparison
career resources for job applicants including interview preparation
premium employment services
LinkedIn— search this multifaceted platform if you want to combine job searching, professional networking, learning, and connecting with recruiters.
Search & Find:
people and connections via user profiles
search by job, industry, people, company
courses for professional skills-based training
premium plans for career development, business, sales, and recruitment
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