Google Hacks for Dummies | The Tech Brief

Need some excitement with Google. Here are a few lesser known hacks to do with Google.

Google Hacks for Dummies | The Tech Brief
Google is a powerful tool. Most of the time, most users are restricted to using Google as a search engine, and looking at pages on the internet Google has allowed or encouraged you to see, but there is a darker side to Google – “Google Hacks.”

Google hacks are strings of code entered into the search box that will access information that was never intended to be available to the general public. Some enterprising hacker has discovered which particular string of search parameters will provide normally restricted information.

Quick Look at How Google Works

Hey this is a pretty good visual overview of how a Google search might transpire when you enter your search word/phrase into Google’s search box.  (I’m not saying these guys have the full picture, but this is still some interesting concepts on how a search engine works and how much computing power is needed).

This link is a flash presentation…  http://www.portfolio.com/images/site/editorial/Flash/google/google.swf

Need a number? Google’s done it again! GOOG-411

Well whatta ya know? Google announced a week or so ago that they are now offering free information calls, that’s right, instead of directory assistance fees on your home or cell phone, Google’s service is F-R-E-E!

It’s pretty simple and fun to use! Of course if you don’t like FULLY automated voice response systems you won’t like this service. So here’s how it works:

1. You’re at home, work, the car and you’re getting hungry
2. You decide pizza is a good idea to satisfy your appetite
3. Grab your phone and dial, 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-4664-411) and you’ll be connected to Google’s 411 directory.
4. You’ll be prompted for “What City and State?”
5. Ok, speak clearly as the first time I did this I mumbled Pennsylvania and the lookup failed. So I said, Exton, Pennsylvania
6. Say the name or business type you are interested in
7. “PIZZA!!!”
8. Google’s search will read off the top 8 or so results found, how cool is that!?
9. Once you hear the name you want just say “number 3″ for the third listing.
10. Voila! You’re then whisked away through the magic of the Google to that business.

Hmmm, so now is Google tracking who’s calling what number? Like are they Caller ID’ing my phone number when I dial their service and then see what I’m searching on? Not like this would be a first for them.

Check out Google’s 411 page.

Oh and while on this topic, just a reminder that you can SMS/text message GOOGL (46645) from your mobile phone and then get local listings, weather, sports, definitions, flight info, maps, and a whole lot more. Here is a link to GoogleSMS.

Removing your site from Googles Ranking Penalty

I’ve been learning a lot about how Google ranks web sites and also how they penalize web sites and push them out of the SERPS and basically into a “web blackhole”. I’m learning all of this for a few reasons which are to keep the sites I manage and my work’s web site moving UP on Google’s rankings and NOT getting penalized.

This article from David Airey on how his site climbed out of the penalty and back into the limelight is a good one to read and learn from.

How I reversed my Google ranking penalty :: David Airey :: Graphic Designer