Search Google or Type a URL: Which Provides Better Results?
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Search Google or Type a URL: It depends on what you’re searching for and how specific your search is. Here’s a breakdown:
Google Search:
Best for Broad or Uncertain Searches:
If you don’t know the precise URL or are looking for information, products, services, or answers.
Google ranks and filters results, so you tend to get the most relevant pages.
Perfect for research, reviews, or comparing various sources.
Corrects Misspellings and Variations:
Google auto-corrects and provides suggestions if you misspell something.
❗️ Downside:
Sometimes returns irrelevant results or overwhelms you with too many options.
Typing a URL:
Best for Direct Access:
If you know the specific site or page you wish to access (e.g., www.example.com).
Faster and more efficient if you’re a frequent user of a specific site.
Downside:
Pointless if you don’t get the URL right.
No search available—useful only for known addresses.
When to Use What:
Use Google Search if you’re browsing or don’t know the precise URL.
Enter the URL straight out if you precisely know where you’re headed.
Have a particular instance in mind where you’re not sure which option would be better?
A Closer Look At What Exactly Is Search Google or Type a URL
Okay, let’s dissect it!
When you launch your browser (such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari), you typically have a search bar at the top. That bar presents you with two choices:
1. Search Google (or Default Search Engine)
If you enter something other than a complete URL into the address bar and press Enter, your browser interprets it as a search query.
How it works:
The browser sends your query to the default search engine (usually Google, but it can be Bing, DuckDuckGo, etc.).
You’ll get search results based on what’s most relevant to your query.
Example:
Typing “best pizza near me” will show Google search results with pizza places nearby.
Typing “how to fix a leaky faucet” brings up articles and videos on the topic.
2. Type a URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
If you enter a full web address (URL) manually into the address bar, the browser bypasses the search and goes directly to that website.
How it works:
URLs begin with http:// or https:// accompanied by the domain name.
The browser connects to the server of the website and shows the page.
Example:
Entering www.iirfranking.com goes directly to IIRF Ranking official.
Entering https://www.iirfranking.com goes directly to that particular site.
Key Differences:
Search Google: Great for searching for information or to learn about new sites.
Type a URL: Perfect for instant access if you know the destination.
Tip: If not sure, simply type what you’re after, and Google will lead the way! If you do know where you’re going, save time by entering the URL directly.
How to Search Effectively on Google
Getting more out of Google is all about employing clever search strategies. Here’s how to game your Google searching!
1. Utilize Specific Words
Do: Get specific and employ applicable words.
Don’t: Use indefinite or too general phrases.
Example:
Rather than: How to bake a cake?
Do: Easy chocolate cake recipe without eggs
2. Employ Quotation Marks (” “) for Exact Terms
If you want Google to look for an exact phrase, enclose it in quotes.
Example:
Search: “artificial intelligence trends 2025”
This instructs Google to look for that exact phrase, not disjointed words.
3. Use a Minus Sign (-) to Exclude Words
If you want to exclude unwanted results, use the minus sign.
Example:
Search: Apple -fruit
You’ll find results about Apple Inc., not the fruit.
4. Use Site Search to Search Within a Specific Site
If you want to search a single site only, place site: before the domain.
Example:
Search: site:iirfranking MBA Ranking
Displays results only from MBA IIRF Ranking.
5. Search by Time Range
If you want the latest updates or to restrict results to a limited period:
Click Tools below the search bar.
Choose a time range such as Past 24 hours, Past week, or Custom range.
6. Use ‘OR’ to Get Multiple Options
To look for either of two things, type OR (in capital letters).
Example:
Search: Python tutorial OR JavaScript tutorial
You’ll be shown results for both languages.
7. Search for Related Sites
If you enjoy a site and want to find similar sites, use related:.
Example:
Search: related:iirfranking.com
It’ll display similar news sites.
8. Use Filetype Search for Specific File Formats
If you want PDFs, PPTs, or other types of files, use filetype:.
Example:
Search: digital marketing guide filetype:pdf
9. Use Google’s Advanced Search Page
If you want more control, head over to Google Advanced Search for detailed filtering.
10. Use Wildcards (*) for Unknown Words
If you’re unsure of a part of your search, use * as a wildcard.
Example:
Search: The best * in New York
Google fills in the blank with possibilities.
Pro Tip: Combine these techniques for even more powerful searches!
Got something in particular you need to look for? Let’s give it a go!
How to Type a URL Properly?
Entering a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) correctly is important to get to the correct website quickly. Here’s how to do it like a pro!
1. Begin with http:// or https:// (Optional But Handy)
Current browsers automatically add this bit, so you can omit it, but being aware of the difference is handy:
https:// – Secure connection (encrypts data for safety).
http:// – Less secure, rarely used now.
Example:
https://www.iirfranking.com – Secure connection (recommended).
Typing iirfranking.com works fine, but the browser adds https:// automatically.
2. Include ‘www.’ (Sometimes Optional)
Most sites work without www., but if a website specifically requires it, include it.
Both www.example.com and example.com often lead to the same page.
Example:
www.iirfranking.com
iirfranking.com (Same destination in most cases).
3. Utilize Proper Domain Extensions (.com,.org,.net, etc.)
Double-check the domain extension so you don’t end up on the wrong page.
Common extensions are:
.com – Commercial websites.
.org – Non-profit organizations.
.gov – Government websites.
.edu – Schools.
Example:
www.iirfranking.org – Correct.
iirfranking.com – Could take you somewhere else.
4. Watch Out for Spelling
One misplaced letter can send you to a totally different website or a phishing website.
Double-check names, particularly if the URL is new.
Example:
Correct: iirfranking.com
Incorrect: iirfrankIng.com (potential phishing website).
5. No Spaces or Special Characters
URLs don’t have spaces or most special characters.
If you spot a space, the browser will replace it with %20, but avoid them.
Example:
Correct: example.com/my-page
Incorrect: example.com/my page ❌
6. Slash (/) for Subpages
To access a specific page or area directly, use the proper subpage.
Example:
www.example.com/about – Takes you to the “About” page.
www.example.com/contact – Leads to the “Contact” page.
7. Utilize Country-Specific Domains (If Necessary)
Certain websites use country-specific extensions.
Example:
iirfranking.com – US version.
iirfranking.in – Indian version.
8. Don’t Use Typos and Unnecessary Characters
Be careful of unnecessary punctuation or typos.
Example:
Correct: https://www.educationpost.com
Incorrect: https://www.educationpost,.com ❌
Pro Tip: If you go to a site often, bookmark it to prevent typing mistakes!
Having trouble with a tricky URL? I’m here!
Search Google vs. Type a URL: A Complete Comparison
Here’s a complete comparison of Search Google vs. Type a URL to assist you in deciding what to do based on the context.
1. Purpose & Use Case
Search Google
Best For:
Finding information, websites, or solutions when you don’t know the specific URL.
Investigating various alternatives and getting various ideas.
When to Use:
Researching a subject.
Searching for product reviews, tutorials, or news.
Looking for alternatives to a particular service.
Example:
Search: best laptops under $1000 – Provides a list of websites with reviews.
Type a URL
Best For:
Jumping straight to a website when you already have the exact URL.
Accessing frequently visited websites quickly.
When to Use:
Checking email (www.gmail.com).
Visiting social media (www.facebook.com).
Accessing a bookmarked or saved site.
Example:
Typing: www.iirfranking.com – Takes you straight to IIRFRanking.
2. Speed & Efficiency
Search Google
Slower: Takes extra time because:
It handles your search.
You have to browse through search results and choose the appropriate one.
Downside: Has the potential to cause information overload or irrelevant findings.
Enter a URL
Faster: Loads the site straightaway without any delay.
No need to dig through results.
Pro Tip: Bookmark frequently accessed URLs for quicker access.
3. Security Considerations
Search Google
Safe But Risky for Unknown Sites:
Google blocks malicious websites, but you can still land on unsafe pages if you click on unfamiliar results.
Tip: Don’t click on unfamiliar or suspicious links.
Type a URL
Safer for Trusted Sites:
Typing a URL directly avoids phishing or scam websites.
Tip: Double-check the spelling to prevent typosquatting (deceptive URLs that resemble real ones).
4. Accuracy & Relevance
Search Google
High Flexibility:
Displays a range of results that correspond to or closely match your question.
Can handle incomplete or fuzzy queries effectively.
Drawback: May provide unrelated results if the question is very broad.
Type a URL
High Accuracy:
Accesses the specific website intended.
No confusion or ambiguity.
Tip: Entering a complete, correct URL guarantees accuracy.
5. Coping with Unknown or Incomplete Information
Search Google
Best for Unknown Queries:
Google is great when you don’t know the exact URL or need suggestions.
Example:
Search: official IIRF website – Shows www.iirfranking.com
Type a URL
Useless with Partial Info:
If you don’t know the full URL, typing a guess often results in a 404 error or wrong page.
Example:
Typing iirfranking.gov instead of iirfranking.com could lead to the wrong site.
6. Flexibility & Versatility
Search Google
Highly Versatile:
Supports advanced search options, filters, and multiple sources.
Bonus Tip: Use Google’s Advanced Search for greater control.
Type a URL
Limited Flexibility:
Only helpful when you know the precise site you need.
7. Memory & History Usage
Search Google
Saves Searches:
Google remembers your search history (if activated), which can be helpful to revisit previous searches.
Type a URL
Saves URLs in History:
The browser keeps URLs for easy re-access, but only certain sites you’ve visited.
8. Handling Typos & Errors
Search Google
Auto-Corrects Errors:
Google auto-completes errors if you enter a query wrongly.
Example:
If you type iirfrank.com, Google suggests iirfranking.com.
Type a URL
Error-Prone:
One little typo can get you a 404 error or an incorrect, sometimes malicious, website.
Final Verdict: When to Use What?
Use Search Google:
To explore, research, or find new websites.
When you are not sure about the URL.
Use Type a URL:
When you know the specific site or page.
For quicker, direct access to reliable websites.
Pro Tip: Bookmark frequently accessed URLs to prevent errors!
Google Search vs. Typing a URL: What’s the Best Option?
Google Search vs. Typing a URL: Whether you should choose Google Search or typing a URL depends on what you are trying to do. Both have advantages, and making the correct choice can save time, enhance security, and provide more accurate results. Let’s weigh it out!
1. Goal or Purpose: What Are You Trying to Do?
Use Google Search When:
You’re searching for information, answers, or weighing many options.
You don’t know the URL.
You’d like to see several sources, read reviews, or find alternatives.
Example:
For best smartphones 2025 will yield reviews, comparisons, and links to many sites.
For official Nike store will yield a list of potential Nike-related websites.
Type a URL When:
You know precisely the website you wish to access.
You’re visiting websites that you use regularly.
You’re heading to secure and trusted websites that you frequently visit.
Example:
Entering www.iirfranking.com takes you straight to IIRF Ranking.
Entering www.educationpost.com opens your news instantly.
2. Speed & Efficiency: Which is Faster?
Google Search:
Slower:
It takes additional time since you need to scroll through results and select the correct one.
Helpful for searching but less effective when you know the destination already.
Enter a URL:
Quicker:
Takes you straight to the site with no in-between step.
Saves time if you use a site a lot.
Speed Winner: Entering a URL is quicker if you know the specific site.
3. Security: Which is Safer?
Google Search:
Possible Risk:
Opening a bad link or ad can put you at risk of phishing or dangerous websites.
Google blocks some dangerous sites, but errors can occur.
Enter a URL:
Entering a trusted, verified URL directly lowers the risk of going to phishing or imitation sites.
Security Winner: Entering a URL is usually safer for trusted sites.
4. Accuracy: Which is More Reliable?
Google Search:
Less Accurate:
Google may display related but not identical matches.
Results can differ depending on SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and ad placements.
Enter a URL:
Highly Accurate:
Drops you on the precise page without a doubt.
Accuracy Winner: Entering a URL guarantees where you want to go.
5. Dealing with Unknown or Partial Info: Which is Better?
Google Search:
Perfect for Fuzzy Searches:
If you don’t know the URL or require suggestions, Google is your best option.
It completes the blanks and provides suggestions.
Enter a URL:
Fails with Partial Info:
If you don’t know the URL, guessing the URL can result in an error or the incorrect page.
Winner for Unknown Info: Google Search is the best when you’re not sure.
6. Versatility & Flexibility: Which Has More Options?
Google Search:
Very Versatile:
Returns results from many sources.
Supports advanced searches, filters, and even file types.
Type a URL:
Limited Flexibility:
Useful only when you know the URL exactly.
No capacity to compare or investigate alternate sources.
Winner for Versatility: Google Search when you want variety.
7. Dealing with Typos & Errors: Which is More Lenient?
Google Search:
Fixes Blunders:
Google provides suggestions of corrections and alternatives to search queries if you err in typing.
Type a URL:
Unlenient:
Even a single error can result in an error or a totally unrelated site.
Winner for Error Handling: Google Search corrects mistakes better.
8. Memory & Convenience: Which Saves More Time in the Long Run?
Google Search:
Remembers Search History:
Google saves your search history, making it easy to revisit past searches.
Type a URL:
Saves URLs in Browser History:
Most browsers save frequently visited URLs, allowing for easy access.
Winner for Convenience: Both can be equally convenient with saved history.
Final Verdict: Which is the Better Choice?
Google Search Wins When:
You’re browsing or investigating.
You don’t have a specific URL.
You desire options or alternatives.
Typing a URL Wins When:
You have a specific site in mind.
You wish to arrive more quickly.
You’re going to a secure, trusted site.
Pro Tip:
Bookmark frequently used sites to conserve time.
Use Google Search for discovery and investigation.