Finding what you really want

The main reason search engines are not effective in helping you find what you are looking for is the way you use them.  Most people don't know how to take advantage of the ADVANCED search features.  Instead they type in one or two word phrases that all lead to the same place... learn how to find what you really want below.

What search terms to people use to find Hawaii sites

In the menu bar to the left are the most commonly used search terms for the calendar year 2001-2002.  These are the phrases others like you used when trying to find Hawaiian Vacation materials and Hawaii pictures.  These terms are commonly found on most Hawaii websites.  Just because you search for these terms doesn't mean you will get a relevant result.  Read the rest of the page for more searching ideas.

How to increase the chances of finding what you want

Using the search engines advanced features can be very helpful in finding what you want.  Some simple tips will help you in your searches

• Use specific multiple word phrases "Maui Hawaii Beachfront Condo"

• Use Quotation marks and connectors (+) (-)

• Use the plural and single form (i.e. condo, condos)

• Think about the process for search terms

Using specific phrases will help you weed through the Search Engine spammers and return a better result.  Whereas Hawaii would return hundreds if not thousands of results, Hawaii Condo will return fewer, and Hawaii Beach Front Condo  even fewer.  Isn't that what you want RELEVANT RESULTS?

Placing your search term within quotation marks makes most search engines search for that EXACT phrase.  For example:  "Hawaii Vacation Guide" will only return sites with that phrase.  But Hawaii Vacation Guide will return all sites that have any of these words.  How to use the (+) (-) connectors.  Type in Vacation +Hawaii -Beach and you get all the sites that have the terms Vacation and Hawaii but not beach.  This would be a good way to find sites about Hawaii Vacations that have EVERYTHING BUT BEACH.  Now you are catching on.

The process - what I mean.  Vacations involves several processes.  You must reserve a room, rent a car, find maps and attractions, airlines, etc.  Thinking of the process in this way allows you go to come up with many more applicable Search Terms.  For example: airfare, airfares, maps, resorts, flying, volleyball... etc.  Think of Beach and you can come up with a dozen other related terms!  How about Hotel?  You have motel, condo, corporate housing, rooms, suites... it goes on and on.  Try to think up 2 and 3 word (or more) phrases containing exactly what you want then use connectors (+) (-) to get exactly where you want.  I think you get the idea.

Who are the major search engines

Most people have heard of Yahoo and Google.  But how many of you have ever heard of Daum?  Did you know they get more visitors than Google?  Probably not.  Unfortunately for most of us they are not an American Search Engine.  The point is we don't always use the right resources.  We use the POPULAR Resources.  Here is a list of Search Engines to consider in your search.

• Google

• Yahoo

• MSN

• Alta Vista

• Lycos

• Ask.com

Use these (with properly worded phrases) and you will pretty much cover every relevant website out there.  Now try the links below for Search Engines and Directories that specialize in Hawaiian Listings.

Thank You for Visiting A2Z Hawaii