What to do when Google doesn't have the answers you need

(This article was originally published on 10/31/17 and has since been updated.)

The internet is a vast repository of information, making it ideal for research. However, even Google, the most popular search engine, has its limitations. Sometimes, your searches yield unsatisfactory or no results. When this happens, you need to expand your research strategy. Here's how to tap into the internet's full potential:

Explore Alternative Search Engines

Google isn't your only option. Other search engines can uncover information Google misses. For general searches, compare Google results with those from Bing or the privacy-focused DuckDuckGo.

Specialized search tools cater to specific needs. Wolfram Alpha, for instance, excels at providing concise answers, comparisons, and mathematical formulas. It's useful for solving equations, exploring chemical structures, researching notable figures, and more. If Google fails to understand your query, Wolfram Alpha might succeed.

For public posts and messages, Boardreader searches public forums and message boards. Its results can reveal valuable resources and experts in your field of inquiry.

The Internet Archive is a treasure trove of archived webpages, articles, images, and software. Its search function allows you to explore historical online content.

Leverage Social Media

While social media might not contain in-depth research papers, it can unearth relevant discussions and links. Facebook and Twitter offer built-in search tools. Utilize advanced search filters (location, date, language, etc.) on both platforms to refine your search and uncover more pertinent results.

Consult Experts

If online information is scarce, seek expert advice. Social media searches or news articles citing experts can help you identify relevant individuals. University and company websites often list experts by field of study, providing easy access to contact information.

Investigate Public Records

The internet holds countless documents beyond Google's reach. Instead of using search engines, directly access public records websites and government portals. USA.gov, the Public Records Online Directory, and the Library of Congress are excellent starting points. Depending on your topic, more specialized repositories may exist.

Access Academic Documents

For academic research, visit journal websites directly or use specialized search engines. Wikipedia maintains a comprehensive list of academic search engines, including arXiv.org (for math and physics) and ScienceDirect, which allows searching by keywords, authors, and journal titles. Similar resources exist for non-academic, specialized documents.

Think Differently

Sometimes, a shift in perspective is necessary. If your initial search yields no results, try a related search. If you're looking for a recent news article, visit the publisher's website and use its search function. To manage your research effectively, use your browser's bookmarking feature and consider saving important pages locally.

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