Key Points:
- Google Search is currently testing a new function called “Custom Filters”, which gives the user the ability to display search results according to multiple custom criteria.
- Users can add keywords on top of the given time frame, and filter by site, file type, and domain type to get the resulting search as per their requirements.
- Custom filters can be saved using a custom name that can be applied to future searches thereby optimizing the entire search experience.
Google, in its constant drive for perfection, has brought a new feature to its current search feature known as “Custom Filters” which improves the user’s search experience. Registered users of this function are able to receive search results optimized by unique parameters, tested with small groups of people.
Custom filters give users the opportunity to fine-tune and thus narrow down search results by typing certain keywords or maintain a whitelist with websites they choose themselves. Additionally, users have the option to filter their searches based on document types such as PDFs, Docs, Presentations, eBooks, and Podcasts. Also, filtration can be adjusted by domain, .org, .gov, .edu and time range from last 1 hour to last 1 year.
After adding a filter, users can save the setup by name and easily access it for any other queries they want to run. Google provided examples of query filters, for example showing discussions from sites like Quora and Reddit, or filtering PDF documents; The information can be customized to suit the user’s interests.
Although Google has not yet announced this feature, it may undergo A/B testing which is a method of measuring a new concept. Nevertheless, the use of custom filters is a big step forward in empowering searchers to achieve higher specificity and relevance of search results which will be complemented by other features such as advanced search and search operators. Soon, users will be able to have a better search experience through personalized and automated tools (custom filters) to achieve better targeting, which will be available to all users.
