Should You Search Google or Type a URL?

So, when you open a browser, you’ll often see the prompt "Search Google or type a URL". It’s your browser giving you two different paths to get where you want to go online. You can search google to find websites based on keywords or queries, or you can type in the exact web address (URL) if you know it.

But what’s the difference, and when should you use one over the other?

Before we dive into the nerdier aspects of web browsing, it’s essential to understand that both methods play a huge role in how the majority of internet users access the web. With Google processing over 8.5 billion searches per day—we know, crazy right? It's clear that most people rely on search engines to find information quickly…if you aren’t not sure what you are doing. Ok, enough of that, let’s get to what you came here for.

When To Search Google

Let’s start with the most common option–searching Google. When you don’t have a specific website in mind, or maybe you’re just looking for general information, searching is the way to go. For instance, typing "best restaurants in my area" into Google will give you a list of results, from restaurant reviews to blogs and maps showing nearby spots. You will first see the local map listings or better known as the Google Maps, then you will see the SEO SERPs.

Quick Examples Why You’d want to Search Google:

• You’re exploring new topics: Let’s say you’re planning a trip, but don’t know which hotel to pick—Google’s your best friend here. Need to gather ideas? Start your research with a quick google search. Look at the “People Also Ask” section, this is a good way to generate ideas. This is one of the frameworks we use to help with ideas for blog writing.
• You don’t know the exact URL: You saw and ad from a business that you really liked and forgot to save it in your IG Folders. If you don’t know the site’s address but know the brand or topic, searching will most likely help you find it. Google will suggest relevant websites, helping you find the right one without needing precise details.
• You want multiple sources: Maybe you’re researching for a blog post (like this one), and you need multiple perspectives on a topic. Searching gives you a broad range of options. This makes it easy to explore different viewpoints and gather comprehensive information on any topic. Just make sure you stay on topic because we know sometimes we go down a different path that we originally intended.

Here is a quick stat for you: Did you know that over 6.3 million searches are conducted on Google in a minute? Pretty crazy right?! It’s not just a search engine; it’s basically a gateway to nearly everything you need online. Take a step back and really think about the opportunities you have now compared to years ago. All the information you need is at your fingertips. Ok, moving on.

The Chrome Omnibox

The majority of us use the Omnibox and do not know what it is or even that we are using it. Some users go to Google directly and then type in what they are looking for. Well, if you use the address bar on top of your Web browser while using Google Chrome, then you are using the Omnibox. You’re welcome, now you know what is called; one more thing, this is from years ago, more than a decade.

Think of the Omnibox as a super-smart search bar. It's that box where you type website addresses, but it does way more than that. When you type in the Omnibox, it tries to guess what you want. Maybe you're looking for a website, or you want to search for something, or you're trying to find a page you visited before.

The Omnibox handles all of this in one place. It's like having a personal assistant for your web browsing. As you use it more, it learns what you like and gets better at helping you. This makes finding stuff online quicker and easier. Instead of having separate boxes for different tasks, the Omnibox does it all, saving you time and making your internet experience smoother.

When To Type The URL Directly

Typing a URL is perfect and way more convenient when you already know the website you want to visit. It’s faster, direct, and super efficient. And get this, it also saves you from encountering potentially misleading links or ads. For example, if you know you want to log in to Facebook, typing "facebook.com" is quicker than searching and then clicking the result. Typing also helps avoid any confusion or distraction.

You should type a URL when:

• You’re visiting specific sites: If you’re checking your bank account or logging into social media, typing the URL directly will get you there faster. You also get the added bonus of not having to sift through search results or ads.
• You want to avoid phishing: Typing the URL ensures you go to the exact site, reducing the risk of falling for phishing scams or malicious websites. Did you know that 1 in 13 web requests lead to malware? By typing the URL, you’re more likely to avoid this risk.

How Searching Google or Typing a URL Affects SEO Rankings

So, let’s talk about how SEO (Search Engine Optimization) plays into this. Websites optimize their content to rank higher in Google searches. That means when you search google or type a URL, certain websites pop up at the top, and these aren’t random—they’re the result of smart SEO strategies.

Here’s what’s trending in SEO right now:

• Mobile-first indexing: Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites because more than 63% of searches happen on mobile devices. So, if a site isn’t optimized for mobile, it won’t rank high in search results.
• Voice search: As more people use Siri or Alexa to browse the web, websites are optimizing for conversational search queries. Voice search optimization is expected to grow as devices like Google Home and Amazon Echo become even more popular.

These SEO trends affect what you see when you search on Google. SEO influences everything, from the keywords used on a page to how fast a site loads and whether it’s mobile-friendly. So, when you search Google and see certain websites at the top, it’s because these sites have optimized their content to match what users are looking for and meet Google’s ranking criteria.

But remember, even though top-ranked sites may be trustworthy and well-optimized, that doesn’t always mean they’re the most secure. SEO rankings prioritize relevance and authority, but they don’t guarantee that the site is free from security risks. Typing a URL directly still has its benefits—especially when it comes to safety and speed.

Learn more: How many keywords you need to use for your blog to rank

Should I Search or Type The URL? Security Comes First

You might wonder, “Is it always safe to search?” The short answer is not always. While Google does an excellent job of filtering out harmful websites, it isn’t 100% foolproof. Some can still slip through the cracks. In the first quarter of 2024, more than 963,000 distinct phishing websites were identified across the globe. That’s why typing the URL of trusted websites is often the safer option.

When you search or type a web address, always make sure you’re visiting secure websites, especially for personal accounts like banking, email, or shopping. Look for the "https" at the beginning of the URL—that’s your clue that the site is secure.

Another reason to type the URL instead of searching? Ads. When you search, you’re often shown ads that may be trying to sell you something or persuade you to click a link. Some of these ads are legitimate, but others might redirect you to questionable or even downright malicious sites.

How to Boost Your Browsing Efficiency

Want to improve your browsing experience? Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of each method, let’s look at a few tips to help you browse more efficiently, whether you’re using a search engine or typing a URL:

• Use bookmarks: Do you just want to skip the entire typing process and get to your favorite sites instantly? Bookmark the sites you frequent most. This way, you won’t need to search google or type a URL every time.
• Auto-fill options: Most modern browsers will auto-complete URLs based on your history, meaning you can start typing "fa" and your browser will suggest "facebook.com" without finishing the whole address. It’s quite the time-saver, isn’t it? Does the Omnibox come to mind now?
• Be mindful of links: Services like Bit.ly or TinyURL can make web addresses shorter, but they can also hide the real destination. Always hover over links before clicking, especially in emails. This will reveal the full URL, so you can double-check if it looks safe.

So, Should You Search Google or Type a URL?

In the end, it all comes down to your specific needs at the moment. This process might sounds like a no-brainer to you, because we’ve become so accustomed to it, but we rarely slow or stop and think about the functions we do. Perfect example would be the Omnibox…did you ever know what it was called?

So, If you’re looking to explore new topics, compare options, or you’re unsure of a website’s address, searching Google is the way to go. But if speed, efficiency, and security are your top priorities, typing a URL will get you to your destination directly. Better yet, if you have your frequent website bookmarked, then you are skipping the entire process here.

If you're looking to improve how your website appears in search results and attract more visitors, Alterior Digital is here to help. Our expert SEO services are designed to boost your website’s visibility, optimize for keywords, and enhance your site’s performance, so you get noticed by the right audience at the right time. Whether you're trying to rank higher on Google or improve your site’s usability, we offer tailored solutions to help you reach your goals.