Every day, millions of people hop online and face a familiar question: should you Search Google or Type a URL directly into your browser? At first glance, it seems like a no-brainer, but the method you choose can actually impact your browsing speed, efficiency, and security.
Many internet users default to Google search for nearly everything, but there are scenarios where typing a URL directly into your browser can be more beneficial. Knowing when to rely on a search engine and when to type a URL can directly affect and enhance your overall browsing experience. Let’s break it down and explore when it’s best to search and when you should just type that URL in.
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.
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:
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 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.
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:
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:
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
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.
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:
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.
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