How to get better search results in Google

We all use Google everyday for various different purposes and we always need that we should find what we are looking for on the first page of our search results but many a times it is not so and we need to refine our search. Yes, keywords do play an important role when performing search but the following tools will provide you some more assistance as well:

1. Using Either/Or:
When you type in a query, Google usually looks for webpages that match all the keywords entered but when you are searching for multiple stuff you can either join them using the keyword "OR" or you can simple separate them by the piping symbol '|'
For eg Google | Microsoft

2. Search for exact phrases:
 When you wish to search for webpages for results that match the exact phrase as you type it in order, you can enclose it in double quotes.
For eg "Apple sues Samsung"

3. All but not a specific keyword:
When you wish to have search results from all webpages containing your query but not containing a specific keyword then this can come in handy. Use the minus prefix before the keyword you wish to exclude from your search results. For example Mobiles-samsung gives all mobile results except those pages containing samsung in the page.

4. Calculator:
Google recently launched this feature, been a few months. You can perform simple arithmetic in the search box itself. You can use the normal arithmetic operations in the query to get your results.

5. Definitions:
You can use Google as a dictionary as well! Just prefix the 'define:' before your keyword. For example define:technology will give you various definitions and also the pronunciation of the word as well.

6. Wildcard:
The * symbol can be used to replace any text. For eg if you cannot remember the exact lyrics of something, * can help. 'cant * me love lyrics' will return the Beatles song you have been searching for provided you remembered the remaining part.

7. Similar Terms:
The ~ returns similar terms.
~bad laptops will return results from ugly laptops and other negative words associated with laptops.

8. Number Range:
If you wish to search for terms within a specific range of numbers you can use 2 periods in betwwen the two extremes. This can be a handy tool. For eg best movies 2001..2009 will return the best movies in between the years 2001 and 2009

9. Specific to a website:
If you wish to search only a specific site for your results, you can use the 'site:' operator.
For eg site:facebook.com will return all public facebook posts that contain the keyword 

10. Advanced Search:
If you want to further detail and refine your search you can always use the advanced search tools ;)

Hope these come in handy some day :D

Cheers!!