We’ve all heard the phrase ‘Google it’.
As a matter of fact, you probably say it a lot more often than you think.
It’s easy to stick to your guns, have Google be your predominant search engine, and be on your way.
Regardless, there are definitely other options for search engines if you find yourself wanting to broaden your horizons.
If you’re looking for alternative search engines to Google, you’ve come to the right place! Here are our top 7 picks based on the past 7 years running our SEO agency.
DuckDuckGo
If your main concern is to do with online privacy, DuckDuckGo is the search engine for you. It prides itself on not tracking or personalising your searches and results - which some definitely prefer.
DuckDuckGo can even help you understand Google tracking and filter bubbling!
As an iOS user, you can also set DuckDuckGo as your default search engine - you can even do this on macOS when using Safari.
Ecosia
For the eco conscious, consider Ecosia. If you want trees planted every time you search, this is the search engine for you!
By running your standard searches on the engine, its surplus income is then sent to conservationist organisations that plant trees.
Most of all, you don’t have to sacrifice low-quality results to do good - Ecosia utilises the Bing search engine combined with their own algorithms.
Dogpile
For those who want searches from Google, Bing, and Yahoo combined - try Dogpile. It pulls results from the top three search engines seamlessly, giving you the top result every single time.
Plus, the search button reads “Go Fetch!”, which we find amusing.
WolframAlpha
If you need a search engine based on metrics and computation, try WolframAlpha. The search engine gives you dated historical information, website data, stock data, unit conversions, sport statistics - the list is endless.
Gigablast
If open-source search engines are your jam, Gigablast is a great place to start.
It isn’t perfect, and the search results aren’t always accurate - but the vibe is retro, and its own version of Google Instant is pretty damn spot on.
Startpage
If you want to search without being tracked, Startpage is another sold option.
With no cookies or trackers, the site allows you to search monitor-free.
Plus, the site offers a Chrome plugin, so fans of the web browser can continue to use both Chrome and Startpage simultaneously.
Qwant
Finally, an EU based search engine - Qwant. It is a Paris-based search engine with the intention of protecting your privacy.
The first search engine to protect the user’s privacy and preserve the “digital ecosystem” in remaining neutral - Qwant is an interesting pick for those who are looking for a search engine with a lil’ edge.
What about other search engines?
From social media networks to images, and everything in between - here’s a quick dot point list of our top picks.
Social Network Specific Advanced Search
- Facebook Search
- LinkedIn People Search
- LinkedIn Job Search
- Twitter Search
- Keyhole
- Buzzsumo
Forums
- Boardreader
Images
- Flickr
- Bing
- Google Advanced Image Search
- TinEye
Creative Commons Media
- Creative Commons
- Wikimedia
Website Data & Statistics
- CrunchBase
- SimilarWeb
- BuiltWith
Search engine experts, unite!
Sure, Google is (by a mile) the most popular search engine to date.
It will probably stay like this for a long while.
But there’s no shame in using alternatives - whether that be for general search engines, or more specific information such as website data or creative commons materials.
Whatever your niche is, there’s a search engine for it!
If you’re still confused, get a free proposal with Local Digital today - we’ll help you optimise your content no matter the search engine.
