Whenever I need information online, I either search Google or type a URL directly. Each choice affects how fast I find what I need. Over time, I’ve noticed that one works better than the other, depending on the situation.
Google processes 5.9 million searches every minute and I used to think it always gave the best results.
Source: SEMRush
Unfortunately, that’s not always true. Sometimes, typing a URL gets me straight to a trusted source without distractions. Other times, searching helps when I don’t know the exact web address or search different options.
Are you also confused about the same thing and need to find out what’s better? Worry not, I’ll help you get some clarity on each method with the help of this guide.
What Is Search Google or Type a URL?
When I use a web browser, I can either search Google or type a URL in the address bar. These two options determine how I reach a webpage. That said, let’s find out what kind of results each option offers.
Google Search
Google Search has been the classic exploration tool for me and for many. When you enter keywords or phrases, Google searches the entire World Wide Web and gives you relevant websites that have the information you want. For example, if I search for “second hand furniture websites in melbourne,” Google gives me all the websites offering this service.
Source: Google Search
Type a URL
Typing a URL takes me straight to a known website. If I already trust a source, this is the fastest way to get there without sorting through search results. For example, if I want to check listings on Gumtree, I type “gumtree.com.au” instead of searching for “second-hand furniture websites in Melbourne.” This saves me from scrolling through ads or less relevant pages.
It also helps when I need accurate information. Instead of searching for my bank’s website and risking clicking on a scam page, I enter the official URL. This keeps me safe from phishing scams and fake websites.
What is the Best Way to Find Information Online?
The best way to find information online depends on what I need. If I know the exact website, typing the URL gets me there faster. If I need to compare options or find something new, Google Search helps.
Still confused about choosing the right method? Let’s find out when to use each.
When to Use the Search Google Option?
I use Google Search when I need information but don’t know the exact website. If I’m looking for product reviews, research materials, or recommendations, searching helps me compare different sources.
For example, if I want to find the best second-hand furniture stores, searching “best second-hand furniture stores in Melbourne” gives me a variety of options to explore.
It’s also helpful when I need up-to-date information. News articles, trending topics and real-time updates are easier to find through Google. Instead of guessing a website, I search for the latest details and pick a trustworthy source from the results.
When to Use the “Type a URL” Option?
Typing a URL is my go-to when I already know the website I need. For example, if I want to check my bank account, I type the official website instead of searching. Doing this protects me from phishing scams and fake pages.
It’s also the best option when I visit a website frequently. I don’t need to search for Gmail or Facebook as I can simply type their URLs and get there instantly, avoiding unnecessary clicks and saving time.
Are there any SEO Benefits of Google Search or Type URL?
Yes, Google Search or Type URL impact SEO differently. When I search on Google, I contribute to a website’s search rankings. When typing a specific keyword and opening a website that I find appealing or useful gives benefits to that website as it gets more clicks from search results which boosts ranking over time.
If you’re a business owner and want to expand your online reach, you must invest in SEO to appear higher when people search for relevant terms.
On the other hand, typing a URL directly does not affect search rankings, but it benefits the website in other ways. Direct traffic signals to search engines that a website has a strong brand presence and loyal visitors. If many people visit a website by typing its URL, Google may recognise it as a trusted source, which can indirectly support SEO.
I’ll show you an example using SEMRush which I use for comparing metrics and analysing my website’s performance. Once I’m logged in, I’ll open “Organic Research.”
Now, I’ll just enter a random website’s domain to see how much traffic comes from Google Search. Let’s consider “Wikipedia” and enter its URL “https://www.wikipedia.org/” in the search bar given.
Then, let’s check “Traffic Analytics” which shows the percentage of visitors coming from direct URLs vs. organic search. Now, you can compare these metrics:
- Organic Search (from Google Search)
- Direct (from users typing your URL)
Source: SEMRush
|
Will Google Search or Typing a URL Benefit a Business Owner? Being a business owner, balancing both is important. You need strong SEO to attract new visitors through search but also need a memorable brand value so your customers return by typing your website’s URL directly. |
Search Google vs Type a URL Comparison: What’s Better?
I have created this table which makes it easy to understand when to search and when to type a URL, with clear use case examples.
|
Factor |
Search Google |
Type a URL |
Use Case Example |
|
Purpose |
Helps users find new information, products, or services without knowing the exact web address. |
Gives direct access to a known website without needing to search. |
Searching for “best online bookstores” vs. typing booktopia.com.au. |
|
Speed & Efficiency |
Can take longer due to multiple results, ads, and ranking factors. |
Immediate access without distractions. |
Searching for “flight deals” vs. going straight to virginaustralia.com to book a flight. |
|
Relevance of Results |
May include paid ads, outdated links, or low-quality pages ranking higher. |
Guaranteed access to the intended website with no distractions. |
Searching for “official Apple store” and seeing ads for third-party sellers vs. typing apple.com. |
Common Questions Asked About Google Search vs URL
How does using Google Search impact my online privacy compared to typing a URL directly?
When I use Google Search, my queries are logged and can be used to build a profile of my interests and behaviour. This data can influence the ads I see and the content recommended to me. In contrast, typing a URL directly into the browser minimises data sharing, as it bypasses the search engine, offering a more private browsing experience.
Can typing a URL directly improve my browsing speed compared to using Google Search?
Yes, typing a URL directly can enhance browsing speed. For instance, if I want to check the weather forecast in Melbourne, typing www.bom.gov.au (Bureau of Meteorology) takes me straight to the source, eliminating the time spent sifting through search results.
Are there accessibility benefits to using Google Search over typing a URL?
Google Search offers accessibility advantages, especially if I have difficulty remembering or typing complex URLs. By entering keywords like “Melbourne public transport,” I can easily find the official Public Transport Victoria website without recalling the exact web address.
How does the choice between Google Search and typing a URL affect mobile data usage?
Using Google Search can consume more mobile data due to loading search results, ads, and additional content. Typing a URL directly accesses the desired site immediately, potentially reducing data usage. For example, entering www.melbourne.vic.gov.au directly is more data-efficient than searching for “City of Melbourne” and navigating through search results.
Can bookmarking frequently visited websites reduce the need for Google Search?
Absolutely. By bookmarking sites I visit often, such as www.theage.com.au for Melbourne news, I can access them with a single click, eliminating the need to perform a Google Search each time and streamlining my browsing experience.
Understanding these aspects helps me make informed decisions about when to use Google Search and when to type a URL directly, enhancing both efficiency and privacy in my online activities.
Search Google or Type a URL: The Verdict
I’ve broken down the differences between searching Google and typing a URL directly, and it’s clear that both have their place. Understanding when to use each method saves time, improves security and makes online browsing more efficient. Whether I’m looking for a business in Melbourne, checking my bank account or booking tickets, choosing the right method helps me avoid unnecessary steps.
If you need expert guidance on optimising your website for search engines or improving direct traffic, PrintVideoWeb can help. We know how to strengthen your online presence, making sure your customers find you, whether they search Google or type your URL directly!
