Search Tips Martijn van Welie Users need to know how to control the search engine
From www.minvws.nl/
Beginners that use a search function that allows for some more elaborate term matching control. Not to be used with Advanced Search. Offer help on keywords and on matching options. Provide short description together with an example. One line of explanation, give an example. Use simple wording. For example; "Use quotes to search for an exact phrase" or "Use commas to search for any combination of the words". The provide an example. Make sure they are visible next to the search itself. Either with a link or immediately. The explanation describes in non-technical words what users can do while the example shows them how to do it. This avoids syntax errors. This example is taken from IBM