When should I search Google, and when should I type a URL?

If you want to access a specific website and have the correct URL for the same, then typing out the URL is always suggested. However, if you want more ideas and want to scroll through a few options, then searching on Google is more appropriate.

How can I improve my Google search results?

Using the right keywords is one of the best ways to improve your Google search results. You can also get better Google search results by surfing through those websites only which are reliable and have trusted information.

What is the purpose of the URL bar in a web browser?

The purpose of the URL bar in a web browser is that it helps you to search out specific websites. It is often referred to as the location bar as well.

Can I use a search engine to find specific files on the internet?

Yes, you can use a search engine to find specific files on the internet. However, in that case, you have to include the right keywords or the accurate title. This will increase the chances of finding specific files on the internet.

What does “Search Google or type a URL” actually mean?

“Search Google or type a URL” is the default prompt in a browser’s address bar (Omnibox). It allows users to either enter a website address directly or perform a Google search for information, keywords, or queries. Modern browsers like Chrome also suggest predictive results as you type.

How does predictive search improve my browsing experience?

Predictive search uses AI and machine learning to anticipate what you want to search for. As you type in the Omnibox, Google or the browser suggests queries, URLs, and even relevant content, helping you find answers faster and explore new ideas you may not have considered.

Can I use the search bar to perform advanced searches?

Yes! You can use the search bar to perform advanced queries, like finding specific file types (PDF, DOCX), searching within a site using site:, or filtering results by date. Combining this with Google’s AI-powered suggestions makes searching more efficient and precise.

How does Google determine which results to show first?

Google ranks results based on relevance, search intent, content quality, backlinks, and AI-driven analysis of user behavior. Using the right keywords and understanding search intent helps you quickly find the most useful and reliable results.

Can AI help me find competitors or trending content through search suggestions?

Yes! Google’s predictive search and AI-driven autocomplete can reveal trending topics, popular queries, and competitor websites. Marketers and researchers can use these insights for SEO, content strategy, and competitive analysis.

Search Google or Type a URL: Which Gives Better Results?

SEO

Published: Oct 08, 2024

Updated on: Oct 14, 2025

Summary: Google is the go-to platform for all your relevant or irrelevant queries since it provides a wealth of information and alternatives. While some use search terms, others look for information directly by typing a URL. But which approach is better for you? Let’s find out in this blog post.

Key takeaways:-

Google Search is ideal for exploring a wide range of information and discovering new resources.
Typing a URL offers quick access to specific websites, making it efficient for users with a clear destination.
The best choice depends on whether you seek broad options or need direct access to a particular site.

Users can access information on the web with the help of two methods – search Google or type a URL.

Being proficient on the internet is essential for effectively locating information in this digital age. There are two main ways to navigate through online resources: by directly entering specific URLs or by using search engines like Google. The advantages and disadvantages of each strategy influence how users access content. While direct URL entry offers instant access to specific websites, search engines provide a wide variety of results based on keywords.

Table of Contents

What Exactly Is Search Google or Type a URL?

When you open a modern web browser, such as Google Chrome, you often see a prompt in the address bar that reads “Search Google or type a URL”. This bar, also called the Omnibox because it serves multiple purposes, allows you to either perform a Google search or directly enter a website’s URL to access a specific page.

Depending on the browser or language settings, the text may vary slightly, appearing as “search or type web address”, “search or enter URL”, or similar phrasing. Regardless of the variation, the intent is the same: it guides you to either search the internet using Google or navigate directly to a website by typing its address.

Both Google searches and direct URL input are among the most popular and efficient ways to find information online. Choosing between them depends on your preferences and the context of your search.
By understanding how to leverage both options effectively, users and businesses can streamline their online navigation and maximize productivity, whether performing research, competitive analysis, or simply finding the information they need.

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Search Google

“Search Google” refers to entering keywords, phrases, or questions directly into the Google search engine. This method leverages Google’s algorithms, search intent analysis, and AI-powered predictive suggestions to deliver a wide array of results. The outcomes depend on:>

The keywords and phrases you enter.>
Understanding the user intent (informational, navigational, or transactional).>
Google’s AI-driven ranking system that prioritizes the most relevant content.>

Using Google search is ideal when you are exploring topics, comparing information, or conducting research. Additionally, predictive search and AI suggestions help users discover relevant content faster by auto-completing queries or suggesting related topics.

Type an URL

Another method of finding out information from the internet is by the method of searching and typing URLs. In this case, you will need to type out the website URL directly instead of searching through the various search engines. Each website has a unique URL and searching out the same on the browser will help you to get relevant information.

Direct URL entry is useful when you already know the website you want to visit, need quick access to a specific page, or are trying to reach a secure or official source directly. Modern browsers, with features like the Omnibox, even combine URL input with search suggestions, enhancing accuracy and speed.

How to Effectively Search on Google?

Google search is primary for all kinds of businesses, irrespective of what is the scale of the industry you are operating from. Google has one of the most powerful algorithms, and hence, the right search can help you narrow down your choice with ease. While searching on Google might seem fairly simple, in reality, it has more paradigms than others know. Some of the steps that you can perform for an effective search on Google are:

You will first need to launch a browser of your choice and this can be Chrome, Firefox, or even Safari.
Next, you will need to navigate to the Google homepage.
In the search bar which is usually at the center of the screen, you will need to type in the relevant keywords or phrases.
There will be a host of information available, however, only the first few pages have reliable and relevant information based on Google algorithm.
Click on the link that suits your search goals.

How to Properly Type a URL?

As discussed, the other way to find accurate information from the internet is with the help of a URL. This is a quick method, and you will usually be able to get a host of information options. The steps to type a URL for the right search are:

To find information on a specific website, start by entering its URL directly into your browser. For instance, typing in techmagnate.com will take you to the homepage, where you can explore its subpages. If you’re looking for specific content on that site, you can refine your search using the syntax “example.com” followed by your search term. This will narrow your results to that particular website, filtering out other sources.

Key Points:

Open your browser and navigate to the address bar.
To visit the site, enter its URL (for example, pagetraffic.com).
To search, type “site.com” followed by your search term.
Press Enter to see results specific to that website.

Search Google vs. Type a URL: A Detailed Comparison

Often, people are confused about whether they should search Google or type a URL. A detailed understanding of the difference between the two are:

Point of Difference	Search on Google	Type an URL
Speed Efficacy	It could be delayed because one has to search through the search engine results.	If you know the correct URL, it takes only a few seconds of time.
Search Engine Algorithm	Often, the result is influenced by the search engine algorithm and the advertisements.	Due to the presence of direct navigation, this process does not get hampered due to the search engine algorithm.
Safety	Google is highly secured, and hence, in case of suspicious websites, it can levy an active filter protocol.	Direct entering of the URL into the address bar of browsers does not guarantee much security.
Convenience	Google search is extremely user friendly and if you want to get access to varied information, this is a good option.	Users have to know exactly which is the site they are searching for and the correct URL. Even one incorrect word can lead to differences in search results.
User Experience	The user experience is usually promising, and users will be able to discover a host of new tools and information.	Often, it is a common choice for those users who want to streamline their search experience and have a knowledge of accurate URLs.
Intent	This is a good option for those who do not have anything specific in mind and are looking for a broader and more comprehensive search.	If you want a specific search result, then typing out a URL is a good option.
Rate of Error	It is quite common to be presented with irrelevant options because of the broad spectrum of searches.	The chances of making a mistake are usually zero, and this is because of the direct website navigation.

How AI and Predictive Search Are Changing the Experience

Modern search engines like Google are no longer just simple keyword matchers,they use AI and predictive search to anticipate user intent and deliver faster, more relevant results. When you start typing in the browser’s address bar or Omnibox, AI-powered suggestions appear automatically, helping you:

Discover relevant keywords and phrases before you even finish typing.
Refine your search intent by suggesting related queries based on past behavior, trending topics, and location.
Access relevant websites quickly by combining URL suggestions with search predictions.
Save time on research, as predictive search reduces the number of steps needed to reach valuable content.

For businesses and digital marketers, understanding how AI and predictive search work is crucial. These technologies provide insights into how users search for products, services, or content online, which can guide SEO strategy, content planning, and competitive research.

By leveraging AI-driven suggestions in Chrome or other browsers, users can perform more effective searches, uncover content gaps, and improve visibility in search engine results.

Troubleshooting and Customizing Your Search Bar

Your browser’s search bar or Omnibox is a powerful tool, but optimizing it for your needs can enhance both speed and accuracy. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and customize it:

Set your default search engine: Ensure Google is selected as the default for the most relevant AI-driven search suggestions. Other options include Bing or Yahoo depending on your preference.
Enable predictive search/autocomplete: In Chrome, make sure autocomplete and predictive search features are turned on to take advantage of AI-driven query suggestions.
Clear cache and browsing data: If your search results appear inaccurate or outdated, clearing the browser cache can resolve these issues.
Add custom search engines: For frequent searches on specific websites, add custom search engines to your Omnibox to quickly navigate to target URLs.
Check extensions or plugins: Sometimes browser extensions may interfere with predictive search or URL suggestions. Disable conflicting extensions if needed.
Personalize your search experience: Chrome and other browsers allow personalization of suggestions based on your browsing history, improving both convenience and efficiency.

Optimizing your search bar ensures a smooth and productive browsing experience, allowing you to leverage both direct URL entry and AI-powered predictive search effectively.

Deciding Between Google Search and Typing a URL: Which Is the Better Choice?

Whether you should search or type a web address depends completely on the goal that you envision. If you are looking to get multiple options for a concept, then opting for a Google search can be more effective. On the contrary, if you are looking to search only for one website and have the specifics in mind, like the correct URL, then typing out the URL is often more effective.

Ready to enhance your online navigation skills?

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When should I search Google, and when should I type a URL?

If you want to access a specific website and have the correct URL for the same, then typing out the URL is always suggested. However, if you want more ideas and want to scroll through a few options, then searching on Google is more appropriate.
How can I improve my Google search results?

Using the right keywords is one of the best ways to improve your Google search results. You can also get better Google search results by surfing through those websites only which are reliable and have trusted information.
What is the purpose of the URL bar in a web browser?

The purpose of the URL bar in a web browser is that it helps you to search out specific websites. It is often referred to as the location bar as well.
Can I use a search engine to find specific files on the internet?

Yes, you can use a search engine to find specific files on the internet. However, in that case, you have to include the right keywords or the accurate title. This will increase the chances of finding specific files on the internet.
What does “Search Google or type a URL” actually mean?

“Search Google or type a URL” is the default prompt in a browser’s address bar (Omnibox). It allows users to either enter a website address directly or perform a Google search for information, keywords, or queries. Modern browsers like Chrome also suggest predictive results as you type.
How does predictive search improve my browsing experience?

Predictive search uses AI and machine learning to anticipate what you want to search for. As you type in the Omnibox, Google or the browser suggests queries, URLs, and even relevant content, helping you find answers faster and explore new ideas you may not have considered.
Can I use the search bar to perform advanced searches?

Yes! You can use the search bar to perform advanced queries, like finding specific file types (PDF, DOCX), searching within a site using site:, or filtering results by date. Combining this with Google’s AI-powered suggestions makes searching more efficient and precise.
How does Google determine which results to show first?

Google ranks results based on relevance, search intent, content quality, backlinks, and AI-driven analysis of user behavior. Using the right keywords and understanding search intent helps you quickly find the most useful and reliable results.
Can AI help me find competitors or trending content through search suggestions?

Yes! Google’s predictive search and AI-driven autocomplete can reveal trending topics, popular queries, and competitor websites. Marketers and researchers can use these insights for SEO, content strategy, and competitive analysis.

Sarvesh Bagla

Founder and CEO - Techmagnate

Sarvesh Bagla is an enterprise SEO expert and industry leader who has driven transformational digital growth for India’s top brands across the BFSI, Healthcare, Automotive, and ECommerce industries. As the Founder and CEO of Techmagnate, he leads large-scale organic search strategies and performance marketing campaigns for businesses looking to succeed in today’s AI-driven search landscape.

A strong advocate for thought leadership, Sarvesh is deeply involved in SEO evangelism and regularly contributes to industry discussions through LinkedIn, webinars, and CMO roundtables. His focus today is on helping brands prepare for an AI-first SEO future (AEO, GEO) and strategies for Large Language Models (LLMs) at the core.