Discovering Relevant Forums Using Google: A Smart Approach
In a recent announcement, Google revealed a significant change: they will be replacing the Perspectives filter with the Forums filter. This alteration comes soon after the Perspectives filter was launched in May 2023, prompting me to explore effective techniques for activating specific filters and conducting vertical searches on Google—even for queries where the Forums option isn’t immediately visible in the search interface.
How to Activate the Forums Filter
Activating the Forums filter on Google is surprisingly straightforward. To do this, simply append &udm=18 to your search URL.
For instance, if I were to search for “SGE“, Google typically does not display forum results or offer the Forums filter. The resulting search URL would be:
https://www.google.com/search?q=sge&gl=us&hl=en
However, by adding &udm=18, the adjusted URL would look like this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=sge&gl=us&hl=en&udm=18
Once you do this, you’ll be able to access the Forums filter effortlessly!
The Benefits of Using the Forums Filter
The Forums filter opens up numerous opportunities for various applications, especially in the realm of search engine optimization (SEO). Here are a couple of scenarios where it can be particularly beneficial:
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Link Building: If you’re engaged in link-building activities, leveraging forums eliminates the need to scour the internet for phrases like “{keyword} Powered by phpBB.” You can now directly access discussions relevant to your keywords, making the process more efficient.
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Keyword Research: Forums serve as a goldmine for understanding what your target audience is discussing and the specific terminology they use. For example, examining forum discussions for the keyword “iPhone” may reveal insights, such as user feedback about the light blue variant of the latest model appearing almost white—an observation that might be overlooked if you solely check conventional search results.
Do you find these insights beneficial? What other innovative uses can you think of for the Forums filter? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
One response to “How to find relevant Forums with Google – the smart way”
This is a fantastic overview of the new Forums filter, and I appreciate how you highlighted its practical applications for link building and keyword research!
I’d like to add that the Forums filter can also be incredibly useful for identifying trends in consumer sentiment and user experience. For instance, businesses looking to improve their products or services can actively monitor discussions on relevant forums to gauge customer feedback and pain points that may not be present in more formal reviews. This could provide invaluable real-time insight into shifting preferences and challenges that users face.
Moreover, engaging in these forums can help foster community relationships. By participating in discussions and offering genuine help, brands can build trust and credibility, which are essential in today’s competitive landscape.
Have you considered creating a strategy for responding to inquiries or joining conversations on these forums? It could be an excellent way to position yourself as a thought leader in your niche. Would love to hear more about your thoughts on community engagement through forums!