Brady Picks: Google Tricks

Everyone could benefit from a few shortcuts. At Brady Communications, our team of more than 40 creative, development, administrative, account services and production staff knows how to get the information they need – and get it fast. From converting inches to centimeters to tracking packages, read on to discover some of the search tips and tricks our staff find most helpful.

Convert Units of Measurement

"I have used the unit conversion trick for preparing specifications for clients with overseas advertising needs – I get the answer quickly with complete accuracy."
– Holly, project management

Define a Word

"The one I use a lot is 'define: word.' It brings back the different definitions of the word from a wide variety of sites."
– Matt, development

Mobile Shortcuts
"I send a text message to 466453 ("GOOGLE"). Want the weather? Send 'w pgh' and you'll get a message in your inbox with the current conditions and a three-day forecast. Need a definition on the fly? Send 'd word.' Movie times? Send 'm 15222.' You can also get information on flights, stocks, sports, product prices and more. I use it every day."
– Lia, copy

Search a Specific Site for a Keyword

"If you want to search for specific pages within a Web site, this shortcut will bring up all pages containing that keyword within the site. I like it because it gets you what you really want directly."
– Wayan, development

Track a Package

"The package tracking feature is more convenient than actually going to the carrier's Web site."
– Pete, IT

Reverse Area Code Lookup

"If I get a call from an unfamiliar area code and want to know where the call is coming from, instead of looking up a table of area codes, you can just plug it into the search box in Google and it will return a map of that area code."
– Michael, development