How to use Custom (Regex) Filter in Google Search Console

Hidden keywords are those search terms your audience is using but may not be immediately visible in your SEO reports. 

Discovering these keywords can reveal untapped opportunities to drive traffic and improve rankings. 

By uncovering hidden keywords, you can create more targeted content that aligns better with your audience’s search intent, leading to increased visibility, higher engagement, and ultimately, better conversions. 

In a competitive digital landscape, leaving such keywords undiscovered could mean missing out on valuable organic traffic.

So, how can we find these keywords?

Google Search Console

Google Search Console (GSC) is an indispensable tool for anyone serious about improving their site’s search performance.

It provides in-depth insights into how your website performs in search and the specific queries people use to find you. 

One of its most powerful features is the ability to dig deep into query data, allowing you to spot patterns, track keyword performance, and discover hidden opportunities that might not be apparent in more surface-level SEO tools.

What is that feature?

Query Custom (Regex) Filter.

Before we dive into how to use it, It’s worth understanding - Regular Expressions.

Get Your Free Regex Syntax PDF for Various SEO Use Cases – Download Now!

What is Regex, and why is it important?

Regex, short for regular expressions, is a sequence of characters that define a search pattern. 

In the context of Google Search Console, regex enables you to search for more complex query patterns beyond exact matches. This makes regex a powerful tool for SEO, as it allows you to capture a wide range of keyword variations, user intents, and even common misspellings. 

Its importance lies in its flexibility: you can tailor your searches to discover hidden keywords that might otherwise go unnoticed with basic filtering methods.

Benefits of Regex Filter in Google Search Console

1. Save Time with Complex Searches:

Rather than manually filtering large data sets, regex allows you to apply complex filters quickly and efficiently. This makes it much easier to manage large keyword sets and uncover insights without spending excessive time combing through data.

2. Use GSC as a Keyword Research Tool:

Google Search Console queries reports include keywords or keyword variations you may have missed during initial keyword research. Use these keywords to address content gaps or build new pages.

3. Expand Organic Visibility: 

Using regex syntax, you can easily filter out topics that are not only within your niche but also adjacent topics.

Get Your Free Regex Syntax PDF for Various SEO Use Cases – Download Now!

How to use Custom Regex Filters in Google Search Console

Using regex filters in Google Search Console is fairly straightforward. When viewing your performance data, 

1. Add the “Query“ tab.
2. Select the filter option. 
3. Choose "Custom (regex)" and enter your regular expression to filter the query results. 

Following are couple of Regex syntax to filter out queries-

1. Identifying Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are less competitive and often more targeted, making them highly valuable for SEO. With Regex, you can filter queries that include multiple words or specific phrases, helping you identify these long-tail opportunities with ease.

Regex Syntax for X words:

‍(\b\w+\b\W*){X}

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2. Filtering Queries with Specific Modifiers

Modifiers like “best,” “top,” or “cheap” can indicate a user’s intent to purchase or compare. Using Regex, you can filter queries containing these modifiers, allowing you to hone in on keywords with high conversion potential.

Regex Syntax:

‍\b(best|top|cheap|leading|top-rated|vs|tool|platform|product|solution|software|alternative|purchase|buy)\b

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3. Discovering Questions and Informational Queries

Questions are often indicative of users seeking detailed information. By using Regex to filter queries starting with words like “how,” “what,” or “why,” you can identify informational keywords that can guide your content creation efforts.

Regex Syntax:

^(what|how|why|when|where|who)

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We have listed more similar SEO use cases with Regex Syntax in the PDF below.

That's how you can leverage the custom regex filter in Google Search Console to uncover a hidden keyword treasure trove.