Okay, let’s admit it — Regular Expressions (aka RegEx) sound like something straight out of an IIT entrance exam. But once you get the hang of it, they can be super powerful. Especially inside Google Search Console (GSC). So today, I’m breaking it down, Indian-jugaad-style.
If you’ve ever wanted to filter queries or pages in GSC like a pro, or just impress your SEO friends at chai time — this is for you.
What is Regex in Google Search Console?
So Google finally gave us what we wanted — RegEx filters in GSC! Basically, instead of filtering queries or URLs using just “contains” or “does not contain”, you can now use RegEx — the cooler, smarter cousin — to slice and dice your data.
That means more specific, powerful, and mind-blowingly useful search filters. 💥
What Are Regular Expressions?
RegEx is basically a pattern-matching language. It lets you define search patterns using special symbols.
Think of it like using shorthand to tell GSC:
“Bro, show me only those queries that start with how to, but skip the ones with buy in them.”
You can’t do that with normal filters. But with RegEx in GSC — oh yes, you can!
Benefits of RegEx in Google Search Console
-
Laser-focused filtering of search queries and pages
-
Find weird, long-tail queries no one’s watching
-
Save time (and brain cells) when auditing content
-
Easily combine multiple filters in one go
And yeah, it just makes you feel like an SEO ninja.
How to Create Your RegEx (Without Going Mad)
Let’s break it down with examples:
1. Match queries starting with a word
👉 ^how to
(Gives you all queries starting with “how to”)
2. Match queries containing multiple words
👉 seo|sem|smm
(Gives queries with either seo OR sem OR smm)
3. Exclude words (negate)
👉 Use the does not match RegEx and pattern: .*buy.*
(Excludes anything with “buy” in it)
4. Match pages that contain a folder
👉 /blog/.*
(Matches any page that starts with /blog/)
💡Tip: Always test your RegEx before applying it fully — and don’t worry if you mess up. We all do in the beginning. 😅
Why Use RegEx Instead of Other Filters?
Because the normal filters are like plain chai.
RegEx is masala chai — it does more, tastes better (figuratively), and makes your SEO life spicier.
With standard filters, you’re stuck with “contains” or “exact match”. But what if you want to:
-
Match a bunch of variations (e.g. “iphone”, “i-phone”, “i phone”)?
-
Exclude brand terms?
-
Only look at question queries?
You need RegEx, my friend.
How to Use RegEx in Google Search Console?
Here’s the quick chai-break guide:
-
Go to GSC > Performance Report
-
Click on the filter for Queries or Pages
-
Choose Custom (RegEx)
-
Type in your fancy pattern
-
Click Apply. And boom!
You’re now part of the RegEx elite. 🎉
What Useful Data Can RegEx Provide?
Here’s the fun stuff you can uncover with RegEx filters in GSC:
-
All queries that start with what, how, why — content ideas goldmine!
-
Brand vs non-brand query analysis
-
Pages with specific folder names (like
/offers/or/services/) -
Filter blog pages vs landing pages
-
Find cannibalizing queries with overlapping keywords
Basically, it’s like putting GSC on steroids (in a legal way). 😎
Tools & Resources
If you want to get serious about this stuff, here are some go-to spots:
-
regex101.com — Your new best friend
-
Google’s official RegEx help page
-
YouTube tutorials (for the visual learners out there)
Wrapping It Up
So there you go — Regex in Google Search Console, decoded and desified. Whether you’re tracking content performance, digging up hidden queries, or flexing your SEO muscles, RegEx gives you the edge.
Remember: Start small. Break things. Learn. Laugh. And maybe bookmark this page for future sanity.
And hey — next time you’re sipping chai and someone says “RegEx is too complicated,” just smile and send them this blog. 😉
