Whether you're just doing a casual search on the Web or researching for your term paper's topic, it's always a very good idea that you identify specifically what you're searching for from the very beginning.

Developing a web search plan is a practical idea for newbie's and even expert searchers. This is particularly helpful when you're looking for a targeted result.

It might also surprise you and give you some bonus. Who knows, maybe you'll find a treasure that gives you more important information about your topic. Here are some of the basic questions you must ask yourself before searching the Web:

What do I understand about the topic already?

First, you have to identify the key concepts you'll be using. For example, if your topic is on the impact of the World Trade Organization (WTO) policies on developing countries, you may work on the following key concepts: free trade, Third World, and globalization. You have to understand what you're looking for. If not, you'll be having difficulty searching it on the Web.

You also have to gauge how much information you'll need. If you're writing a two-page reaction paper, there's no need to exhaust all information you get from your searches. However, if you're writing a 30-page report, take as much information related to your topic as possible and then decide which ones contribute directly to the understanding of your topic.

What is my search topic?

This question is related to the previous question. What is your knowledge of your topic? How well do you know your topic? Researching for topics you have little knowledge of can be very difficult.

For example, researching about metrosexuality can cost you a lot of time. If you know little about the topic or have no idea about some concepts you can always consult online encyclopedias or dictionaries.

You can expand your existing knowledge by creating search statement that includes the concepts you're working on and by understanding them. Start with an overview and background of these concepts and then move to more complicated explanations.

What keywords or phrases should I use?

Keywords and phrases are crucial to your search. If your topic is on the debate about beauty myths and their health and social impacts, consider the following keywords: beauty myths, ideal beauty, beauty standards, social comparison theory, self-esteem, self-confidence, etc. From there, brainstorm the most important ones.

Overall, a web search plan can make your search more efficient and more effective, especially when researching about a complicated subject.