In our daily lives, we often look for small tricks or hacks to make tasks easier. However, there are many clever hacks that remain under the radar, yet they have the potential to simplify life immensely. Today, let’s dive into some of these lesser-known hacks that can save you time, increase productivity, and streamline your daily routine.
1. Create Custom Search Shortcuts in Your Browser's Address Bar
If you regularly search within a specific website (like a job board or shopping site), set it up as a custom search in your browser. Most browsers, like Chrome and Firefox, allow custom search settings. For example, if you create a shortcut named “fb” for Facebook, typing "fb marketing tips" in the address bar will instantly search "marketing tips" on Facebook. This tiny hack can save significant time.
2. Use Google Advanced Search Operators
Most of us know the basics of Google search, but Google offers powerful operators to find precise results. Here’s how:
- “site:” Search within a specific site (e.g., site:owntweet.com hacking tips).
- “intitle:” Find pages with specific words in the title.
- “filetype:” Look for specific file types (e.g., filetype:pdf resume templates). Using these operators can refine your search results, making your research faster and more effective.
3. Simplify Email Management with + Aliases
Most email providers allow you to add “+” to create variations of your email address. For instance, if your email is jane.doe@gmail.com, you can use jane.doe+shopping@gmail.com for online shopping. This allows you to filter emails more effectively, keeping your inbox organized and separating important emails.
4. Save on Online Shopping with Discount Code Aggregators
Many people use discount codes, but aggregators like Honey, Rakuten, and Capital One Shopping take it a step further. These tools not only find active discount codes but also alert you if prices drop on items you’re tracking. Regular use of these can help save a significant amount of money over time.
5. Convert PDF Files to Editable Text Using Google Drive
If you have a PDF that you need to edit, upload it to Google Drive, open it with Google Docs, and Google will convert it into an editable document (as long as the text is clear). It’s a free way to extract text without needing to buy expensive software.
6. Automate Daily Tasks with IFTTT or Zapier
IFTTT and Zapier are tools that help you automate tasks across platforms. For instance, you can set up an automation to save every Instagram photo you like directly to a Google Drive folder or receive a daily digest of Twitter posts on a certain topic. These automations save time and keep you organized.
7. Get Real-Time Flight Price Updates with Google Flights
If you’re planning a trip, use Google Flights to track prices for specific flights. You’ll receive email alerts whenever prices drop, which is often faster than airline apps. This way, you can book flights at the best possible price.
8. Protect Your Privacy with Temporary Disposable Emails
When signing up for services you’re uncertain about, use temporary email services like TempMail or Guerrilla Mail. This keeps your primary inbox spam-free and lets you reserve your real email for important sites only.
9. Charge Your Phone Faster by Using Airplane Mode
If you need to charge your phone quickly, switch it to airplane mode while charging. This disables background processes and network activity, allowing your phone to charge faster. This hack is especially useful when you’re using a shared power source, like a power bank.
10. Set Up Auto-Responders for Common Queries
If you often answer the same questions, set up an auto-responder with custom replies. For example, in Gmail, you can create "Canned Responses" for frequent queries, allowing you to reply quickly without typing out the same message repeatedly.
These small hacks can make daily life easier and boost productivity. Give them a try and see how they transform your routine.