Intro
Group action-led modifiers in GSC so you can monitor queries where the user is asking to buy, get, or download something directly.
Use this regex to capture direct action verbs in Search Console when you want one segment for acquisition-led queries.
The Regex
How This Regex Works (Explained Simply)
()
Parentheses group terms together so GSC treats them as one unit. That is what lets one regex cover several query variants in a single filter.
|
The pipe means OR. GSC will match any term on either side of the pipe, which is useful for variants, modifiers, or alternative phrases.
\b
Backslash-b marks a word boundary. It helps stop short terms from matching inside longer words in GSC queries.
GSC regex is case-insensitive by default, so capital letters do not need separate variants. GSC also uses partial matching by default, so the regex can match part of a longer query unless you anchor it with ^ or $.
What This Regex Does
- Matches the standalone words buy, get, or download.
- Groups several action-led modifiers into one reporting segment.
- Works well for software, digital products, and direct-response pages.
What it does not match
- install seo software - Install only matches if you use the variation.
- best seo software - No grouped action word appears.
Edge Cases
- Get is broader than buy or download, so this grouped regex is useful for monitoring but not always for strict intent scoring.
- Word boundaries keep downloads or getting out unless you deliberately broaden the pattern.
Example Matches Table
| Query | Match | Why |
|---|---|---|
| buy seo software | Match | Contains buy as one of the grouped action words. |
| download rank tracker template | Match | Download is included in the grouped pattern. |
| install seo software | No | Install only matches if you use the variation. |
| best seo software | No | No grouped action word appears. |
How to Use This in Google Search Console
- Open Performance and go to Search results.
- Click Add filter and choose Query.
- Select Custom (regex).
- Paste the regex and click Apply.
When to Use This
- Track acquisition-led demand without splitting each action word into separate filters.
- Compare software download intent against broader commercial traffic.
- Audit whether direct-response pages capture the right clicks.
Pro Tips
- Get can be broad, so review exports before using this as a strict bottom-funnel segment.
- Split the grouped terms back out when you want cleaner behavioural reporting.
- Use page filters to separate software, template, and lead-magnet intent.
- Keep install as a variation if it matters in your product category.
Variations
Add install intent
Expands the action set with another common software verb.
Related Regex Recipes
Regex for "Buy" Queries
Use this regex to capture queries that include the standalone word buy when you want the clearest direct-purchase intent signal in Search Console.
Regex for Tool / Feature Queries
Use this regex to capture tool- and feature-style query modifiers in GSC when searchers are looking for product capabilities rather than help or educational content.
CTA
Manual regex checks in GSC are useful, but they do not scale well across properties, date ranges, and recurring reporting. Spicy Metrics turns repeat regex workflows into faster monitoring and clearer action.
See how Spicy Metrics scales this