Intro
Track best-modified searches in GSC so you can isolate shortlist and recommendation intent without mixing it with broader informational demand.
Use this regex to capture queries containing the standalone word best when you want a clean view of recommendation-led demand in Search Console.
The Regex
How This Regex Works (Explained Simply)
\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 queries containing the standalone word best.
- Surfaces shortlist and recommendation intent that often sits in comparison-style SERPs.
- Helps separate evaluative demand from broad informational traffic.
What it does not match
- top seo reporting tools - Top only matches if you use the broader variation.
- seo reporting guide - No best modifier appears.
Edge Cases
- Best is intentionally narrower than broader commercial intent patterns.
- Because GSC regex matches partially, the word can appear anywhere in the query.
Example Matches Table
| Query | Match | Why |
|---|---|---|
| best seo reporting tool | Match | Contains best as a standalone modifier. |
| best dashboards for search console | Match | Best appears directly in the query. |
| top seo reporting tools | No | Top only matches if you use the broader variation. |
| seo reporting guide | No | No best modifier 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
- Measure recommendation-led demand in one segment.
- Review which commercial pages rank for shortlist queries.
- Compare best modifiers with review and comparison terms.
Pro Tips
- Keep the core regex narrow so you can compare best against top instead of blending them immediately.
- Use page filters to confirm best queries land on comparison-ready pages.
- Review CTR closely because best queries often attract crowded SERPs.
- Pair this with branded filters to see whether your brand enters shortlist searches.
Variations
Include top queries
Broadens the segment to another common shortlist modifier.
Related Regex Recipes
Regex for "Top" Queries
Use this regex to capture searches containing the standalone word top when users are looking for ranked lists or shortlist recommendations.
Regex for Comparison Intent
Use this regex to focus on comparison intent in GSC when you want a tighter segment built around direct option-versus-option evaluation.
CTA
Regex is powerful in GSC, but manual filtering still leaves you exporting, comparing, and rebuilding the same views. Spicy Metrics turns those segments into reporting your team can reuse.
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