Intro
Track start-modified queries in GSC so you can measure action-led intent around beginning a process, sign-up, or workflow.
Use this regex to isolate searches containing the standalone word start when users want to begin using, setting up, or learning something.
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 the standalone word start.
- Surfaces action-led intent around beginning a workflow or sign-up.
- Can span onboarding, learning, and trial-like use cases.
What it does not match
- begin seo reporting - Begin only matches if you use the variation.
- seo reporting setup guide - No start modifier appears.
Edge Cases
- Start can overlap with educational and sign-up intent, so it is best treated as a monitoring segment first.
- Word boundaries stop started and starting from matching.
Example Matches Table
| Query | Match | Why |
|---|---|---|
| start seo reporting | Match | Contains start as a standalone modifier. |
| start casino affiliate tracking | Match | Start appears directly in the query. |
| begin seo reporting | No | Begin only matches if you use the variation. |
| seo reporting setup guide | No | No start 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 start-of-process demand in one segment.
- Compare action-led setup intent with broader informational queries.
- Audit whether onboarding or getting-started pages capture these searches.
Pro Tips
- Start can cut across informational and transactional intent, so interpret it alongside landing pages.
- If your product has a clear getting-started journey, use this filter with page paths.
- Keep begin as a variation if that wording matters in your vertical.
- Review whether branded start queries represent existing users rather than new acquisition.
Variations
Include begin phrasing
Adds another action word for beginning a process.
Related Regex Recipes
Regex for "Try" Queries
Use this regex to isolate searches containing the standalone word try when users want to test something before committing.
Regex for "How to" Queries
Use this regex to focus on step-by-step queries that usually need practical content, walkthroughs, and clear answers in Search Console.
CTA
Regex is only the first step. The real bottleneck is turning manual filters into a repeatable workflow your team actually uses. Spicy Metrics helps you move from ad hoc filtering to operational SEO workflows.
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