Intro
Track try-modified searches in GSC so you can isolate trial and experimentation intent from harder purchase signals.
Use this regex to isolate searches containing the standalone word try when users want to test something before committing.
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 try.
- Surfaces lower-friction trial intent rather than direct purchase intent.
- Works well for SaaS, apps, and products with free trials or demos.
What it does not match
- free trial seo dashboard - Trial only matches if you use the variation.
- buy seo dashboard - No try modifier appears.
Edge Cases
- This pattern is intentionally strict, so trying does not match.
- Trial and try are related but not identical, so keep them separate unless you need the broader view.
Example Matches Table
| Query | Match | Why |
|---|---|---|
| try seo dashboard | Match | Contains try as a standalone modifier. |
| try poker tracking software | Match | Try appears directly in the query. |
| free trial seo dashboard | No | Trial only matches if you use the variation. |
| buy seo dashboard | No | No try 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 trial-led demand separately from direct purchase intent.
- Audit whether trial pages or demos rank for exploratory action terms.
- Compare try modifiers against free and start modifiers.
Pro Tips
- Try is softer than buy, so compare CTR and conversion separately.
- Use a page filter to check whether queries land on sign-up, demo, or documentation pages.
- Add trial as a variation if your audience uses noun-based wording more often than verbs.
- Review branded try demand separately because it often signals existing awareness.
Variations
Include trial wording
Adds noun-based trial phrasing to the core action verb.
Related Regex Recipes
Regex for "Free" Queries
Use this regex to isolate queries containing the standalone word free when users explicitly want a no-cost option.
Regex for "Start" Queries
Use this regex to isolate searches containing the standalone word start when users want to begin using, setting up, or learning something.
CTA
Building query segments manually in GSC works for one-off checks, but it breaks down across multiple sites and stakeholders. Spicy Metrics keeps those segments organised and easy to monitor.
Scale segmentation in Spicy Metrics