Intro
Capture listicle-style searches in GSC so you can track demand for ranked lists, examples, and curated resource formats.
Use this regex to isolate listicle-style query modifiers in GSC when users want ranked options, examples, or curated lists.
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.
?
The question mark usually makes the previous character or group optional. That is handy when a query modifier appears inconsistently.
\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 common modifiers associated with list-based content formats.
- Surfaces demand that often aligns with listicles and roundup pages.
- Helps you compare list-style content against other SERP-feature opportunities.
What it does not match
- search console regex tutorial - This is educational, but it does not use a listicle modifier.
- seo dashboard pricing - No grouped list-style term appears.
Edge Cases
- This broad list-style set can overlap with commercial evaluation, especially around best and top queries.
- If you need a cleaner editorial segment, split example-led and ranking-led searches apart.
Example Matches Table
| Query | Match | Why |
|---|---|---|
| top seo reporting tools | Match | Contains top, which is a common listicle modifier. |
| search console regex examples | Match | Examples signals list-like or example-led intent. |
| search console regex tutorial | No | This is educational, but it does not use a listicle modifier. |
| seo dashboard pricing | No | No grouped list-style term 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 demand for roundup and example-led content.
- Identify which list-style formats resonate most in your niche.
- Benchmark listicle visibility separately from tutorials and guides.
Pro Tips
- Best and top can overlap with commercial intent, so check landing pages and SERPs together.
- Examples is especially useful for educational and technical content queries.
- Use date comparisons after publishing roundup content or resource lists.
- Break this into narrower subsegments if best and examples behave very differently.
Variations
Include idea-led list queries
Adds another list-style modifier common in inspiration and resource searches.
Related Regex Recipes
Regex for "Top" / "Best" Queries
Use this regex to capture top and best modifiers in GSC when you want a tight segment built around ranking-style queries.
Regex for Review Queries
Use this regex to isolate review queries in GSC when users are evaluating products, tools, or services through external opinions and proof.
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.
Turn regex into repeatable reporting