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How to Find When Google First Indexed a Website: The Hidden 'as_qdr' Parameter Trick

How to Find When Google First Indexed a Website: The Hidden 'as_qdr' Parameter Trick

Ever wondered when Google first discovered and indexed a particular website? Whether you're an SEO specialist, digital researcher, or just curious about the history of websites, there's a lesser-known Google search parameter that can help you uncover this information. In this guide, we'll explore how to use the 'as_qdr' parameter to discover when websites first appeared in Google's index.

What is the 'as_qdr' Parameter?

The 'as_qdr' parameter is a special URL parameter that you can add to Google search queries to filter results based on when they were first indexed. While Google typically uses this parameter for time-based filters (like past year, past month), it can also reveal historical indexing information when used with specific values.

How to Use the Parameter

Using this trick is surprisingly simple. Here's how to do it:

1. Start with your regular Google search URL
2. Add &as_qdr=y15 to the end of the URL
3. The number after 'y' represents the number of years to look back

Example Usage

Here's how to use it with specific examples:

https://www.google.ch/search?q=site:lexo.ch/blog&as_qdr=y15

This searches for indexed pages from lexo.ch/blog going back 15 years.

For a global search without the site: operator:

https://www.google.ch/search?q=lexo.ch+blog&as_qdr=y15

Advanced Usage Tips

Adjusting the Time Range

You can modify the number after 'y' to change the time range:

• y5 - Look back 5 years
• y10 - Look back 10 years
• y20 - Look back 20 years

Comparing Different Search Methods

Feature	as_qdr Parameter	Wayback Machine	WHOIS Data
Shows First Index Date	Yes	Partial	No
Historical Content Access	No	Yes	No
API Available	No	Yes	Yes

Limitations and Considerations

While this method is useful, it comes with some limitations:

• The results may not always show the exact first indexing date
• Google's index data might not go back as far as you need
• Results can vary depending on your location and Google domain
• Some pages might have been reindexed, affecting the historical data

Practical Applications

This technique can be particularly useful for:

• SEO Research: Understanding when competitors' content was first indexed
• Content Analysis: Tracking the evolution of websites over time
• Digital Forensics: Investigating when specific information appeared online
• Competitive Analysis: Understanding the history and growth of competitor websites

Best Practices for Usage

To get the most accurate results:

1. Start with a broader time range and narrow it down
2. Use specific site: operators for more precise results
3. Compare results across different time ranges
4. Cross-reference with other tools like the Wayback Machine

Combining with Other Search Operators

The 'as_qdr' parameter can be combined with other Google search operators for more powerful searches:

site:example.com inurl:blog &as_qdr=y15
site:example.com filetype:pdf &as_qdr=y15
site:example.com intitle:"keyword" &as_qdr=y15

Conclusion

The 'as_qdr' parameter is a powerful tool for understanding the historical presence of websites in Google's index. While it has its limitations, when used properly, it can provide valuable insights for SEO professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in the evolution of web content over time.

Remember to use this tool as part of a broader research strategy, combining it with other resources like the Wayback Machine and WHOIS data for a complete picture of a website's history.