All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life
Use the Internet Better: The Tools and Tactics You Need with Steph Smith
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Many people fail to leverage available data when searching online, relying instead on personal opinions rather than quantitative insights.
- Using browser extensions can significantly enhance online research efficiency by providing real-time information and automating tasks.
- Utilizing search engines tailored to specific questions, such as Google Dataset Search and community-driven platforms like Reddit, can yield better data.
- AI tools like ChatGPT and Notebook LM are becoming valuable assets in simplifying research tasks and organizing information.
- Personal data management is crucial in the digital age; services like DeleteMe can help keep your personal information private.
- Validating sources through community feedback and scrutiny is essential for ensuring the reliability of online information.
- Organizing research data effectively using apps like Notion can prevent information overload and improve accessibility.
- Tools like Internet Pipes are essential for those looking to identify future business opportunities and understand market trends.
Summary
Introduction to Online Research Techniques
Chris Hutchins and Steph Smith kick off the episode discussing the common misconceptions around online research. Many individuals typically rely on conventional search methods instead of leveraging vast data resources available today. Steph emphasizes that effective research requires utilizing community insights, search trends, and quantitative data rather than just personal opinions.
The Power of Browser Extensions
The conversation shifts towards discussing various browser extensions that can enhance the research experience. Extensions like Keepa for price tracking, Honey for coupon sourcing, and Keywords Everywhere for search volume insights are highlighted. The importance of personalizing your browser tools to suit your needs is emphasized, comparing the browser to one's entry point into the digital universe.
Different Types of Search Engines
Chris and Steph delve into the significance of using search engines suited to specific queries. They highlight Google’s data set search for academic and dataset-oriented inquiries. Additionally, they discuss how platforms like Reddit can provide authentic community-driven insights compared to standard search engines, making the case for utilizing tools like Gigabrain for effective Reddit searches.
Leveraging AI and New Tools
The episode discusses the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its application in search. Tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity come up as options for idea generation and academic research assistance. Google’s new Notebook LM is introduced, allowing users to pull specific information and context from various documents, representing the future of digital information management.
Privacy and Personal Information Management
The podcast covers the importance of managing personal data online. Steph shares her experience using DeleteMe, a service that helps eliminate unwanted personal information from search results. They discuss the idea of constantly being vigilant and proactive in protecting personal data and how easy it can be for others to find sensitive information.
Validating Sources and Credibility
Chris and Steph discuss the importance of validating sources when conducting research online. They suggest using platforms that are filtered for community validation, such as Reddit or using tools like Muck Rack to gauge the credibility of authors and sources.
Organizing and Storing Information Effectively
They close the episode with tips on how to store and organize research effectively. Utilizing Notion, Evernote, and simple systems like to-do lists with expiry dates are recommended to keep data manageable and relevant, ensuring that clutter doesn't accumulate over time.
Exploring Business Ideas and Trends with Internet Pipes
Steph highlights her product, Internet Pipes, which aggregates data to help users explore online trends and business opportunities. She provides insight into a variety of tools available for analyzing market data and consumer behavior.
Sponsors
- Copilot · Copilot is a personal finance app that helps track spending and boost savings. It's the best app for managing your finances, allowing you to link accounts and categorize expenses seamlessly.
- Bilt Rewards · Earn points towards travel and fitness when you pay your rent with Bilt Rewards, a new innovative points program.
- MasterClass · Learn from the world’s best on various subjects with MasterClass, which offers a streaming platform for learning with a 15% discount for new members.
- Notion · Try Notion AI free to help automate tasks and make your work more streamlined and efficient.
- Fabric by Gerber Life · Affordable term life insurance that can be set up easily online for you and your family.
- DeleteMe · Get 20% off to remove personal information from the web with DeleteMe, a service that helps keep your data private.
Show notes
#198: Learn to find anything online quickly, effectively and securely with Chris and Steph Smith. We discuss essential tools and tips for navigating the web, from uncovering hidden information to leveraging AI and keyboard shortcuts to validating sources. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or a casual browser, you’ll gain practical strategies to unlock the internet’s full potential.
Steph Smith is a writer and the host of the a16z and Sh*t You Don't Learn in School podcasts. She builds online projects like Internet Pipes and Trends, and has launched several websites that topped Product Hunt. Previously, she led HubSpot’s Creator Program and worked at The Hustle.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/steph-smith-navigating-the-internet-pipes
Partner Deals
Copilot: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2
Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent
MasterClass: Learn from the world's best with 15% off
Oracle: Free trial of the next generation Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family
DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web
For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
Steph Smith: Website | X | Podcast
Internet Pipes (Get $200 off with code ALLTHEHACKS)
Browser Extensions
Keepa
Honey
Capital One Eno
Points Path
Keywords Everywhere
Grammarly
Library Extension
Similarweb
Ghostery
Wappalyzer | changedetection.io | Distill
Text Blaze
OneTab
Tools
Syften
Arc
Rectangle
Superhuman (Use code ALLTHEHACKS for a free month)
Search Engines
Reddit Search: GigaBrain | Redditle
Academic Search: Google Dataset Search | Consensus
AI Tools
Perplexity
Globe Explorer
Note Taking: Obsidian | NotebookLM
Cubby
PodEngine
Email Contact Searches: Lusha | Hunter | Muck Rack
RadRunner Electric Utility Bikes
Unclaimed Money Database
Supplement Validators: Examine | Pillser
Tools for Storing Info
Evernote
Notion (Try Notion AI free here)
Apple Notes
Save to Notion
Arc Search
Audio and Video Editing: Descript
Business Ideas
ImportYeti
Harper's Index
ResearchRabbit
AppMagic
Web Scraping: Web Scraper | Browse AI
ATH Podcast
Chris' Newsletter: Sign Up | Past Issues
Ep #78: Action List: Everything You Can Do To Protect Your Identity, Accounts, Credit and Family
Ep #85: Building a Second Brain to Organize Your Digital Life with Tiago Forte
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(02:16) Most Common Mistakes in Finding Information Online
(04:45) Browser Extensions for Better Research
(09:47) Steph's Online Research Tools
(11:49) The Importance of Learning Keyboard Shortcuts
(14:54) The Different Types of Search Engines
(19:45) Why Reddit Is the Most Underutilized Search Engine
(23:51) How Information Available on Each Platform Differs
(25:05) AI Search Engine: Globe Explorer
(28:38) Ways to Leverage ChatGPT
(36:33) Features on Google's New Notebook LM
(44:47) How to Effectively Search for People's Email Addresses
(46:30) How to Delete Your Personal Information Online
(50:07) The Importance of Digital Privacy
(53:03) Ways to Validate Online Sources and Information
(55:52) Validating Expertise
(58:27) The Most Efficient Ways to Store Information
(1:06:08) Internet Pipes: Researching Business Ideas and Trends
(1:09:24) The Amazing Results of Web Scraping
(1:11:21) Steph's Final Piece of Advice for Online Research
(1:14:17) Where to Find Steph and Her Work
Connect with Chris
Newsletter | Membership | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Follow this show on AudioBrevity and new episodes get summarized for you. Create a free account