Have you ever wanted to search for something but had absolutely no idea what words to type into Google?
That’s where Google Lens comes in.
Instead of searching with words, Google Lens lets you search using an image.
You can point your camera at something in front of you, use a photo you’ve already taken, or even search from an image you find online.
In this week’s Quick Win, I’m showing you three different ways that can come in handy.
📺 Watch the video below to see Google Lens in action.
Identify Something You Don’t Recognize
Let’s start with a plant.
Maybe you see one you love but have absolutely no idea what it’s called.
Instead of trying to describe it—“green leaves, little pink flowers…”—you can point Google Lens at it and let the image do the searching.
Lens will compare what it sees with other images and give you possible matches.
For anything where an incorrect identification could affect health or safety, you’ll still want to verify the result. But for figuring out the name of that pretty plant you keep seeing? It’s a fantastic place to start.
Find the Name of a Product You Already Have
Here’s a real-world example from my own business.
I sell jewelry, and sometimes I have an older piece that’s no longer available and can’t remember its name.
Instead of digging through old catalogs or trying to describe the piece in a search, I can take a picture of the jewelry and search with Google Lens.
It may find old images or listings online that help me identify exactly which piece it is.
That’s one of my favorite things about visual search: you don’t have to know the name of something in order to search for it.
Find a Product From a Picture Online
You don’t even need to have the actual item in front of you.
Let’s say you see a picture of a food product online and think, That looks good. Where can I buy it?
Google Lens can search directly from the image and help you identify the product and find information about where it’s available.
The same trick can work with clothing, home decor, shoes, accessories, and all kinds of other products you spot online.
Instead of trying to figure out the perfect combination of search words, let Google Lens use the picture.
Your Quick Win
The next time you catch yourself thinking:
“I wish I knew what that was.”
“What was the name of this?”
or
“Where can I find that?”
Remember Google Lens.
Sometimes you don’t need to know what to type into Google.
You can simply show Google what you’re looking for.
And that’s one more way technology can make everyday life a little easier.