Introduction
Google Search Console (GSC) is a free gold-mine of keyword data—yet 99 % of SEOs leave most of that gold buried. Why? They’ve never learned how to wield Regular Expressions (Regex) to dig deeper.
The good news? With a handful of smart RE2 patterns (the flavour of Regex GSC uses) and a little help from ChatGPT, you can turn messy query lists into laser-focused insight streams in minutes.
Why Regex in GSC Is a Game-Changer
- Zero extra cost: Regex lives inside the Custom (Regex) filter you already have.
- Ridiculously precise: Slice queries by length, intent, brand vs non-brand, question format and more.
- Intent on tap: Instantly surface long-tail, high-conversion searches your competitors still ignore.
Three-Step Regex Workflow
- Open the filter
In GSC, navigate to Performance → Queries → Custom (Regex). - Generate a pattern with ChatGPT
Ask something like, “Create an RE2 regex for queries starting with question words.” - Paste, apply and analyse
Drop the pattern into GSC, hit Apply, then study clicks, impressions and CTR to find hidden gems.
10 Copy-Paste Regex Examples (RE2 Syntax)
- Questions that start with interrogatives
(?i)^(who|what|why|how|can|does|will|should)\b
Surfaces users who are problem-aware and hungry for answers. - Long-tail queries (5 words or more)
^\b(\w+\s){4,}\w+
Finds hyper-specific, usually low-competition searches. - Software / SaaS intent
(?i)(software|platform|system)
Perfect for B2B or SaaS marketing funnels. - Local “near me” intent
(?i)\bnear me$
Captures high-purchase-intent local queries. - Comparison shoppers
(?i)(vs|versus|alternative|compare)
Catches users weighing options—ripe for mid-funnel content. - Exclude your own brand
^(?!.*mybrand).*
Filters out branded queries so you see only new opportunities. - Queries containing a year
\b20\d{2}\b
Great for “best tools 2025” style evergreen refreshes. - DIY “how-to” intent
(?i)^how to\b
Ideal for tutorials that build authority and links. - Buying signals around price
(?i)(price|cost|pricing|fee)
Flag hot leads ready to compare costs or budgets. - Problem-pain phrases (“error”, “fix”)
(?i)(error|issue|problem|fix|solve)
Positions your content as the solution when things break.
Pro-Tip: Combine patterns with the pipe symbol | or refine with lookaheads/lookbehinds for even tighter targeting.
ChatGPT Prompt Templates
- Prompt A: “Create an RE2 regex that matches queries ending in ‘near me’.”
- Prompt B: “Give me an RE2 pattern for keywords with six or more words that include numbers.”
- Prompt C: “Write an RE2 regex to exclude any query containing the brand name ‘AcmeSEO’.”
Turning Regex Into Revenue
- Filter, then export your GSC data; sort by highest CTR and lowest average position.
- Group similar themes and build tightly focused content clusters.
- Optimise titles and snippets with the exact phrasing you uncovered.
- Track uplift over time—watch clicks and impressions climb in GSC.
Key Takeaways
- Regex isn’t scary: one line can unlock thousands in missed traffic.
- ChatGPT accelerates everything: generate, paste, profit.
- Iterate weekly: tweak patterns, spot new angles and compound wins.
Fire up GSC, drop a pattern in, and start panning for gold your rivals keep walking past. Happy mining!