Each Ghost you create on PitchGhost has its own unique settings, which you can configure and customize. Your Ghosts rely on your goal and search queries to understand what kind of content you are seeking.

Understanding search queries

Search queries help your Ghost find precise content. Your Ghost's goal defines your overall target, so ensure it's clear and aligns with your objectives. Think of the goal as the big picture, and the search queries as specific words and phrases that good Finds should include.

Editing queries

Whether your Ghost was created automatically or manually, we recommend you review and refine the search queries to ensure they reflect your business’s needs.

Syntax and formatting

Each platform has its own specific formatting rules. Be sure to click the Syntax button in your Ghost's settings to see options tailored to each social media platform. However, there are a few common operators you can use across most Ghosts:

• "OR" operator: Include an uppercase "OR" between keywords to expand your search. For example, if you’re looking for posts about marketing or advertising, your query could be: marketing OR advertising. This means the post needs to include at least one of those words.

• Parentheses usage: Use parentheses to group multiple optional terms with a mandatory term, enhancing focus. For example, marketing (software OR tools OR platform) ensures that posts must contain "marketing" and at least one of the terms inside the parentheses.

• Quotation marks: Place exact phrases inside quotation marks to narrow your search to specific phrases. For instance, "AirBnB alternative" will only find posts that contain both of these words in that exact order.

• “AND” operator: It’s important to call out there is no AND operator. An AND is simply implied between every keyword. For example, the search query marketing advertising looks for content with both keywords, no AND required.

Estimator tool

The 'Estimator' tool lets you see how many items match the keywords and phrases in your search queries, in a given week. This immediate feedback lets you adjust your queries — if a query is too broad or too narrow, you can modify it on the spot to better match your desired Finds.

For example, if a query shows zero estimated results, you might broaden your search terms to find more content.

Removing search queries

You can delete any search query by clicking on the red trashcan button next to each search query. You must have at least one search query per Ghost.

Adding advanced filters to your search queries

You can add additional advanced filters to your search queries to narrow down your results.

• Global filters: Look for the 🌐 'Global Filters' button, which is found near the top right-hand side, under platform-specific settings. This allows you to set parameters that apply to every query for the Ghost.

• Query-specific filters: For more targeted adjustments, each search query also has its own 'Filters' button right next to it. Clicking this lets you apply specific criteria just to that query, perfect for honing in on precise data. Filters set on an individual query will override a global filter.