• Choose known authorities over other (potentially less informed) results. 
  • In the example Google search image: Microsoft Community is a better place to start reading then "techsupportexpert.com" unless we know this site!
     
• Pay attention to related terms and potentially complicating issues.
  • In the example Google search image: The results mention that this error can come up in multiple situations. We want to read a potential "fix" carefully to make sure it applies to our information need.
     
• Videos?
  • ​In the example Google search image: The suggested video tutorial results may be useful, but you will want to confirm they apply to your issue before spending time watching an entire video.
     
• Are forum (discussion / message board / social media / etc) results GOOD or BAD?
  • It's complicated. Many times the answer / context will show up on discussion forums, but you need to assess the quality of the site. (See "Step 3: Evaluating Search Results")

XKCD - Wisdom of the Ancients (https://xkcd.com/979/) by Randall Munroe.
[Alt title text:"All long help threads should have a sticky globally-editable post at the top saying 'DEAR PEOPLE FROM THE FUTURE: Here's what we've figured out so far ..."]

When an initial search fails-- Flexibility & Persistence

FLEXIBILITY     

• Be open to search terms or focus changing over time;
• Finding new information may change an initial search focus;
• Be creative! –
  • Can you describe the issue in a different way?
  • Remove one or more terms from a search to make it broader?
  • Reach out to a live tech support help line or other expert for ideas?

PERSISTENCE

TRY DIFFERENT:

• searches;
• combinations of search words;
• search tools/locations.

Example #1: Known Issue Code (CVE)

Example #2: Something isn't working...

And patching issues...