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Whether you have moved far away from a relative or just have grown apart over time, there may come a time when you want to get in contact with a loved one from your past. Thankfully, the Internet has made it much easier to find your missing relative and get back in touch with them. We’ll share some information about the best way to do so, and you can use any of the best people search engines to make that wanted contact.
Make a list of information about the relative
While this might seem overly simple, it is an important step to start your search. You’ll want to jot down their name and any other identifying information you still have. This might include previous numbers or addresses, where the person used to work or go to school, and what vehicles they have owned in the past. Don’t be afraid to write down things that seem entirely innocuous. You never know which piece of information will get you back in touch.
Do a quick search on Google
You can find all sorts of information with a quick search of Bing, Google, or other search engines. Even if you have a favorite search engine, it is a good idea to expand your search to others. Each search engine has its own data, and you may find something in one place that you don’t in another. You can try out Google, Bing, AOL, Yahoo, and Duck Duck Go for the most comprehensive search. You may find just what you’re looking for, you might find just one other piece of information to help you, or you may come up empty.
Another fantastic place to find old relatives is on social media. Facebook should be the first place you look since the largest number of people use it. You can search by name, location, or even groups to find information about your lost loved one. LinkedIn is also a great option if you know anything about where your relative has worked or gone to school. You can also feel free to search other social media sites like Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr, but this can be more difficult.
Check out popular genealogy sites
Another step you can take is to do a little research on genealogy sites. This can give you information on the person you are looking for or even relatives you know nothing about. There are a ton of options out there, but you can start with Genealogy Today, Family Tree Searcher, and US GenWeb Project to start out. You may be surprised to see just how much information is out there and available to you with a little digging.
These steps should get you closer to finding the relative you are looking for. As you gather more information, you’ll come even closer to getting back in touch. Don’t be afraid to explore new avenues and move from resource to resource for the best possible results.