There are three major approaches to genealogical research. First there is the "shotgun" approach. This is where you type your ancestors name into google and hope for a valid hit. This may work if your ancestor has a truly unusual name, but it is a real shot in the dark.
Next there is the "serendipitous" approach. You start searching through local city and county records hoping to find a trace of your ancestor. This is kind of a beginners luck scenario. You might have a general idea of what to do, but you just happened to find what you are looking for.
Last there is the directed approach. You know what information you are looking for and a good idea of how to find it. Record other potentially important information along the way, but keep looking for what you need to find!
