It is important to remember with our brick walls exactly what 'I couldn't find anything' actually means. It doesn't mean 'there is nothing to find'. What it really means is 'I didn't find the information I was looking for in the place I was looking for it, using the search parameters I was using'. It is an important distinction to make.
Consider the source you’re using. Was it a database or an index? Not finding someone in an index is different than not finding it in the records themselves. Look at the source – is it complete, or are there gaps, missing years that could cover the time you are looking for? Some records haven’t survived in complete form. Is it transcribed? Could there be spelling errors in the transcription – or in the original records themselves? For those times when the record you’re looking for doesn’t exist — either your ancestor isn’t in the record or the record was destroyed — think about other records that could give you the same - or similar - information.
If you’re in an online database, will it search variations in spelling or do you need to do multiple searches to find both “Smith” and “Smythe”? What about Mc and Mac? Play with your search terms – sometimes less is more. You could also consider not searching - start browsing. You never know what you might find hidden by a spelling error or some other small difference.
New records are being released, digitised or transcribed all the time, and we are (hopefully) learning new search techniques and becoming more skilled researchers as well. That's why it is important to revisit our brick walls. There might be new information sources available. There might be new search methods we have learned over time. We may have new information on the individual or family that makes breaking down our brick wall possible.
Not finding anything isn’t necessarily the end. Think about other sources, other search strategies, and other ways of using those records. Don’t let not finding something add a brick to that brick wall.
