How to Add & Optimize Search Functionality on Your Website: Complete Guide

How to Add & Optimize Search Functionality on Your Website: Complete Guide

By Michael Turner

February 1, 2025 at 03:57 PM

Searching features on websites help visitors quickly find specific content. Here's how to effectively implement and optimize search functionality:

Search Methods Available:

  • Search Block placement in content areas
  • Integrated search page via /search URL
  • Header search fields (template-specific in version 7.0)

Content That Gets Indexed:

  • Text, Markdown, and Code blocks
  • Image captions and map addresses
  • Collection items (blog posts, events, portfolio pages)
  • Product details and video information
  • Page titles and descriptions
  • Tags and categories
  • Gallery and album content (version 7.0)

Grilled Thai Fish

Grilled Thai Fish

Optimizing Search Results:

  • Use descriptive titles and descriptions
  • Include relevant tags and categories
  • Create keyword-rich content
  • Place search terms close together for better results
  • Ensure proper indexing of important content

Important Notes:

  • "Noindex" pages and unlinked content still appear in search
  • Unpublished content visible only when logged in
  • Member site pages excluded from search
  • Past events may appear unless hidden
  • Search results follow site's font and color settings

Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Clear browser cache
  • Remove site and page passwords
  • Verify content is in indexed areas
  • Check for proper content formatting
  • Disable browser extensions or try incognito mode

Track search performance through the Search Queries panel in Analytics to understand visitor behavior and optimize accordingly.

Related Articles

Previous Articles