Site Search

What is Site Search? 

Site Search is a functionality that allows users to search for content or information that may be on a website. Users can click on the search bar from the website home page and type in key words or phrases to find what they’re looking for. A successful site search allows users to navigate the site efficiently and read all relevant information. Moreover, some examples of websites that should include a Site Search are e-commerce websites, SaaS websites, educational websites, corporate websites, media/entertainment websites, and online dictionaries. 

How does the Site Search engine work? 

The Site Search feature works by constantly indexing information from the given website. This means that the search engine is systematically analyzing website pages, links, and relevant information. This indexing process helps your database stay organized and up to date.  

Then, the Site Search uses a method called matching and ranking. This is when the search engine compares the keywords from the user’s query to the indexed content to find specific matches. It then displays outputs in order of relevance using ranking algorithms. These algorithms consider factors like keyword frequency and the date when the information was posted.  

Keep in mind that a Site Search engine is continuously updating information and re-examining its indexes to reflect new/updated information that is posted on the website. 

What is AI Powered Site Search? 

The misconception that AI is going to take over search engines like Google is far from the truth. In fact, AI is currently being leveraged to make search engines stronger, especially for site-specific search engines. Here are some ways that AI is being used to make stronger site search engines, also called a “Smart Search”. 

• Natural language processing (NLP): NLP is used to understand and interpret complex queries more accurately. NLP relies on deep learning algorithms to understand human languages including synonyms and predict human intentions. These models take unorganized/unstructured data and convert it into usable insights.
• Machine Learning (ML): Site Search engines use machine learning algorithms to learn from user engagement and interactions to improve search results. User behavior such as past successful searches and most accessed pages is monitored to make search results more accurate and personalized. 
• Automatic speech recognition system (ASR): ASR is used in site search engines to convert spoken words (voice searches) into written text to facilitate queries. This system utilizes deep learning AI techniques to allow users to interact with devices and applications using their voice. 

Why is site search important? 

The Site Search feature is very important for a multitude of reasons. Most importantly, it improves user experience and encourages them to revisit the site. Sometimes, it can be difficult for users to navigate large websites because of the amount of information available. Instead of getting frustrated, users can have an easy and efficient experience with a simple site search. On websites today, you have less than 15 seconds to capture someone’s interest. With an intelligent Site Search that provides accurate results and predicts exactly what the customer is looking for, the time to value is reduced. Customers get what they need faster, making them more likely to return to your site.   

Best practices for implementing Site Search on your website: 

Some of the most effective strategies and techniques when implementing Site Search on your website are: 

• Search box visibility: Making sure that the search box is visible on all relevant pages, so users can assess the Site Search easily.
• Autocomplete and predictive search suggestions: Generating suggestions based on a query to help save time.
• Typo correction: Recognizing typos and returning the content that the user was looking for.
• The search box is mobile-friendly: Viewing the website’s search bar from a mobile phone or a computer. 

The Site Search feature is very important for enhancing user experience, increasing content discoverability, and gaining valuable insights. This feature is essential for multiple types of websites and can ensure that users find exactly what they’re looking for. Users are more likely to have a positive experience when using an advanced and accurate Site Search, and they are prone to return to the website. 

Learn How Optimove’s AI-Powered Smart Search Engine Can Help You Grow Your Business  

Optimove helps tailor search results to each individual customer based on their past search history. Our self-learning engine refines and improves results, to ensure search results are 100% relevant. Moreover, Optimove leverages an AI powered Smart Search to encourage customers to quickly take action with built-in content recommendations that guide them from search results to the desired action in an instant. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does site search affect SEO? 

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization involves optimizing a website to improve visibility and ranking in the search engine results page. Moreover, there are many different factors that affect SEO on your company’s website; one of them being Site Search. 
 
Many features associated with Site Search can improve a website’s SEO: 
 
*Queries: using search queries to find out what the customer needs and taking strategic action 
*Keywords: analyzing popular keywords to improve search results  
*Click rates: measuring the relevancy of your search results  
*Site Search usability: simplicity and easy-to-use site search directly affects user engagement patterns 

What is an Internal Site Search URL?

An internal site search URL is the URL of the search results page that is displayed after the user submits a search query. 

This URL typically includes the keywords typed by the user, allowing the website to generate the search results based on the entered terms. The URL may also contain additional parameters that provide information to the server about the search query to display specific results. 

Optimove’s Smart Search engine utilizes natural language processing, machine learning, and automatic speech recognition technology to understand, interpret, and contextualize user interactions. 

Request a demo to learn how you can use Optimove’s Site Search technology to improve user experience and reduce churn rates.