Hello fellow SEOs. Today I want to share some insights from an article I came across on Search Engine Land, titled “Why You Need Site Search.”
So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the topic and discover the importance of site search for your online business.
How Site Search Influences Purchasing Decisions
Did you know that 5 to 25% of all your site visitors use the search bar? Furthermore, site search visitors are more likely to make a purchase today than non-site search visitors, aka browsers. Think about it; someone who’s searching on your website already likes your site and wants to find something specific there, not somewhere else.
They didn’t keep looking on Google or browsing other sites; they found your website and decided that it’s the place where they want to shop or find the information they need. So, it’s essential not to overlook the impact of site search on your website.
The Value of Site Search Parameters
One reason why I love site search is the parameters that get inserted into the URL when users perform a search. For example, on Search Engine Land’s website, you can see parameters like “query” and “search” in the URL when you perform a search.
This feature is extremely interesting because you can start examining what your audience has been looking for on your website. You can even search for these parameters on your Google Analytics to understand your users’ search patterns better.
Identifying Popular Search Terms and Potential Opportunities
By analyzing your site search data, you can discover what query strings people have been using on your website. This information can help you identify products that you don’t currently have in stock but that people would be buying from you if they were available.
I’m a big advocate for leveraging site search analytics because it offers valuable insights into your audience’s behavior and preferences. This information can help you optimize your website’s content, products, and overall user experience.
Adapting Site Search Parameters to Different CMS
It’s important to note that site search parameters may vary depending on the content management system (CMS) you’re using, like WordPress or Shopify. You just need to figure out your search parameter and then search for it on your analytics dashboard to access the valuable data it provides.
For example, Shopify stores may use different search parameters, such as “search_results” or specific plugins. The key is to identify the parameters used by your CMS and then use this information to analyze your site search data.
Are you a visual learner? Then, check out my video titled “The Importance of On-Site Search Functionality SEO Tips to Help You Grow Your Business” from my YouTube channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about site search.
Why is site search important for my website?
Site search is crucial for your website because it enhances the user experience by allowing visitors to find specific information or products quickly and easily. It also provides valuable insights into your audience’s behavior, preferences, and search patterns, which can help you optimize your website’s content, products, and overall user experience, ultimately boosting your online business’s success.
How can I analyze my site search data?
To analyze your site search data, you can use tools like Google Analytics. First, identify the search parameter used by your website’s content management system (CMS), such as WordPress or Shopify. Then, search for that parameter in your Google Analytics dashboard to access the valuable data it provides. Analyzing this data can help you understand popular search terms, identify gaps in your content or product offerings, and optimize your website to better meet your audience’s needs.
How can I improve my site search functionality?
To improve your site search functionality, consider the following tips: Make the search bar easily accessible and visible on every page of your website. Optimize your site search for speed and accuracy to provide relevant results quickly. Implement auto-suggestions or predictive searches to guide users while they type their queries. Regularly analyze your site search data to identify trends, gaps, and areas for improvement, and update your website accordingly.
Conclusion
Site search is a powerful tool that offers valuable insights into your audience’s behavior and preferences. By leveraging site search analytics, you can optimize your website’s content, products, and overall user experience, ultimately boosting your online business’s success.
If you haven’t already, make sure to incorporate site search functionality into your website. You could be missing out on valuable insights and potential opportunities if you don’t have a search bar somewhere on your site.
That concludes this article. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this helpful, check out my full blog and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Thanks for reading!