Why You Need A Site Search Tool - Part 1

Everyone is familiar with the big Internet Search Engines like Google and Yahoo, what I'm referring to is a tool that searches just your website for whatever keywords the visitor enters.  These tools work just like the big boys with the search box and resulting search results pages with links to pages containing the requested keywords.

Except for the smallest of websites, say under 10 pages, a site search tool will really help you understand what information your visitors are searching for.  Plus if you get a decent amount of traffic, I'll show you how you can make a few dollars as well.

All well designed websites should already have an easy to use navigation system to aid the visitor in finding what they are looking for.  You may also have a site map to assist the visitor as well.  But there will be times when this is not enough for the visitor to find what they are looking for.  A search tool gives the visitor the ability to search for information in their terms allowing you to take a peek inside their minds.

Good search tools will keep a history of what keywords were used by your visitors.  By taking a look at this history, you may see some patterns emerge.  For example, you may uncover stumbling blocks in your current navigation that is confusing visitors.  You may find additional content to add to your website to help these visitors.  By adding new content, you may also attract more visitors from the Internet Search Engines to your site.

Pro Tip:  If you see that your visitors are searching information, products, or services that you do not offer, why not create a page that contains some information for them to read.  Then add Google ads, Amazon links, or other affiliate links for your visitors to click on.  If you get people to click to these pages, then click on the ads, then you may be able to generate a few dollars for yourself.

In my next post, I'll talk about how these tools work and offer a few suggestions for you as well.