In today’s digital age, having a functional and user-friendly search page on your website is crucial. Visitors expect to find the information they are looking for quickly and easily, and if they are met with a blank page or irrelevant search results, they are likely to leave your site. This is where customizing your search page results in WordPress can make a big difference.
WordPress search results pages are the pages that appear when a user types a word or phrase into the search bar on your website. Unlike search engine results pages, these pages only display content that is available within your site. However, it is important to note that visitors still have certain expectations when it comes to searching on a website.
Customizing your WordPress search results pages can help keep your visitors engaged and interested in your content. By mimicking popular search engines like Google, you can provide your readers with the functionality they are accustomed to. This not only keeps them on your site longer but also helps lower bounce rates.
There are several ways you can customize your WordPress search results pages. One effective technique is to include or highlight the search term at the top of the page. This reminds visitors of their original search and allows them to double-check if they entered the right phrase. Plugins like Search & Filter and Highlight Search Terms can help you achieve this.
Another important feature to consider is adding suggested spellings in case of typos. Visitors often expect to see spelling suggestions when using a search function, and this can greatly improve their user experience. The Relevanssi plugin offers this functionality, along with many other options for customizing your search results.
To maintain interest in your site and decrease bounce rates, you can also add suggested pages that are related to the user’s search query. Plugins like Better Search and Toolset Search can help you achieve this by suggesting relevant content for visitors to explore further.
Additionally, adding a search box directly on the search results page can keep users engaged and prompt them to try a different search query. The Ivory Search plugin offers an easy way to add a search box, and you can also customize the search form using WordPress functions or block-based themes.
Lastly, implementing Ajax search results can provide users with a “live” search experience where results are updated as they type. Plugins like Ajax Search Lite and Ajax Search Pro offer this functionality, along with additional options for filters and customizations.
In conclusion, customizing your WordPress search results pages is essential for providing a user-friendly experience and keeping visitors engaged on your site. By incorporating features like highlighting the search term, suggesting spellings, offering related content, and adding a search box, you can improve the functionality and usability of your search page. Remember to choose plugins that suit the size and needs of your site, and always back up your WordPress site before making any changes. By prioritizing the customization of your search results pages, you can enhance the overall experience for your readers and turn them into loyal customers.
