The ability to efficiently search and navigate through information is crucial for both website owners and users. One powerful tool that can significantly enhance the search capabilities of your DNN (DotNetNuke) website is the Google Programmable Search Engine (PSE). This article will discuss some of the pros and cons of utilizing this tool.
Just like visiting google.com, the Google PSE allows your end-user to type in a search term, query, or phrase and receive results related to that search.
One of the key benefits of implementing the Google PSE tool on your website is that the tool is isolated to search based on websites you define. In most instances, that is your website that the end-user is on.
You can also configure other sites that you would like Google to search and return results for. For example, you may have an affiliate site you want to include in those same results.
Adding the Google PSE to your DNN website is extremely straightforward, requiring minimal technical experience.
Once you’ve created a Programmable Search Engine, you can customize the tool to modify the look and feel based on some predefined layout and theming options available.
The PSE can be integrated to work directly with the DNN search tool, which helps redirect users to the search page with a query inserted into the URL. You can update the “query parameter name” in your PSE configuration to utilize the DNN standard of “Search=”.
This means if you are using the DNN default search tool currently, you can replace it with the PSE with even less code to modify.
Getting a programmable search engine created and added to a DNN website can be done, usually within a couple of hours; minutes for a very basic implementation.
A free option for the PSE exists, but it does include advertisements within the search results, which can show competitors. In most cases, we suggest upgrading to the paid plan, which will remove advertisements from the search results.
Note: Google provides a free version of the PSE for nonprofits, which will remove advertisements.
For traditional businesses, the pricing for the PSE is very affordable, at $5.00 per 1,000 queries.
Google’s search capabilities are limited to public content. Google needs to be able to access, scrape, and index the page content to populate it into its search algorithm. If you have content that is locked down to specific user roles and authentication, Google will not be able to provide search capabilities for this content.
There are creative ways to work around this process, which can also improve your user experience. Connect with us today to discuss your particular search needs.
The search results will have a predefined presentation format based on the layout option you choose. There are some ways you can customize the color, typography, and spacing, but that can require some custom CSS code.
For more robust search capabilities, you may be looking to allow your users to narrow down their results through categories or tag filtering. Google has a limited implementation for filtering and sorting.
Google’s Programmable Search Engine also provides an API which you can use to build a custom search tool and user experience.
Image Credit: Adobe Firefly
Homepage for Google's Programmable Search Engine