Auto suggestion in WordPress search plays a crucial role in enhancing the user experience on a website. It provides a faster and more convenient way for users to find the content they are looking for. As users start typing in the search box, the auto-suggestions feature displays relevant suggestions based on the existing content on the website. This reduces the time and effort required for users to find what they are looking for, and helps to keep them engaged on the website. Additionally, the feature can be customized by the website administrator to show relevant suggestions, further improving the user experience. Hence, auto suggestion in WordPress search helps to improve the navigation and searchability of a website, leading to a more enjoyable and productive user experience.
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In this blog post, we will explore how to modify the search functionality of a website. As an example, we will demonstrate how to display a list of articles as auto-suggestions in response to keywords typed in the search box. You’ll learn everything about adding auto suggestion in WordPress search.
What is Auto Suggestion in WordPress Search?
Auto suggestion in WordPress search refers to a feature that provides suggestions for search terms as the user types in the search box. This helps users find the content they’re looking for more quickly and easily. The suggestions are generated based on the existing content on the website and can be customized by the website administrator.
The auto-suggestions feature works by analyzing the text content of the website and providing suggestions that match the keywords typed by the user in the search box. This saves the user time and effort, as they do not have to navigate through the entire website to find the information they are looking for. Additionally, the feature can be customized by the website administrator to show relevant suggestions and prioritize the content that is most important to the user.
The importance of auto-suggestions in WordPress search cannot be overstated. It helps to improve the user experience and keep users engaged on the website. Additionally, it can help to improve the search engine optimization (SEO) of a website, as it encourages users to stay on the website and explore its content. Ultimately, auto-suggestions in WordPress search help to create a more user-friendly and accessible website, which is essential for the success of any online presence.
Related: Top 10 SEO Plugins for WordPress Website
How to Add Auto Suggestion in Website’s Search Box?
Add the below piece of code in their respective files on the server or WordPress theme directory.
1. Open the page template file and add the below code where you want to display your search box
<?php echo getCustomSearchBlockHtml(); ?>2. Add the getCustomSearchBlockHtml() function in your themes functions.php
function getCustomSearchBlockHtml(){
$searchQuery = !empty( $_GET['s'] ) ? $_GET['s'] : '';
$additionalClass = '';
/*To Restrict Auto Suggest, you can use the below checks to add or remove certain class selectors for which the auto suggest is getting invoked*/
if( is_search() ){
$additionalClass = 'search-all';
}
return '<div class="search-sec" style="position: relative;">
<span onclick="document.getElementById(\'searchFrmId\').submit();" class="search-triger" style="position: absolute;right: 15px;top: 44px;background: url(/wp-content/themes/{themedirectory}/images/search.png) no-repeat 0 0;
width: 18px;height: 18px;display: block;cursor: pointer;z-index: 999999;"> </span>
<form method="get" id="searchFrmId" action="' . esc_url( home_url( '/' ) ) . '">
<input type="text" onfocus="searchPlaceholderFunc(this,\'Start typing...\')" onblur="searchPlaceholderFunc(this,\'Search...\')" name="s" placeholder="Search..." class="search search-field ui-autocomplete-input '.$additionalClass.'" value="'.$searchQuery.'" style="width: 100%;margin-top: 30px;padding: 10px;border-radius: 3px;border: 1px solid #ddd;">
</form>
</div>';
}Also read: How to Implement Infinite Pagination in WordPress?
Benefits of Implementing Auto Suggestion in WordPress Search
There are several benefits of implementing auto suggestion in WordPress search, including:
1. Improved User Experience
Auto suggestion makes it easier and faster for users to find the content they are looking for, leading to a better overall user experience.
2. Increased Engagement
By providing relevant suggestions as users type in the search box, auto suggestion encourages users to stay on the website and explore its content, leading to increased engagement.
3. Better Searchability
Auto suggestion makes it easier for users to find what they are looking for, leading to improved searchability and easier navigation on the website.
4. Customization
The feature can be customized by the website administrator to show relevant suggestions and prioritize the content that is most important to the user.
5. Improved SEO
By improving the user experience and keeping users engaged on the website, auto suggestion can help to improve the search engine optimization (SEO) of a website.
Therefore, implementing auto suggestion in WordPress search is a smart move for any website looking to improve the user experience and increase engagement.
Related: How to Calculate Read Time of an Article or Textual Content?
Why is Auto Suggestion Important for WordPress Websites?
Auto suggestion is important for WordPress websites because it improves the user experience, increases engagement, and makes the website easier to navigate. Additionally, it can help to improve the search engine optimization (SEO) of a website by encouraging users to stay on the website and explore its content.
Can I customize the Suggestions for the Auto-Suggestions Box?
Yes, you can customize the suggestions that are shown in the auto-suggestions box. The exact method of customization will depend on the plugin or custom code you are using to implement the feature, but most solutions allow you to configure the suggestions that are displayed in the box. This can include prioritizing certain types of content or only showing suggestions based on specific keywords or categories.
By customizing the suggestions, you can ensure that the auto-suggestions box provides the most relevant and useful information to your users.
Also read: How to Remove or Disable Comments on a WordPress Website?
Drawbacks to implementing auto suggestion in WordPress search
There are very few potential drawbacks to implementing auto suggestion in WordPress search. The main concern is that the feature may slow down the website if it is not optimized properly.
However, this can usually be avoided by using a lightweight plugin or carefully optimizing the custom code used to implement the feature.
Related: Top 5 useful WordPress plugins for your website
Conclusion
In conclusion, implementing auto suggestion in WordPress search is a simple and effective way to enhance the user experience and improve the searchability of a website. With its ability to provide relevant suggestions in real-time, users can find the information they are looking for quickly and easily, leading to increased engagement and a better overall user experience.
Additionally, the feature can be customized by the website administrator to show relevant suggestions and prioritize the content that is most important to the user. By following the steps outlined in this article, anyone can easily implement auto suggestion in WordPress search, making their website more user-friendly and accessible.
