Search box, How? (within your site)

They have: 4 posts

Joined: Nov 2007

Aloha all,

I'm new this this forum and new to webmastering so if I'm not posting correctly, please let me know.

My question is, after searching the net many times over, I just can't seem to find any page that would show you how to create a text box that will search within YOUR OWN site. There are many search engine linked search boxes but nothing that will search your site.

What I'm doing is to have the visitor type in something they want to search, and it will search between a selection of my pages to see if there are any matches.

Can anyone help me out or point me in the right direction??

Mahalo

calculator's picture

They have: 40 posts

Joined: Nov 2007

Hi Aiea and welcome to the forums Smiling

A search box to search within you site is usually done in either or the two following ways:

- your site is completely database driven so you just create a search box that queries the database

- you site is not database drive and you want to add a script that will either:
- allow you to create a file with matching keywords to pages (time consuming)
- spider your site and generate the search files for you - the best solution I think

In which case there are many software that can do that for you - I use Zoom Search Engine which is a commercial product but I am sure you may be able to find free ones out there. Try Googling for 'website search engine' and many will be listed on the result page.

They have: 4 posts

Joined: Nov 2007

calculator

Thanks a lot for posting and helping this twf noobie Sticking out tongue

I had thought about using the database but I'm doing a project for school and our server doesn't allow students to do scripting on it =\

I was initially hoping there were more easier and simple ways, especially when I'm actually making this site for cell phones. So too complicated query results aren't really suitable for the small screen and slow speeds.

I might have to resort to the website search engines you refer me to. Thanks a lot for your input Smiling

calculator's picture

They have: 40 posts

Joined: Nov 2007

No worries glad I could help.

She has: 70 posts

Joined: Nov 2007

I suggest trying Google's site search. I haven't used it, but I've read about it. It gives you a textbox and the user can search either your site or the web. You can also get paid by adding their ads to it if you're so inclined.

Michelle

They have: 4 posts

Joined: Nov 2007

Michelle

I just created a google custom search box, it might just be what I was looking for. Will test it once I get home.

Thanks alot Smiling

She has: 70 posts

Joined: Nov 2007

Great, hope it works out for you. Smiling

Michelle

DarkLight's picture

He has: 287 posts

Joined: Oct 2007

Heyz, i use a thing called "FreeFind"
It is totally free, and has everything from schedule spidering, to custom results page. it take 5 mins to set up, and is very fast with the results.
the only let down is that it has a couple of Google ads at the top of generated pages. but nothing to worry about, right?

All the best news here: https://newsbotnet.com

Want to join the discussion? Create an account or log in if you already have one. Joining is fast, free and painless! We’ll even whisk you back here when you’ve finished.