Web search helps people find information when menus and links are not the quickest route. A search tool accepts a query and returns matching site content, while search engines connect visitors with relevant websites. section 3.3.7 section 1.6.12
Build a useful site-search experience by following this checklist:
- Place a search tool on every page so visitors can locate highly specific information. section 3.3.7
- Start with the basic search field included by most themes, then consider a specialized plugin when you need drilling down, auto-completion, or thumbnail previews. section 3.3.7
- Keep content accurate, current, navigable, precise, and nonredundant so search systems can recognize it as a strong answer. section 1.6.12
- Treat search as part of navigation: menus guide common journeys, while search handles specific requests and sitemaps provide a comprehensive index. section 3.3.7
Keywords versus conversational questions
Someone using Google might type “classic car site” to find matching links. An AI search may work better with a complete, descriptive question that supplies context and preferences. Traditional search mainly matches keywords, while AI systems can provide an answer directly; search engines are increasingly combining both approaches. section 1.5.6 section 1.6.12
