Collect data from searches

[unklee]

I have a website with StudioPress Minimum Pro theme and I use the Search widget to provide a search box on every page. I would like to know what people search for, as it would help to see how I can improve the site.

When it was a self-coded HTML site, I inserted code to run Google's site search, an then used Ajax (which I am barely able to use) to send the search terms to a SQL database I set up.

So I am trying to work out what I should do. I have found a site which shows how to add Google search code to a searchform.php file, but Genesis doesn't have such a file, and anyway I shouldn't amend core files. I know I can also add a Google search plugin, which should work the way I am familiar with.

Is this the best way to go, or is there a better way with Genesis? Thanks.

http://www.is-there-a-god.info

[Christoph]

Hi,

the plugin is a good choice. You can also take a look at the tutorials that come up with this search https://www.google.com/search?q=genesis+google+search&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gfe_rd=cr&dcr=0&ei=IPSlWqbuFKOAX6nrl4gF&gws_rd=cr

Algolia.com is also an interesting alternative for "on page"/"on website" searches.

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https://www.christophherr.com | Genesis Customizations | Buy me a coffee

[unklee]

Thanks for that. But does Google search allow me to see what people searched for?

[Christoph]

Are you using Google Analytics?
Then all you have to do is to set up Site Search
https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/1012264?hl=en

If you are using Piwik/Matamo, it's also straight forward to set up:

Site Search Tracking and Reporting

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https://www.christophherr.com | Genesis Customizations | Buy me a coffee

[unklee]

Thanks again. I thought it was possible to get that data, but I did a quick search and couldn't find the information (I think I didn't know the best search terms).

That is very helpful thanks very much.

[Author]

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