We discussed a lot on how to search information from Internet, specially search engines - various tips, tricks and traps. But what about information at your backyard - your website ? Surely, you know its content like the back of your hand - but what is the comfort level of a visitor ? Can he/she find information from your website with equal ease ? Visitors of your website are the most important people for your business - for they are not just surfers but also existing or future customers. A website search engine is one of the most important constituents of a good navigational aids - and research has shown that a website with good navigational aid has more chances of winning customers than others.
These and many others questions, issues and apprehensions - many being quite valid, requires discussion. In a short series we shall discuss essential elements and as usual a resources list to help you. I have elaborate menus and links at my home page - then why would I need a search engine ? You have worked hard to create, collect, edit and display contents for your website, not to talk of significant investment in time and money. You feel your effort is successful if the website is able to communicate a positive image about your company and products to potential customers. But the quality and quantity of content is not the only issue: to have value, your site must be accessible. You might have a carefully developed menu system to logically move from page to page - but many people simply want to locate a specific product right away, and don't want to follow links. In other cases, visitors will come to your site for a reason you could never anticipate, and obviously will not find a pre-arranged menu system very helpful. A Website search engine gives your visitors a chance to find something on your site by searching, like universal search engines such as AltaVista, or Google. Because your site is focussed on a particular area or topic, a site search engine will allow visitors to find required information quickly and without wading through hundreds of irrelevant results. It will keep them on your site, and will allow you to learn more about what your visitors are looking for. Who Needs a Web Site Search Engine ?
Who Doesn't Need a Web Site Search Engine
Suppose, I need a search engine for my website. What do I do next ? Related Links: Source: FAIDA
- Newsletter on Business Opportunties from India and Abroad
Vol: 3, Issue 21
September 12' 2002
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