Search box on website

[alextj]

Hi all,
Thanks for the help in the past.

I'm trying to put a search box on my website to help visitors find what they want quickly, and after a search around some script archives, here, and checking out google's offering, i'm completely bewildered and thought it would be best to ask you guys for some recommendations.

Does anyone have some good recommendations or scripts or programs? I'm reasonably comfortable with php, and although i'm no expert, I also have a sql database available on my hosting package - I have other ideas for that, but if push comes to shove I could use it for the site search. I'd prefer not to use the google search as it doesn't look very professional.

A feature I'd like to have, though not essential, is the ability to use the same search but restricted to one specific area of the site (besides the entire site, there are 2 specialised areas with lots of files, some html and some scans in pdf) that could do with a search box to help visitors find what they want rather than scrolling though 100s of links - see www.tjtaylor.net/resources-press-archive.htm.

If the scripts are free, all the better! Any suggestions welcome.
Thanks,
Alex

[paulhiles]

Hi Alex,

You might try searching with the Advanced Search facility on WPW! :o)
But here are a few links to get you started!

There are third party options, such as atomz or freefind.
Both provide a free search facility for your site.
Google also provide a free site search facility

And here are some links to previous discussions on this topic at WebProWorld you may find useful.

Script to run a search engine

How to add Google search

Implementing a 'Search' option in my web site

Hope that helps,

Paul

[alextj]

Hi Paul,
Thanks very much for the pointers - I've found a script from fluid dynamics that's working well so far. Ironic that when I searched on here i didn't find that thread!
Take care,
Alex

[alextj]

Just checking back - the Fluid Dynamics search script is working fantastically. I can definitely recommend it - fast, flexible and easy to install and use. You can get it at http://www.xav.com/scripts/search/
Can't say much more than that.
Alex

[send2paul]

Alex - why not try Google Search Adsense? Thay way you could have a search box, and possibly earn some revenue from it as well :)