The search function on websites vs. search engines

Since I am almost certain that you, a client, or someone else has asked you about the search function on a website at some point, I decided to write about it. That way you can easily share this blog from now on instead of having a long discussion.

The workings of Google

Before I can explain the difference between the two, I'll tell you how they work. Kind of easy and actually you'll have your answer right then. Let's start with the most difficult one. Because how does Google work?

Search engine optimization (SEO) is based on three pillars: content, technology and authority. These three pillars are therefore, very briefly and simply put, what Google looks at.

Google ranks the order of search results based on an awful lot of factors. These can be as many as tens of thousands.

Within Google, you compete with other websites, of course, but you can also compete with yourself as multiple pages compete for the same keyword. To avoid this, I recommend you read my previously written article on how to avoid cannibalization.

The operation of the search function within your website

If you search for how WordPress' search function works, you'll come across many complaints. The search results are often disappointing. But how exactly does this feature work? I found a nice piece of text that explains just that.

"When you search your WordPress blog, your search results are displayed chronologically. Not by "most likely," "most popular," "most frequent use of the phrase," or even alphabetically. Only by date. And the chronological order runs from most recent to oldest."

Google does consider the factors "most likely," "most popular," "most frequent use of the phrase" important.

In short, the search function displays results in chronological order. Google looks at many more variables to determine the best order.

5 reasons why your website's search function is not Google

I secretly hope the difference is clear to you by now. If not, let me give you five more reasons why your website's search function is no match for Google.

Reason 1: Difficult search algorithms.

Google uses difficult algorithms that factor in thousands of factors to determine the order of search results. Consider content relevance, user experience and even technical issues such as loading speed.

In contrast, the search function within your own Web site is often simpler and limited to finding matching words in your content.

Reason 2: Competitive analysis

Google compares your website to your competitors' websites to determine which site is most relevant to a search. Your website's search function only looks at its own content and has no insight into what is happening outside your site.

Reason 3: Extensive functionalities

Google displays many search results, including Web pages, images, videos and even current news stories. The search function within your Web site is usually limited to text-based results unless specific modifications have been made.

Reason 4: Large-scale investments

Google is a billion-dollar company that continually invests in developing its search technology. The search function on your own website often has fewer features, simply because the resources available are more limited.

Reason 5: User-centricity

Google's mission is to always give the searcher the most relevant results. The search function within your Web site, on the other hand, is primarily a backup. Users often use it only when they cannot find what they are looking for through the site's navigation. This is also why an uncluttered website structure is so important.

A better search experience on your website

So while both Google and the search function on your website provide search results, they work in completely different ways.

Google uses difficult algorithms and thousands of factors to give relevant results. Your website's search function, on the other hand, is much simpler and only shows results in chronological order.

So don't expect your website to search as smartly as Google. Still want a better search experience on your Web site? Then consider a search plugin or optimize your site structure so visitors find what they're looking for faster.

I like to explain how to do that in my previously written article called: Setting up the very best website structure in 1 hour

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