Do you want to easily create a custom search form in WordPress without any coding?
A custom search form allows visitors to easily search and filter your website content with just a few clicks.
When users quickly find what they’re looking for, they’re more likely to stay longer on your site. They’re also more likely to take action to purchase a product, read your blog, subscribe to a newsletter, etc.
In this post, we will show you how to easily create a custom search form in WordPress to improve user experience and increase conversions.
Before that, let’s see if you really need to create a custom search form for your site.
Why create a custom search form?
A custom search form is ideal for sites that have a lot of content, products, documentation, and FAQs. It is a must-have feature for eCommerce stores, online business directories, school/university sites, and similar sites.
The search option will help users find what they need without spending minutes or even hours searching for it.
Here’s why you should create a custom search form for your WordPress site:
- Help users navigate content
- Save time by finding things faster
- Increase conversions and sales
- Optimize your site for mobile users
- Reduce bounce rate
Now, we will show you how to create a custom search form in WordPress using a form builder plugin.
How to Create a Custom Search Form in WordPress
You can use three methods:
- Adding Code to Your WordPress Site
- Installing SearchWP Plugin – (Easiest Method)
- Create a form using Formidable Forms
We will show you all three.
1. Add code to your WordPress site
The first method you can use is the default search option offered by WordPress.org. You can enable a basic WordPress search that allows you to search for pages and posts on your site.
However, this method is a bit complicated. It involves coding and editing WordPress core files like the functions.php file that are highly sensitive. You need to be familiar with javascript, PHP, and other programming languages for this to work. One wrong step and you could break your website.
You will need to use the “ get_search_form() ” function to display the search form on your site. This will help you get the searchform.php file in your WordPress theme. If it is not found, the default search option from the WordPress core will be used.
But, to customize the WordPress search box, you will need to add some more code to the file.
We don’t recommend this method, especially if you’re not comfortable with coding. Instead, it’s better to use a reliable WordPress search plugin to enable a site search. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do next.
You will find several plugins on the market that allow you to customize the WordPress search form.
Make sure you choose a WordPress plugin that not only allows you to create a custom search, but also add filters and display the right results to your visitors.
We recommend using SearchWP , china phone number library the #1 search plugin for WordPress that allows you to search EVERYTHING on your site. You can also use Formidable Forms to create a custom search form. Below we will show you how to create a custom search form using these 2 plugins.
Install SearchWP plugin (Recommended)
SearchWP is without a doubt why you shouldn’t blindly adopt online marketing trends the best custom search plugin for WordPress. It is easy to use, displays accurate results, and gives you control over the search form.
SearchWP is really impressive and has amazing premium features, hence it is a premium plugin. You can sign up for a plan starting at $99 per year. And while it won’t disappoint you, there is a 14-day money back guarantee.
This will allow you to enable a search for everything. Search product details, custom fields content, shortcode output, custom database table content, cross-site multisite search, find list and much more on your site.
You will have access to features such as:
- Indexing PDF and Office documents
- Automatic integration with Native WP Search, no coding required!
- Multiple search engines
- Keywords
- Advanced custom fields support
- WooCommerce Integration
- Exclude or attribute results
- Search statistics
- Easy customization of the algorithm
The plugin also integrates with bbPress , WP Job Manager, Easy Digital Downloads , and more. Plus, you’ll get access to dedicated support and detailed documentation.
And everything we have mentioned is just on the base plan so the plugin is totally worth its price of just $8.25 per month. You will get a lot more features on the higher plans.
Once you sign up for an account, you can get started with the step-by-step tutorial below.
Step 1: Activate SearchWP
Within your SearchWP account, you can access your license key, account details, and downloads. You’ll need to download the plugin file. And you’ll also want to copy your license key, as you’ll need it shortly.
Next, head to your wp-admin dashboard and navigate to Plugins » Add New » Upload Plugin.
Select the plugin file you downloaded to your computer and click the Install Now button .
Once you have installed and activated it, you will need to visit the Settings » SearchWP page and then click on the “License” menu option.
Get your license key from your SearchWP account and paste it here in the License box.
Step 2: Customize the search engine
Within the SearchWP tab of your wp-admin dashboard, select the ‘Engines’ menu option. Once inside, click the ‘Add New’ button to create a new search engine.
This will create a new search engine called ‘supplemental’. To change the name, click the “Sources and Settings” button.
You will now see an option to choose whether you want to search for posts, pages, media, comments, and users. The recommended settings are already added here, so you can leave it as is.
To identify the search engine later, we’ll name it ‘Custom’ in the ‘Engine Label’ field.