In Continuum #57, we released our extensible search service in CMS. Now, out the box, you can choose to implement any one of three different site search providers in a simple, and non-technical way.
The NEW search service is also extensible, so if there’s a third party provider you’d prefer to go with, it's simple to add an adapter to act as a bridge between their service and your CMS.
With the choice of 3 different providers, it can be difficult to pick the best service for you. So, here’s a quick breakdown of when to choose which service.
1. Google Custom Search Engine
Use it if...
- You were broadly happy with Google Site Search.
- You have a limited budget for search.
- You are satisfied with the results that Google returns for your website.
Cons...
- Fairly rigid product with few customisation options.
- Limited control over what results are returned for specific keywords.
- Your search results may include third party adverts.
2. Swiftype
Use it if...
- You want a first-class search experience.
- You want to set weightings on fields and have greater control over the order in which results are returned for specific keywords.
- You want extensive analytics on search usage.
Cons...
- Limited support for in file searching, though this is on the Swiftype roadmap and is expanding.
3. Jadu
Use it if...
- You have no budget for search.
- The site has very low traffic, such as a niche Galaxies site.
- Database search so items do not need to be linked to on the website in order to be found.
Cons...
- Results may be limited or not as accurate as the alternative search providers based on web crawlers.
We’ll be talking more about search in the coming weeks if you are in a position of choosing a new search tool right now we recommend you get in touch and we can advise you further.
Or, use the comments section below!
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