Google Custom Search

In October 2006, Google launched their Custom Search Engine to the delight of website owners and bloggers. This tool allows for an easy to use, customized search engine to be embedded on websites and blogs. It also encourages monetizing the site with the use of AdSense ads while adding targeted search value to users.

The Google Custom Search Engine is a simple tool to use with no cost involved or programming knowledge required. Within a few minutes, a search engine can be created to reflect your area of expertise and interests that you can further customize to look and feel like part of the website. It can even be a community effort, if you choose, allowing community members to assist in building the search engine.

The Custom Search Engine prioritizes or restricts the search results based on specified websites or pages chosen by the website owner to provide a tailored search experience. Further search refinements can be applied to make it more relevant to the information being sought by users. As an added value, the search results page can be set up to reflect the look of the website for a seamless appearance. It’s easy to add websites to the custom index as a matter of course while browsing the web.

By joining Google’s AdSense for Search program, those using the Custom Search Engine can earn ad revenue. With this program, relevant text-based ads are placed on the search results pages and the website owner is paid a share of the revenue generated from them. Advertisers compete for placement on a cost per click basis.

With the Custom Search Engine, the builder can determine which sites will be displayed on the search results page, can choose site rankings and can exclude sites, such as competitors, from being displayed. The owner has full editorial control. By allowing other trusted community members to edit or add to the Custom Search Engine, there is a social media element that enhances the experience. The end users benefit from having access to search results that combine both algorithmic search and an editorial element to increase relevance.

Categories: Glossary
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