WordPress search analytics- Tracking site searches on your WordPress site can deliver great insights into your customers’ minds. Fortunately, you can easily monitor your WordPress search queries using Google Analytics in a matter of a few minutes. Here are the steps to follow. The prerequisite is that you should have integrated Google Analytics into your WordPress site.
One powerful tool that can aid in this process is Google Analytics (GA). In this extended blog post, we’ll delve deeper into the world of WordPress search analytics using GA, exploring advanced strategies and insights to supercharge your website’s search performance.
Understanding User Behavior:
Google Analytics allows you to gain valuable insights into user behaviour on your WordPress site, and this is particularly beneficial when it comes to analyzing search patterns. By navigating to the “Site Search” section within GA, you can access data on what users are searching for on your website.
Expanding Your Keyword Analysis:
To enhance your WordPress search analytics, it’s crucial to go beyond basic keyword tracking. Utilize GA to identify the most popular search terms, understand user intent, and discover potential gaps in your content. Are users looking for specific products, information, or support? Tailoring your content to meet these needs can significantly improve user satisfaction.
Utilizing Search Filters:
One often overlooked feature of Google Analytics is the ability to set up search filters. This enables you to exclude certain terms or parameters from your analytics, providing a more accurate representation of user behaviour. For instance, you can filter out internal searches performed by your team during site development, ensuring that your data reflects genuine user interactions.
Analyzing Search Performance Metrics:
Digging deeper into GA, explore metrics such as search volume, click-through rates (CTR), and the average time users spend on search results pages. These metrics offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of your search functionality. If users are frequently clicking on a particular search result, it indicates relevance. Conversely, a low CTR may suggest the need for content optimization or improved search result presentation.
Implementing Content Recommendations:
Leverage GA data to implement content recommendations within your search results. If users commonly search for specific topics, consider featuring related articles, products, or resources prominently in your search results. This not only enhances the user experience but also encourages deeper engagement with your content.
Tracking Conversions from Search:
Beyond understanding what users are searching for, it’s essential to track how these searches contribute to your website’s overall goals. Set up conversion tracking in GA to measure actions such as form submissions, product purchases, or newsletter sign-ups originating from search queries. This data provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of your content and helps you refine your search strategy for better results.
Optimizing for Mobile Search:
As mobile usage continues to rise, optimizing your WordPress site for mobile search is paramount. GA offers specific insights into mobile search behaviour, allowing you to identify trends and tailor your content to mobile users’ preferences. Ensure that your search functionality is seamless and user-friendly across various devices.
Incorporating Google Analytics into your WordPress search analytics strategy opens up a world of possibilities for refining your website’s search functionality. By understanding user behaviour, analyzing search metrics, and implementing data-driven improvements, you can create a more intuitive and engaging search experience for your audience. Stay informed, adapt to evolving trends, and watch as your WordPress search analytics transform into a powerful asset for your online success.
Install google analytics (if you have not installed refer to this article on how to install google analytics in WordPress).
Click on Admin
Click on view settings.
Enable site search tracking.
Query Parameter setup
Enter the query parameter. Usually, for WordPress sites, the query parameter is “s”. Make a search query and see what your query parameter is. The term between ? and = is your query parameter. In the below image “s” is the query parameter.
Enable site search categories
If you have WordPress categories filter in your search results page, you can add the category parameter. It is usually “cat” for WordPress sites. In the following image as you can see the category parameter is “cat” since the category chosen is “Garden-stand” and the query parameter is “s”.
Enable strip query parameter and category parameter from URL
That’s all!. Now within a couple of days, your WordPress site search metrics will be available.
Search terms
To see the search terms, use the google analytics search bar to search for site search. Click on Behavior-> search terms-> Search terms.
Google Analytics
Now you can see your site search analytics data. Your Wordpress search terms will be available in the column name: “Search term” and the count will be available in ” Total unique searches”.
If you still haven’t added a search box on your WordPress site you can add a custom search form plugin. With plugins, you have the option of either using the search box provided by it or you can build search form in Wordpress. Search plugins offer various options like search users by custom field and search by title. Try adding a google search box in WordPress and use that to search blogs or search content. The location or placement of the search box on your page also plays a crucial role in determining if your website users have an easy time navigating or searching for information on your website. Generally, the search box should be present in the header section of your website. Read more on WordPress header search box. Most search engine plugins give you the option to show search results on a full-screen search page. You can change search results page in WordPress. To show results on a separate (your own) page you need to add a search results page code for it to work.
