Enabling Site Search and Understanding the Data
By default, Sitefinity CMS includes the Analytics Dashboard, which is typically configured when your website redesign is launched. The Analytics module allows you to track website traffic and the resulting data can be utilized for marketing purposes and internal initiatives. The same data that is accessible through your Google Analytics account is made available in Sitefinity CMS through an API, and positions Sitefinity CMS as your one-stop-shop for Analytics information.
However, you can increase the efficiency of the data by enabling Site Search through your Google Analytics account. By doing so, you’ll gain valuable insight regarding the physical keywords that users are entering within your website’s search box. You can enable Google’s Site Search by following these instructions, or by reaching out to your Client Service Manager/Project Manager for assistance. Once configured properly, you’ll have access to the search report directly within the Analytics Dashboard.
Once Site Search is enabled, you’ll gain access to the following information:
- The report allows you to quickly identify the content that your users are looking for when accessing your website, as the keywords will be recorded once a search is conducted. You can identify the page the user landed on before conducting a keyword search.
- The data ultimately can result in a change in your website’s sitemap architecture, as it may prompt you to reorganize your navigation to better fit the needs of your users.
By enabling Google’s site search and taking the time to view the data within your Sitefinity CMS website, you’ll gain relevant information regarding the type of content that your users are looking for. Ultimately, you may find that there is a need to introduce an advanced website search, that allows your users to filter down their search results based on internal Sitefinity content and categories, or external-based content housed in an application outside of your website.
If you’d like to learn more about Vanguard’s advanced search approach and options, please contact your Client Service or Project Manager.