Simply register a new custom search with Google® (the easy-to-follow instructions are shown below), drop a RapidSearch stack into your page, fill-in the required details and publish. Seriously, that's all there is to do!

RapidSearch uses the full power of the Google search engine. Each time Google indexes your website, it updates the search results automatically. So this is very-much a search solution you can setup once and forget about.

Unlike some other search plugins for RapidWeaver, RapidSearch works over your entire website; including blogs, e-commerce pages, file downloads and albums. You can configure RapidSearch to search up-to 5 separate websites or subdomains from within the same stack. RapidSearch provides safe search filters for both web and image searches. Anything you've password protected will remain strictly hidden.

RapidSearch is responsive and works in all major web browsers and devices. Plus you can be assured of this stack working reliably in all popular RapidWeaver themes and with different frameworks like Bootstrap, Zurb Foundation and UIKit. Backed by fast and friendly support direct from the developer.

Tip: If you like the idea of using search results from a commercial search engine, but feel uneasy about using Google, take a look at the DuckSearch stack instead, which uses the popular DuckDuckGo search engine. Alternatively if you prefer to keep all your website search functionality "in house", take a look at our SimpleSearch or Indexer stacks.

Example

Here is a working example of the RapidSearch stack. In this example, the Google search has been set to return search results from several prominent RapidWeaver-related websites. The shadow effect is achieved using our free Shady stack.

Setup

RapidSearch relies on Google for search results. With this in mind, it is wise to configure things at the Google end first. Don't worry, it is quite simple to do if you follow the steps exactly in the order shown and get the important bits of information correct. Start by clicking this link and going to the Google CSE website (CSE stands for 'custom search engine'). You may get prompted to signup or login to your Google account.

Click on the Add button to start the process of creating a new custom search engine for RapidSearch to use. Google wants some basic information from you; like the website address to search, the language and what you want to name the search engine (for future reference). Don't worry about any of the Advanced Options, as RapidSearch will configure anything further that it requires. Click the Create button, when you've given Google this basic information about your new search engine. All going well, you should now see a 'congratulations' screen, informing you that the custom search engine was successfully setup and is ready.

You need to give RapidSearch a Search Engine ID. This can normally be located in your Google CSE console, without too much trouble (click for a larger view):

RapidSearch stack custom search engine ID.

You'll notice that there are quite a number of other settings you can change in RapidSearch. These help you to change the style and behaviour of your search stack. Mousing-over individual settings reveals informational tooltips, explaining what each setting does.

SEO (search engine optimisation)

RapidSearch uses Google for its search results. Therefore it is of paramount importance your website is already performing well in Google search results or you have the correct pieces in place to ensure your new website will do well on Google in future.

Much of the work involves writing and presenting good quality content. You should ensure all webpages have proper page names (example https://example.com/destinations/italy/ instead of https://example.com/page-06/styled-text/Italy%20Travel.html). Every page should have a good browser title that reflects briefly what the page is about. You should also add meta description and Open Graph tags. If your website uses images, be sure that each image that conveys information or demonstrates something has an appropriate ALT attribute. Further information on optimising your websites for search engines can be found at places like the ThemeFlood Knowledge Base.

Please Note

Google is a registered trademark of Google LLC. Your use of Google services (like Google CSE) is subject to your acceptance and compliance with the terms of service Google outline on their website. Google reserve the right to change, charge-for or withdraw support for APIs or other libraries that this stack may depend upon.