Feature Article

The Search For Better On-Site Search Usability

by: Stoney deGeyter Pole Position Marketing

Not every site needs, nor should have, an on-site search feature. But those that do must be sure that the search isn't just an after-thought.

It needs to be more than something to add because you think visitors want it. Adding a search function is not necessarily good for on-site usability. Implementing a search function improperly is often a greater source of frustration than not having one altogether.

For this reason your on-site search function should not be taken lightly. In fact, it's better that no search option be present than one that potentially gives the searcher a "false impression" as to the availability of products/information on your website. Much time and consideration (and development) needs to go into the search option to ensure that it not only returns accurate results, but is fully comprehensive in interpreting the searchers intentions.

Location
Website search boxes are most often located in the top right corner of the website. This creates an expectation from shoppers, so make things easy for them and place your search box where they expect to find it.

Search options
The search box should default to a "simple" search. If warranted, provide a link to "advanced" options that allow visitors to fine-tune their search helping them find what they want more quickly.

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Case sensitivity
The basic or "simple" search should not be case sensitive. If case sensitivity is an issue then this option should be made available through the advanced search option.

Search labels
The search box and/or button should be clearly labeled. Using words such as "go" or "start" are not inherently obvious for search. The word "search" should absolutely be used on or near the search box.

Results query
The original search query should be presented on the results page, both in the search box and as a headline above the search results. This ensures the visitor knows what exactly was searched and allows them to refine it without having to retype the entire query.

Misspellings
The search feature must be intuitive enough to recognize all possible common misspellings. Searchers who mistype their search and don't realize it will otherwise be told their product is unavailable on your site, causing them to leave for another site.

Result matches
Results should display exact matches first, with close matches second. This provides visitors with enough information that a second search may not be necessary. Get them what they want sooner, rather than later.

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Result highlights
It's beneficial to highlight (or bold) the words on the results page that were used in the query. Even better if you can continue the highlighting of search words as the visitor clicks through a link into the content page.

Titles and descriptions
Each result should display a clear title and description. This information should be pulled from page titles and meta descriptions or on-page content.

Number of results
Results page should display 10-20 search results at the most, however it's a nice benefit to add an option to increase/decrease the number of results per page.

Number of result pages
Links to additional search result pages should be provided as necessary and located at both the top and bottom of the page.

Zero results found
If no results are found, you must provide clear messages to visitors suggesting alternative searches, refinement options and links to important areas of the website. You should never leave them with "no results found."

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Stoney deGeyter is president of Pole Position Marketing (www.PolePositionMarketing.com), a search engine optimization / marketing firm providing SEO and website marketing services since 1998. Stoney is also a part-time instructor at Truckee Meadows Community College, as well as a moderator in the Small Business Ideas Forum. He is the author of his E-Marketing Performance eBook and contributes daily to the E-Marketing Performance (www.eMarketingPerformance.com) marketing blog.

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Second Article

Choosing A Web Based Photo Storage Service

by: Kadence Buchanan

As digital cameras replace film, more and more users are turning to web based photo storage services to manage their photo archives. There are a dizzying array of sites, all offering different services at different prices. Choosing a storage service can be a confusing process, particularly when you are choosing a company to entrust with your precious family photos. Here are some things to look for when you're choosing a photo storage service.

First, take a look at the interface. How easy or difficult is it to upload photos to the site? Most of the major photo storage sites offer the ability to download software that will let you upload batches of photos, but some sites still rely on web interfaces that are slower and more clumsy.

Once you've checked out the interface, investigate the pricing structure of the site. Compare costs carefully using a standard print size, such as 4x6 for comparison. The difference in printing costs can vary wildly from one site to another, from as little as 12 cents at one site to as much as 29 cents at another. Don't forget to consider traditional sources of photo-processing like drug stores. These companies are making it easier to place photo orders over the web by offering storage and customization of photos and frequently cost less than dedicated photo storage services.

Continue to investigate pricing. For example, is there a cap on the number of photos you can upload for free? How much does it cost beyond that? Compare priced for specialty items like calendars, greeting cards and enlargements. Finally, compare shipping and handling costs, which are often a hidden source of profit for many companies.

Of less importance than cost, but still an important consideration, is whether a photo storage service allows you to create custom items. Almost all sites allow the user to customize items like greeting cards, but some offer a wider array of products than others. If this is important to you, compare the number of products offered and the interface used to create custom items.

Finally, be sure you completely understand how long a photo storage service will host your photos. Some have a set time limit, tied to the last time a user logged in to their system. Never completely rely on an online photo storage system to store your photos. Always keep a backup copy of your photos on external media in case of problems.

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Kadence Buchanan writes articles for
1st-computers.net/>1st-computers.net/
In addition, Kadence also writes articles for
fortheloveofscience.com/ and 4educationinformation.com/

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