How to Create Searchable Directories on a Website

Create an easy-to-use website directory with a custom search engine.

Website directories consist of a number of listings for one or more categories. They are useful tools for people searching for information; however, they can be difficult to navigate without any search options. All website directories should include a custom search engine. Without one, people may leave your website to find a directory that is more user-friendly.

Instructions

1. Create your directory. Type the names of the companies, listings, products, etc. of what you will list and place them in alphabetical order. If your directory contains more than 50 listings, you may want to organize them into categories for easier viewing.

2. Visit Google's "Custom Search" page at google.com/cse or explore other options by typing "website search boxes" into any Internet search engine.

3. Click on "Create a Custom Search Engine" at the top right corner of the Google Custom Search page.

4. Sign in using your Google email account. You will need to register for one if you have not already.

5. Fill out the form to create your custom search engine. You will be asked to provide a name and description for your search engine in addition to which website or sections of a website you would like it to search. If your directory is all on one page then only include that one URL. You will also need to specify if you want a free or paid search engine. Both have the same features, however free versions are ad-supported.

6. Click "next" at the bottom of the form to choose a search engine style or customize one with your own choice of colors and fonts.

7. Click "next" at the bottom of the form to generate your HTML code then copy the code and paste it at the top of your website's directory.

References

• "Google": Custom Search