Search Widget

In this video we're talking all things search! Will look at how to place and style a search widget, as well as, how it works.

Introduction

Enhancing your Churchly website with a search widget can drastically improve navigation and user experience, especially for content-rich sites. Follow these steps to efficiently integrate a search feature into your site’s header, ensuring it appears on every page.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Accessing the Widgets Panel

• Navigate to Your Site’s Dashboard: Start by logging into your Churchly dashboard to access your website's editing features.

• Open the Widgets Section: Look for the 'Widgets' area within your dashboard. Here, you'll find various elements that can be added to your site, including the search widget.

Step 2: Adding the Search to Your Header

• Locate the Header Area: The header is a strategic location for your search bar since it appears across all site pages. Find the header section in your site editor.

• Add a New Widget: Click on the '+' (plus) icon in the header area to explore available widgets. Select the ‘Search’ widget to proceed.

Step 3: Customizing the Search Widget

• Placement and Spacing: Decide where in the header you want the search bar. If placing it next to another button, ensure you adjust the spacing for a clean layout. Drag the spacing slider or manually enter a value to create the desired distance between elements.

• Styling Your Search Widget: Customize the appearance of your search bar to match your site’s theme. This involves adjusting background color, text color, border color, padding, and border radius. For a cohesive design, match these settings to the overall style of your site.

1. Font Selection: Choose a font that complements your site design.
2. Placeholder Text: Incorporate placeholder text such as "Looking for something?" to prompt users to search. This text appears within the search bar itself.
3. Border Customization: Adjust the border thickness or opt for a more subtle look by reducing it. A rounded border can make the search bar look modern and inviting.

• Functionality Settings: Decide what your visitors can search for – pages, blog posts, store items, etc. Ensure that the search widget's settings reflect the content you want to be searchable on your site.

Step 4: Finalizing and Testing

• Save Your Changes: After customizing the search widget, make sure to save your changes. Refresh the page to see how the search bar appears with the new styling.

• Conduct a Test Search: It’s essential to test the search functionality. Try searching for known pages or content to ensure it’s working correctly. Remember, the search feature will only locate items based on their titles, descriptions, or tagged images.

• Adjust Tagging and Descriptions: To enhance searchability, review your images, page titles, and descriptions. Ensure they are accurately named and described to improve search results.

Need Further Assistance? 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, click on the "Need Some Help" button on your dashboard to reach out to our support team. We're here to help you make the most out of your Churchly website and ensure you can effectively reach your community.