12 plugins to improve and optimize WordPress search

In today’s digital world, an efficient internal search function for websites is essential. WordPress has significantly improved its built-in search over the years. For smaller websites this may be sufficient, but as a website grows or uses e-commerce plugins like WooCommerce, the standard WordPress search may reach its limits. We had to have these experiences as WordPress agency Unfortunately, this happens all too often. The importance of a quick website search cannot be overstated. For some websites, especially e-commerce websites, a fast and efficient internal search engine can be one of the most important features. Studies show that 30% of visitors use internal search and these visitors are more likely to make a purchase after conducting an on-site search. Therefore, it is essential to optimize the user experience. The standard WordPress search is sufficient for small personal blogs and websites with a manageable number of pages. However, as a website grows in size and becomes more complex, the weaknesses of WordPress search become apparent.

The problem with WordPress search

WordPress search was very basic in the past and only searched a few areas such as the post title and content. After an extensive update, it now sorts the results according to relevance. However, when plugins like Advanced Custom Fields are used, WordPress search does not search the contents of most of these fields. There’s also the issue of lack of filtering options and speed, especially on larger sites. This article introduces plugins that can help improve WordPress search and provide users with advanced search and filtering options.

1. Relevansi

[Relevanssi](https://de.wordpress.org/plugins/relevanssi/ ​​“Relevanssi”) is a highly rated WordPress search plugin that significantly improves WordPress’ default search by retrieving more relevant results. It excels at indexing PDF content, meaning visitors can also search the content of PDF files on the website. Additionally, Relevanssi can search shortcode output, custom fields, user profiles, categories and tags, WooCommerce products, and much more. However, it is important to note that Relevanssi may have compatibility issues with some popular page builder plugins, BuddyPress, NextGen Gallery, and a few others. Still, it remains a strong choice for those who need advanced search functionality on their website. Price: The basic version is free. The premium version is available for $109 per year.

2. SearchWP

SearchWP is another powerful search plugin for WordPress known for its ease of use and ability to deliver highly accurate search results. One of SearchWP’s strengths is its search flexibility. It allows searching keywords in titles, content, URL slugs, categories, tags and much more. Furthermore, users can control search behavior by assigning weights to different content types. Another advantage of SearchWP is its integration with WooCommerce, making it a smart choice for online stores. It enables advanced product search and offers options to customize the search results page. Price: Starting at $99 per year.

3. SearchWP Ajax Live

SearchWP Ajax Live is an addon plugin for SearchWP that provides live Ajax search results. This addon improves existing WordPress search by providing live Ajax search results that appear as soon as the user starts typing. For advanced users, this plugin offers the ability to customize the results template and integrate powerful Ajax functionality into any search form. Price: Free.

4. Ivory Search

Ivory Search is a versatile WordPress search plugin that is an excellent alternative to the standard WordPress search. Ivory Search allows users to create custom WordPress search forms and even use multiple forms with different settings for different areas of the site. A notable feature of Ivory Search is its compatibility with the best WordPress translation plugins, making it a good choice for multilingual websites. Also, Ivory Search uses Ajax to display live search results without page reloads. Price: The basic version is free. The premium version starts at $19.99 per year.

5. ElasticPress

ElasticPress is a cloud-based WordPress search plugin that stands out for its speed. It runs searches in the cloud and displays results at impressive speed. It is easy to integrate and works with most WordPress hosting providers. ElasticPress has built-in live Ajax search that displays instant results as the user types. It is also compatible with WooCommerce, allowing customers to quickly find products. Price: Starting at $79 per year.

6. WP Google Search

WP Google Search is a simple but effective plugin that replaces the standard WordPress search with Google Custom Search. It is easy to use and only requires creating a Google Custom Search for the website and inserting the search engine ID into the plugin settings. The plugin also includes a widget that can be used to display Google Custom Search in the sidebar or similar area. Price: Free.

7. YITH WooCommerce Ajax Search

YITH WooCommerce Ajax Search is a specialized WooCommerce product search plugin that helps customers find products quickly. It allows you to browse products by SKU, browse within specific categories, and filter results without reloading the page. Price: Starting at $69.99 per year.

8. FiboSearch

FiboSearch is another WooCommerce search plugin that allows instant retrieval of search results using Ajax. It has powerful product search, category and tag filters, and allows you to easily add a search bar to the WordPress navigation menu. Price: The basic version is free. The premium version starts at $49 per year.

9. HUSKY – Products Filter for WooCommerce

HUSKY – Products Filter for WooCommerce is a useful search plugin for WooCommerce stores that allows customers to filter products based on various options. Price: Free.

10. Better search

Better Search is a plugin that enables advanced search across all post types and finds more relevant results. Price: Free.

11. WP Extended Search

WP Extended Search is a light and simple WordPress search plugin that extends the standard WordPress search. Price: Free.

12. Search Exclude

Search Exclude allows you to easily exclude elements that should not be displayed in WordPress search. Price: Free.

Conclusion: Which is the best WordPress search plugin?

Relevanssi represents an optimal solution to improve the existing WordPress search in terms of the search algorithm without making any visual changes. For those who need more comprehensive search customization with Ajax search and an improved search algorithm, SearchWP is an excellent option. It’s important to consider your website’s specific needs to make the best choice. Relevanssi is ideal for those seeking improved search functionality with minimal customization, while SearchWP incl. SearchWP Ajax Live is suitable for those seeking deeper control and customization of the search experience. We hope this article helped you choose the right WordPress search plugin for your website and provided you with valuable insight into ways to improve WordPress Search. If you need support with the Further development of your WordPress website If you need it, please feel free to take it contact up to us. Image source: WordPress.org; Page of the respective plugins.