When users search for content on your WordPress website, it’s helpful to display the search term they used along with the number of results found. In this guide, tailored for complete beginners hosted with US Domain Center, we’ll explore how to display the search term and result count in WordPress to improve user experience and engagement.
Why Display Search Term and Result Count?
Displaying the search term and result count in WordPress offers several benefits:
- Enhanced User Experience: By showing users the search term they entered, you provide immediate feedback and confirmation that their query has been understood.
- Improved Navigation: Knowing the number of search results helps users gauge the relevance and scope of their search, enabling them to navigate through the results more efficiently.
- Increased Engagement: Displaying the search term and result count can encourage users to explore further and refine their search criteria, leading to increased engagement and time spent on your website.
How to Display Search Term and Result Count in WordPress
Follow these beginner-friendly steps to display the search term and result count in WordPress:
Step 1: Edit Your Theme’s Search Template
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Navigate to “Appearance” > “Theme Editor.”
- Locate the search.php file in the list of theme files on the right-hand side and click to edit it.
Step 2: Add Code to Display Search Term and Result Count
Insert the following code snippet into your search.php file where you want the search term and result count to appear:
// Get the search query
$search_query = get_search_query();$search_count = $wp_query->found_posts;
if ($search_query && $search_count > 0) {
echo ‘<p>Search results for: <strong>’ . $search_query . ‘</strong></p>’;
echo ‘<p>Number of results found: <strong>’ . $search_count . ‘</strong></p>’;
} elseif ($search_query && $search_count == 0) {
echo ‘<p>No results found for: <strong>’ . $search_query . ‘</strong></p>’;
} else {
// Default message if no search term is entered
echo ‘<p>Please enter a search term above.</p>’;
}
Step 3: Save Changes
Click the “Update File” button to save your changes to the search.php file.
Testing the Search Functionality
After adding the code snippet, test the search functionality on your website by entering a search term in the search box and submitting the form. You should see the search term displayed along with the number of results found.
Conclusion
Displaying the search term and result count in WordPress hosted with US Domain Center is a simple yet effective way to enhance the user experience and engagement on your website. By following the steps outlined in this guide, complete beginners can easily implement this feature and provide valuable feedback to users searching for content. Experiment with the placement and styling of the search term and result count to best suit your website’s design and layout.