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Installing the AddSearch Plugin on a WordPress Website

This guide shows you how to replace the default WordPress search with AddSearch's fast, customizable search using the AddSearch plugin.

Prerequisites​

  • A self-hosted WordPress website
  • An AddSearch account with a configured crawling index

If you do not have an AddSearch account, create one at AddSearch signup. After signing up, follow the setup flow to create a crawling index by selecting Set up crawling.

Install the AddSearch Plugin​

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
  3. Search for AddSearch in the plugin search box.
  4. Locate the AddSearch plugin and click Install Now.
  5. After installation completes, click Activate to enable the plugin.

Configure the AddSearch Plugin​

You need to provide your AddSearch site key to link the plugin with your search index.

  1. Log in to the AddSearch dashboard.
  2. Go to Keys and installation and copy your site key.
  3. In your WordPress admin, go to Settings > AddSearch.
  4. Paste the copied site key into the Site Key field.
  5. Click Save Changes.
  6. Select your preferred search view next to the Installation method option.
  7. Click Save Changes again.

Verify Search Functionality​

Visit your website and test the search bar to ensure searches return instant results powered by AddSearch.

Using the AddSearch Shortcode​

If your WordPress theme does not have a default search bar or you want to add a search bar in a specific location, use the shortcode:

[addsearch]

Place this shortcode in any post, page, or widget where you want the search bar to appear.

For more detailed customization and options, refer to the AddSearch documentation and your WordPress theme settings.