INTRODUCTION
SmartSearch Control is a smart and easy-to-use WordPress plugin that enhances your website’s search system without any complex setup. This plugin allows you to create fully customized search forms that work perfectly according to your website’s content.
You can decide what type of content users can search — whether it’s specific post types. This means that whether your site is a property listing platform, a product catalog, or a large content blog, this plugin is ideal for every use case.
You can easily place your custom search forms in any section — whether it’s the sidebar, the hero section of a page, the header, or a custom template. Integration is seamless through shortcodes, widgets, and theme functions.
Features
- Post Type Filtering
Allow users to filter search results by specific post types — including posts, pages, and any custom post types. Perfect for diverse content-heavy sites.
- Shortcode Integration
Embed search forms anywhere on your site easily using simple shortcodes. No technical knowledge required.
- Widget Support
Display search forms in sidebars, footers, or any widget-ready area with ease. Enhance visibility and accessibility across your website.
- Customizable Display
Personalize the look of your search forms by setting placeholder text, adding custom CSS classes, and adjusting HTML IDs to match your site’s design.
- Dedicated Search Results Page
Assign a dedicated page to display search results in an organized and user-friendly layout, ensuring a seamless browsing experience.
- Template Overrides
Take full control by overriding plugin templates in your theme. Fully customize the search results page to align with your site’s branding and structure.
- Live Search Suggestions
Enhance user experience with real-time, live suggestions as users type — making searches faster and more intuitive, just like top search engines.
Plugin Options
- Setting Placeholder, CSS Class, and CSS ID for search forms.
- Generating shortcodes for each search form.
- Using shortcodes in pages and widgets.
- Setting a dedicated page for search results.
- Editing and updating form settings (placeholder, CSS, post types).
Getting Started
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the SmartSearch Control Plugin
In this blog, we are going to learn how to set up and use the SmartSearch Control plugin to create powerful and customized search forms for your WordPress website.The best part? SmartSearch Control is a free plugin that you can download directly from the WordPress plugin directory.
Click here to download SmartSearch Control from WordPress.org
Install and Activate the Plugin
To install the SmartSearch Control plugin, follow these simple steps:
- Go to your WordPress Dashboard ➡ Plugins ➡ Add New.
- In the search bar, type “SmartSearch Control.”
- Locate the plugin and click Install Now.
Once installed, click Activate to start using the plugin.
Once the plugin is activated, you will see the Smart Search Control menu appear in your WordPress dashboard sidebar.
Smart Search Control – New Search Setup Guide
Step 1: Create new Search Form
- In the WordPress Admin Dashboard, navigate to Smart Search Control.
- Click on the “Add New Search” button.
Step 2: Set the Placeholder Text
- In the popup, the first field is Placeholder.
- Enter the text you want to show inside the search field (example: “Search…”).
- This text will act as a hint for the users before they start typing.
Step 3: Select Post Types to Search
- Under the Post Types section:
- You can individually select which post types you want the search to include.
(e.g., Posts, Pages, Products, etc.)
- You can individually select which post types you want the search to include.
If you want to include all available post types in the search, check the “Select All” option.
Step 4: Configure Advanced Settings (Optional)
- Click on the “Advanced Settings” section to expand it.
- You will find two optional fields:
- CSS ID:
- Enter a unique ID if you want to target this search form specifically via CSS.
- Enter a unique ID if you want to target this search form specifically via CSS.
- CSS Class:
- Enter CSS class to apply custom styles to the search form.
- CSS ID:
Step 5: Save the Search
- After setting all required options, click on the “Save” button.
- A new shortcode will be generated that you can use anywhere on your site to display the customized search bar.
How to Display the Search Form
- Click the Edit button next to your saved form and copy the shortcode.
- Go to a Page or Widget area in your WordPress site.
- Edit the content and select Add Shortcode block or widget.
- Paste the copied shortcode (e.g., [smart_search_control id=”1″])
- Save or update the page/widget.
Example:
Now, where you need to display your search form, paste this shortcode there.
Step 6: Setting a Page for Search Results
- In the WordPress admin panel, go to Smart Search Control → Settings
- Under the Results Page Settings section, select an existing page.
- This designated page will be used to display the results generated from your search form.
- Click Save Changes to apply the change.
Frontend Preview (User Side)
