A Customized Search Engine can boost your blog in a variety of ways. IBA Board Member Kimberly Starr from Kimberly C. Starr explains what they are, how they can help and how to create your own.
As I’ve dived more and deeper into the layers of SEO (search engine optimization), I’ve realized what a rabbit hole it is – and how much fun it can be, too! One of my new favorite parts of it is the custom search engine because it’s a quick, easy, painless way to do so many wonderful things all at the same time. It’s seriously awesome. So, if you’re into blogging, you need to make sure you read this – and get your own CSE set up.
Why You Need Your Own Custom Search Engine (or CSE)
Okay, so first let’s talk about WHY the custom search engine is awesome. Ready? Oh, wait… we’ll do that in a second. First, we need to talk about what a CSE is.
What is a CSE??
If you’re asking what a CSE is, you aren’t alone. It’s a tool that is severely underutilized – probably because most people forget it’s an option. Here’s what it is – Google lets you build your own search engine – from whatever list of websites you want to include. It’s also 100% free. FREE. All you need is a Google account – and to have your Search Console set up. We’ll talk about the how-to’s here in a few minutes, though. For now, let’s get back into the why you need this.
1. You improve your readers’ experience by linking to related content.
The most important reason you need this custom search engine is to improve your reader’s experience. When they’ve finished your article, the goal is always that you’ve scratched that itch. You’ve answered their question, and they’re ready to move on. However, that’s not always the case. Maybe they want to read more on that topic. Or perhaps they want to read a related piece. So throughout your piece (and/or at the end of it, as is appropriate), weave in links to related, appropriate articles.
By doing so, you’re improving the user experience. And Google loves it when you do that, so they’re gonna give you a boost in your SEO.
2. Improve your SEO by linking to related content.
When you link to related content, you’re doing more than making the readers’ experience awesome. You’re also telling the bots what your article is about. In other words, linking to related content is giving you another added boost to your SEO.
That’s +10 points to Gryffindor, y’all.
3. Linking also helps you build your tribe.
As a blogger, having a tribe is hugely important. And it’s not just about support, although that’s amazingly awesome.
When you’ve got a tribe, you’re doing more than promoting each others’ posts on social media. You’re also hand-selecting people whose content you love. And, as such, you should be proud to share it on your blog posts.
In other words, your tribemates are going to be the perfect place to turn when you need those outbound links to improve your readers’ experience on your blog. And as you find your tribe, you’re going to link to them more and more often.
Y’all, a quick heads up: affiliate links are headed your way. Learn what that means.
Need help finding your tribe? I recommend you check out my favorite eBook on how to find the tribe that’s perfect for you – and will skyrocket your blog.
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4. Backlinks are awesome – and now they aren’t hard to get.
If you’ve ever thought about paying somebody for backlinks, forget that thought right now. It’s no bueno on so many levels, the main one being that Google says NO WAY. Plus, it’s underhanded and dicey. So don’t do it.
However, now that you’re linking to your tribemates on a regular basis, they’re going to see how awesome this is. They’re going to see what kind of traffic you’re sending their way. But that’s not all – they’re also going to start seeing how your traffic goes up even when you’re sending them traffic – because you’re focused on your reader and their needs! Okay, that and Google’s own algorithm, but still.
Your tribemates are going to want to reciprocate – and so they’re going to start linking to your awesome, related content on their blogs. Why? Because it boosts everyone’s stats! BOOM. You’ve gotten backlinks, the legitimate, awesome, user-experience-minded way.
5. You can use a custom search engine to enhance searches on your site
Okay, so this is a more advanced reason to use a CSE. As such, the how-to tutorial won’t cover this. But, it can be a great addition to your website (especially as you get lots of posts published!) to make searches a whole lot easier on your readers. And, it’ll look like a regular Google search, so it’s visually-appealing and familiar.
All right – now you know why a custom search engine is awesome. It’s time to make one!
How to Make Your Very Own CSE
Making your own CSE is super simple. It can be done in just a few minutes. Here’s how you do it, in song form! Okay, no. No singing. But definitely in video format. (Oh, and if you’d prefer just to read the instructions, be sure to read the rest of the post over on Kimberly’s page and learn to make your own CSE here. She’s let us republish an awful lot of her post here for your convenience, so be sure to share this like crazy!)
IBA Member Benefit: Custom Search Engine
The IBA has a Custom Search Engine for our members. If you are an IBA Member and would like to join in, head over to this page.
Not an IBA Member yet? Learn why you should join our growing community today.
More on Customized Search Engines:
- Why You Need Your Own Custom Search Engine – and How to Make One – via Kimberly C. Starr
- How to Make Your Own Custom Search Engine Video Tutorial
- Custom Search Engines on Google
- Creating a Custom Search Engine – Google
IBA Member Benefit: Custom Search Engine
The IBA has a Custom Search Engine for our members. If you are an IBA Member and would like to join in, head over to this page.
Not an IBA Member yet? Learn why you should join our growing community today.