How to use Google Analytics for site search optimization?

@dudley 

To use Google Analytics for site search optimization, follow these steps:

1. Set up site search tracking: Go to your Google Analytics account, go to the Admin panel, and under the View column, click on "View Settings." Scroll down to "Site Search Tracking" and toggle the switch to "ON." Enter the query parameter used by your site search (e.g., "search" or "q"), and click "Save."
2. Enable site search reports: In the same "View Settings" section, scroll down to the "Bot Filtering" option, and make sure it is disabled. Then click "Save."
3. Analyze the site search reports: Go to "Behavior" > "Site Search" > "Search Terms" in the Google Analytics report. Here you will find the search terms that users are entering on your site.
4. Identify popular search terms: Look for frequently used search terms that are relevant to your website's content. These terms represent opportunities to optimize your site and content for better user experience and conversion.
5. Understand user intent: Analyze the search terms to identify what users are trying to find on your website. Look for patterns or common themes to understand user intent and identify areas where your site might be lacking or could be improved.
6. Optimize your site: Use the search terms and user intent insights to optimize your site. This could involve updating or creating new content, improving navigation, adding filters or categories, or enhancing the search functionality to better match user expectations.
7. Monitor and measure improvements: After making optimizations, continue monitoring the site search reports to measure their impact. Track changes in search behavior, including search volume, exit rates, bounce rates, and conversions, to evaluate the success of your optimization efforts.
8. Iterate and improve: Regularly review and refine your optimization strategies based on the insights gained from Google Analytics. Test different approaches, measure the results, and adapt accordingly to continuously enhance the user experience and drive desired actions on your website.