Adding Jetpack Search to Your WordPress Site

The search option in a default WordPress site is adequate, but it is not as powerful as the Jetpack Search option in a Jetpack Premium or Professional subscription. Elasticsearch is used to power the search engine for quick, accurate results. Follow the steps below to enable and place the Jetpack Search within a post.

In this article:

• Enabling Jetpack Search
• Placing the Search Widget

In order to use the following steps, a Jetpack Premium or Professional subscription would be needed. The InMotion WP-Pro hosting plan includes the Jetpack Professional license.

How to Enable Jetpack Search

When you replace the default WordPress search, you will need to change the widget used for displaying the search option on the WordPress page or post. Jetpack seamlessly integrates the enhanced search using a widget. There are no additional configuration steps required to use it. Follow the steps below to enable Jetpack Search.

1. Log in to the WordPress Administrator Dashboard.
2. In the menu to the left of the screen, click on Jetpack, then click on Settings in the sub-menu that appears.
3. Click on Performance in the menu at the top of the page then scroll down until you reach the Jetpack Search section (illustrated in the screenshot above).
4. Click on the slider to replace the built-in WordPress search.

Once Jetpack Search is enabled, you will be able to click on the link labeled Add Search Widget. When you click on the link you will be sent to the Customizer. The steps below demonstrate how the widget is placed on the post.

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Adding the Search Widget

When you see the Jetpack Search widget, you will be in the Customizer’s widget section. The location of the widget will depend on the theme that is being used. The screenshot above shows the widget in the footer section. You can click on the widget to change the title. Verify where you want to place the widget then click on the Publish button to save your changes.

Congratulations! You now know how to use the Jetpack Search option with your WordPress site. For more information on using Jetpack, check out Search Engine Optimization with Jetpack Professional.