Your site’s default search keeps member content scattered across separate pages. The Global Website Search plugin solves that by showing listings, blog posts, events, and more—all in one search. It helps members get discovered without extra effort and improves user engagement with a cleaner, more complete experience. Tabs, post filters, and Google-friendly features make it easy for visitors to find what matters most—fast.
Website visitors are used to typing keywords and getting results instantly. But on many membership directory sites, that “instant” experience is broken the moment search results are split into separate pages—one for members, one for articles, another for products or services. That disjointed search setup means your members’ content is often hidden, even when it matches what someone is trying to find.
What’s surprising is how much member content flies under the radar simply because of how search is configured. Someone might search for “graphic designer” and only see member profiles, completely missing helpful blog posts, past event recordings, or service listings written by those same members. That’s lost exposure—and it adds up fast. But the Global Website Search plugin solves this by bringing everything together in one clean, intuitive results page. It doesn’t just improve visibility—it simplifies it.
What does the Global Website Search plugin actually do?
This plugin transforms the default keyword search into a site-wide content finder. Instead of users having to run separate searches for different post types, everything shows up together. It’s a smart way to help members get found without extra effort—and it gives visitors a clearer picture of what your site offers.
Let’s say someone types in “yoga.” They’ll now see a mix of yoga instructors (member listings), upcoming yoga classes (events), yoga mats (products), and blog posts with yoga tips—all in one place. This kind of functionality has become standard in larger directories and marketplaces. Now it’s available for niche, member-driven directories too.
Even better? Each content type appears in its own tab with a “View More Results” option, so the experience feels clean and organized instead of cluttered.
- Unified search results – all content types appear on the same results page
- Customizable post types – control which content is included in global search
- More chances to click – users see more entry points to explore your site
- Tabbed layout – easy navigation between post types like events, blogs, and products
- Structured visibility – gives each member contribution a clear presence
How does this impact member exposure and conversions?
Content visibility is often the missing link in getting members noticed. By default, most directories only spotlight members through profile searches. But members put effort into blog posts, event listings, service promos, and product write-ups too. That content is valuable—and often gets ignored.
With Global Website Search, your site works harder for your members. Their posts get shown as part of normal searches, without any extra setup. That means members can reach more people just by using the tools your platform already offers.
From a business standpoint, this increases engagement, click-through rates, and time on site. It also gives visitors a better experience, which leads to higher sign-up and conversion rates.
- Event listings get discovered more often
- Product sales increase from better visibility
- Blogs and articles help build authority and trust
How does this help with search engine visibility?
The plugin is built to work well with Google’s sitelinks search box, meaning your directory site can show search results directly in Google’s own results pages. This is a strong signal of quality and structure for your site.
That means if someone searches your site name plus a keyword—like “YourDirectory.com yoga”—they’ll get search result previews that include multiple tabs of content from your site.
It’s not just about user convenience—it’s about making your entire site more discoverable from every angle. And it helps Google understand that your site has depth, not just static member listings.
- Enables sitelinks search box integration with Google
- Improves click-through rates from search engines
- Increases crawlability and keyword indexing across post types
What are the top features of the Global Website Search plugin?
Here’s a full breakdown of what makes this plugin such a valuable upgrade for membership directories:
- Unified Search Results: Visitors see member profiles, events, products, and blog posts all together.
- Post Type Selection: Choose which post types you want included in the global search for more control.
- Tab Navigation: Each content type has its own tab, keeping search results organized and easy to scan.
- Click-Through Optimization: More search result options = more engagement across the site.
- 10 Results per Content Type: Clean design with a “View More” button that avoids clutter.
- Built-In Sitelinks Support: Helps your website get indexed better on Google search results.
- Improved Member Visibility: Helps members get found through their content—not just their profile.
What types of directories benefit most from this plugin?
Directories that offer multiple types of content—like events, blogs, services, and products—get the biggest benefit. That includes professional associations, local service directories, marketplaces, educational platforms, and content-heavy communities.
For example, a fitness directory that features trainers (members), training programs (products), articles (blog), and class schedules (events) can finally showcase everything relevant in one place when users search for something like “strength training.”
Directories with active members who regularly contribute content will notice better member retention, too—because members feel seen and valued when their posts show up in search results.
- Professional service directories
- Community hubs with events and blog posts
- Product and eCommerce-driven directories
What challenges might come up with implementation?
While Global Website Search simplifies the search experience for users, there are a few things you’ll want to watch out for to keep everything running smoothly. First, make sure your post types have strong titles and relevant keywords. The search system is only as effective as the content it’s pulling from. Poorly titled posts won’t perform well in search results.
Also, double-check that you’re enabling the right post types. Not every content type needs to appear in the main search—so don’t flood results with irrelevant categories that might confuse users. Stay focused on high-value post types your members rely on.
Finally, it’s worth reviewing search analytics regularly. See which content types get the most clicks, and encourage members to contribute more of that content. This helps you shape your directory’s growth in a way that’s led by actual user behavior.
- Audit member post titles regularly to improve relevance
- Limit content types to what users truly find helpful
- Track clicks and adjust strategy based on what’s performing
Put your members front and center—automatically
The Global Website Search plugin does more than improve how your directory looks. It helps your members get seen. Their content doesn’t have to sit buried behind tabs or filters—it shows up where people are already searching. That makes your site more useful, your members more visible, and your search experience cleaner and more intuitive for everyone.
- Unified search results
- Post type control
- Tabbed layout for clarity
- More content click-throughs
- Streamlined design with “View More”
- Google sitelinks search box support
- Stronger member content visibility
Your members are already creating great content. The Global Website Search plugin helps make sure people actually see it. If you’re looking to increase engagement, improve searchability, and help your directory work harder without extra manual effort, try our 7-Day Free Trial today and see the results for yourself.
