Add-On Releases - GTSearch: Google? Custom Search Engine

Now you can have your very own Google? Custom Search Engine tailored specifically for your web site.

Why GTSearch: Google? Custom Search Engine?

• Help your visitors find what they're looking for
• Invite your friends and community to contribute
• Make money with AdSense for Search

Custom modification brought to you by Joe Velez (aka Princeton vbulletin.org Admin).

1.0.0 VERSION (download GTSEARCH.zip)

This is a "No Template Edits" modifications.

Show your support and click Mark As Installed and Nominate For MOTM.

For continued support and upgrades - support by donating via PayPal.

What is a Custom Search Engine?

A Custom Search Engine is a tailored search experience, built using Google's core search technology, that prioritizes or restricts search results based on websites and pages you specify. Your Custom Search Engine can be tailored to reflect your point of view or area of expertise. With a Custom Search Engine, you can:

• Apply your website's look and feel to the search results page.
• Provide search refinements within results pages to make it easier for searchers to find the information they're looking for.
• Add sites to your search engine's index as you surf the web.
• Invite friends and trusted users to co-edit and contribute to your search engine.
• Make money from your Custom Search Engine by participating in Google's AdSense program.

Once you've defined your search engine index, Google will give you a simple piece of code for a search box to place on your site or blog. You'll then have the option to choose various customization options to make the look and feel and functionality of your search engine your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) What exactly does this modification do?
A) It integrates your CSE with your site - results are on your site not on a Google-hosted page.

Q) Can I run Adsense ads on the same page?
A) No, it's Adsense Google's TOS. To earn money, you will need to associate your CSE with your Adsense account. You can do this by clicking the "Make Money" section of your custom search engine control panel.

Instructions

1. Upload gtsearch.php file to vbulletin root (same place where global.php file is located)
2. Install GTSearch: Google? Custom Search Engine product file
3. Create a Custom Search Engine @ google.com
4. Want to make money? Follow directions as instructed in the Make Money section of your CSE page.
5. When completed copy/paste Code to GTSearch: Google? Custom Search Engine vBulletin Options.
6. Done

Questions about Google? Custom Search Engine?

• Direct all questions to Google's Discussion group

Must Read

• Google? Custom Search Engine Terms of Service
• Google? Custom Search Help Center

History:

• November 6 2007 - GTSearch: Google? Custom Search Engine release

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[testebr]

Where I can see an live example?

[Darat]

Originally Posted by Princeton

your styles are not up to date .. make sure $template_hook['navbar_search_menu'] exists in your search menu html

I'm confused - I've just checked my templates and this doesn't appear in any template in the default style which is completely unmodified and I'm running a fully patched 3.6.8 version of vBulletin?

(ETA)

Just found it - no idea why but a cut and paste from the post didn't find it ("$template_hook[navbar_search_menu]") - Just checked and it is in my styles.

[Calash]

Originally Posted by Junkie

Princeton, in what template does the conditional "THIS_SCRIPT!='gtsearch'" get put, and where exactly in the template?

I just did this last night. What you will have to do is wrap your adsence code like this

<if condition="THIS_SCRIPT!='gtsearch'">
<center>
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "*********";
google_ad_width = 728;
google_ad_height = 15;
google_ad_format = "728x15_0ads_al_s";
google_ad_channel = "";
google_color_border = "cdcddc";
google_color_bg = "cdcddc";
google_color_link = "0000FF";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "008000";
//-->
</script>
<script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script>
</center>
</if>

This will make it display on all pages except the search result page (gtsearch). If you are using an ad management plugin you will have to find out how they insert the info into the template and edit at that point to include the <if> statement.

[NFLfbJunkie]

Thanks Calash. That fixed it for me.

[PoetJA-1975]

Originally Posted by yoyoyoyo

I think it is a good hack, and it is well-written, and I appreciate Princeton sharing it. I don't understand why you are so critical of it.

Apologies = I didn't mean to sound so critical of the hack AND yes - I certainly appreciate it when coders, designers, etc... shares their lovely works with the vB Community

Jacquii.

[NFLfbJunkie]

When the search results come up, the "Can't find what you are looking for? Try football or our Advanced Search." phrase shows above the search results. Why does 'Advanced Search' show when that takes the user to the forum search area and doesn't allow for additional web page searching?

[djr]

Excellent hack Princeton. Flawless install and was up and running in 'bout 5 minutes. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[jGas]

that's great!! installed and nominated for motm.. adsense for search never worked on my site..let's see if it works with this wonderful hack!

[jGas]

i have disabled the search for guests..is it possibile to enable GTSearch for them? when i'm logged out there isn't the "search" link so guests can't see gtsearch!

[skariko]

I follow the instruction but it doesn't shows up on my navbar.

Can I add it manually?