How to Add Autocomplete Search to Your WordPress Website?

Introduction

When visitors land on your WordPress site, one of the first things they often look for is the search bar. But here’s the problem: the default WordPress search isn’t always great. It’s basic, sometimes slow, and doesn’t suggest results as users type. That can be frustrating for visitors who expect a smooth, Google-like experience.

That’s where adding autocomplete search to your WordPress website comes in. Autocomplete helps users find what they’re looking for faster by showing suggestions as they type. It not only improves user experience but can also increase engagement, page views, and even conversions for online stores.

In this guide, we’ll walk through why autocomplete search is so valuable, different ways you can add it, and the best tools (plugins or custom options) to make it happen—without needing advanced coding skills.

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Why Add Autocomplete Search to Your WordPress Site?

Autocomplete isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it can dramatically improve your website’s usability. Here’s how:

• Faster results – Visitors find content before finishing their query.
• Reduced bounce rate – Relevant suggestions keep users browsing longer.
• Better engagement – Helps users discover related content they didn’t know you had.
• Boosts sales – For eCommerce, autocomplete can suggest products and upsell items.

Think of it like giving your visitors a shortcut to what they want. Instead of typing the full search term, they see smart suggestions instantly.

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Methods to Add Autocomplete Search in WordPress

You don’t need to build everything from scratch. There are multiple ways to add autocomplete functionality to your site:

1. Using a WordPress Plugin (Easiest Way)

Plugins make this process simple, even if you have no technical background. Some popular options include:

• Ajax Search Lite – A free plugin that adds live search suggestions.
• Relevanssi – Enhances WordPress search with partial matches and relevance ranking.
• FiboSearch (AJAX Search for WooCommerce) – Perfect for online stores with product previews.
• SearchWP Live Ajax Search – A premium option with advanced filtering and customization.

Most plugins only require installation and a quick setup to start working immediately.

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2. Adding Autocomplete with Custom Code

If you’re comfortable with coding, you can integrate autocomplete using JavaScript libraries like jQuery UI or Algolia.

Basic steps include:

1. Enqueue a JavaScript autocomplete library.
2. Connect it with your WordPress search form.
3. Configure it to fetch search suggestions from your database.

This option gives you more control but requires developer knowledge.

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3. Using Third-Party Search Services

Tools like Algolia Search or ElasticPress provide powerful, cloud-based search engines with autocomplete functionality.

• Pros: Super-fast, scalable, and accurate results.
• Cons: Usually involves ongoing costs and setup complexity.

These are great for high-traffic sites or eCommerce stores with thousands of products.

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How to Set Up Autocomplete Search with a Plugin (Step-by-Step)

Let’s take Ajax Search Lite as an example:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard → Plugins → Add New.
2. Search for Ajax Search Lite and click Install Now, then Activate.
3. Customize settings under Ajax Search Lite → Settings.
   • Choose layouts (horizontal, vertical, or dropdown).
   • Enable live search suggestions.
   • Set filters for posts, pages, or products.
4. Add the search bar to your site using the provided shortcode or widget.

Within minutes, your site will have live autocomplete functionality.

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Best Practices for Autocomplete Search

To get the most out of this feature, follow these tips:

• Keep it fast – Make sure results load instantly for a smooth experience.
• Prioritize relevance – Show the most useful suggestions first.
• Support typos – Use fuzzy search to catch spelling errors.
• Design matters – Ensure the search dropdown looks clean and mobile-friendly.
• Track performance – Use analytics to see what visitors are searching for.

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Wrapping It Up

Improving your site’s search feature can make a big difference in user experience. By learning how to add autocomplete search to your WordPress website, you can help visitors find content faster, keep them engaged longer, and even increase sales if you run an online store.

Whether you go with a simple plugin like Ajax Search Lite, a premium solution like SearchWP, or a full search engine integration with Algolia, the key is making your site search smarter and easier for users.

👉 Start with a plugin to see immediate resu