Website Usability Guidelines

Follow these usability recommendations:

Search - Many websites allow users to search for products, particularly if the website has many products. If you are providing search on your website you should provide the function on all web pages.
Usable Search Results - Ensure that the results of user searches provide the precise information being sought and in a format that matches user's expectations. Users become frustrated when search results do not solve their problem.
Search Entire Website - Design search engine to search the entire website or clearly define which part of the website will be searched.
User Search Terms - Design the search engine around the users' terms. Keep it simple.
Multiple Search Options - If more than one type of search option is provided, ensure that users are aware of all the different types of search options and how each is best used.

Hints - Include hints to improve search performance.
Update Search - Ensure that the search engine is updated as you add or subtract products or services.
Search Location - Usually a search box is located in the upper right hand corner of the website. The average search box is 25 characters.
Search Box Color - White
Search Button - Ensure that you have a search button. You can call it "Search" or "Go", both are acceptable.