The document discusses the challenges of the search functionality on growthhackers.com, including low result yields for specific queries and improper ranking of popular posts. To address these issues, the proposed solution involves developing a minimal viable product (MVP) for a new search algorithm, leveraging Swiftype as a quick implementation. The aim is to enhance user experience by making it easier for users to find relevant content and measure their satisfaction with search results.

1. Improving Search on
GrowthHackers.com
By @andrewthompsonx

2. The Problem

3. 1. Many search queries return few results
Query: ‘sean ellis’
Query: ‘ctr’
1 Result
Query: ‘retention’
1 Result
2 Results
More posts and comments exist but aren’t being returned

4. 2. “Popular” posts aren’t ranked highest
Query: ‘uber’
Query: ‘square’
These popular posts
should be ranked higher

5. Users are already unable to find great GH content

6. The Goal

7. Improve search on GrowthHackers.com so users
are able to easily find content they’re looking for.

8. The Solution

9. Develop like a @leanstartup...

10. So we should build a search algorithm:

11. That’s mad… let’s rather build an MVP

12. Swiftype has the ideal snap-in site search
Setup in
under 1
hour

13. I have it working… try it out on my blog today:
Query: ‘sean ellis’
178 Results
http://www.andrewthompson.co/2013/01/improving-search-for-growthhackerscom.html

14. Measure
Search
Navigate
Comment
Set up a funnel to measure search completion rates

15. Measure
Did you find what you were searching for?
Yes
No
Ask users about their search experience

16. Measure
Swiftype also has analytics for searches that return zero results

17. Learn
Are GH users finding more of the content that
they’re searching for?

18. Andrew Thompson
VP of Growth, RESAAS
Six years of experience building
software, managing products &
growth hacking for startups in
Europe and Canada.
@andrewthompsonx