The folks at Google now allow users to build custom search engines to restrict the search to specific Web sites that you specify as well as adding the custom search to your Web site. Google custom search can be specifically tailored to also match your Web site theme as well. The Google FAQ covers everything you need to know on how to set up a custom search engine.

They further explain the purpose of the search engine as:

1. What is a Custom Search Engine? A Custom Search Engine is a tailored search experience, built using Google’s core search technology, which prioritizes or restricts search results based on Web sites and pages that you specify, and which can be tailored to reflect your point of view or area of expertise.

2. How does the Custom Search Engine work? Simply submit Web sites or pages you’d like to included in your search engine index. You can choose either to restrict your search results to include only these pages and sites, or simply to give these pages and sites higher priority and ranking in the larger Google index. Once you’ve defined your search engine index, Google will give you a simple piece of code for boxlook search and feel to place on your site or blog. You’ll then have the option to choose various customization options to make the and functionality of your search engine your own.
3. What can I do with my Custom Search Engine? What customization options are available? With a Custom Search Engine you can:
   • Apply your Web site’s look and feel to the search results page.
   • Make money from your Custom Search Engine by participating in Google’s AdSense Program.
   • Provide search refinements within results pages to make it easier for searchers to find the information they’re looking for.
   • Incrementally 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.

   For more information about these features, visit Managing a Custom Search Engine.

4. Why is Google launching this? Google’s mission is to connect people to information - no matter how specialized or specific - as quickly as possible. The Custom Search Engine allows you to combine Google’s search algorithm with your own expertise to create a customized experience - thus making access to specific information across the Web easier for your users.

After looking over what Google has to offer, it seems that this would be a very useful tool for those who wish to specify what search results are brought up by priority. Also having the ability to customize the search box to fit your Web site is also a nice feature. I don’t think anyone would complain about making a few extra bucks by joining into a Google AdSense program, either.

Check out Google’s new offering here.

Comments welcome.

Tags: google, custom search engine, adsense, web site, website