💄 Improve Search Functionality

cc @wicksipedia @louisroa8189 @tiagov8 @hveraus @jaydenalchin @Pravino24

⛔️ Note: As per conversation with @adamcogan and @UlyssesMaclaren, we need to know the stats first on how many people use the search functionality before we implement this solution since this is substantial work

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
Currently, when users use the on-site search bar, they are redirected to Google search a new window with the query "site: ssw.com.au + keyword." This disrupts their browsing experience and takes them away from our website. Additionally, this behavior causes session fragmentation and analytics misattribution, making it challenging to track user journeys and conversions effectively.

Describe the solution you'd like
Implement an on-site search functionality that displays relevant search results directly within our website. This keeps users engaged, improves their browsing experience, and maintains consistent analytics tracking.

Tasks:

• Check stats with Marketing
• Designer - Once data are in, design mockups for the improved functionality
• Dev - Create PBIs to implement improved search functionality

Additional context

If Users are Redirected via Our Site's Search Bar:

• Initial Visit
  • User arrives at our site through some channel (e.g., direct, referral, paid ad)
• On-Site Search
  • User types ".NET 8 consultants" into our site's search bar
  • Instead of displaying results on our site, they are redirected to Google with the query site:https://www.ssw.com.au/ .NET 8 consultants
• User on Google Search Results
  • Disruption: User leaves our site, potentially seeing competitors
  • Analytics Impact: Original session ends; new session starts if they return
• Return to Our Site
  • User clicks on our link in Google search results
  • New session begins, attributed to google / organic

Analytics Implications

• Session Fragmentation: User's journey is split, complicating analysis.
• Misattribution: Difficult to link user behavior before and after the redirection.
• Potential Data Loss: Actions taken during the first session might not be properly connected to the conversion.

Figure: SSW.Website Search Bar

Figure: Searching .NET from the website search bar redirect users to Google search, with top searches being in Rules

Start with the site's search bar and check its usage statistics with Marketing, as requested. If the data supports the change, review the resulting design mockups and create implementation PBIs; the issue is done when those prerequisites and PBIs are complete.