Reducing zero search results

Discussion in 'Programming' started by triedeverything, Jul 16, 2008.

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  1. #1
    Hi,

    We have a peculiar problem. I believe someone here can help with this:)
    I am currently working on a project which involves reducing zero search results on a help site. I get a report from my Analyst that is usually over 5000 terms. I need to enter each of these terms in our website and determine which of these search terms actually have results associated with them. To explain this again, suppose a customer searches for a term called 'who cares' and they get no content - a zero search, but if I search with the same term, I get results. I'm not worried about the reason - it could be a temporary issue with a server for all I know. What I need to know is if there is some way that I can run a script that will take a term from each cell on my excel report, put the term in the search window and then let me know if there is a result or if it is indeed a zero search? It would save me a whole lot of time. I am a tech writer and have very little knowledge into coding. Would appreciate any help in this matter as I find that more than 30% of these terms are what we call false positives - they have content when I search.

    Let me know if you need any further clarification. Appreciate your help!
     
    triedeverything, Jul 16, 2008 IP
  2. Vooler

    Vooler Well-Known Member

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    #2
    First of all Excel sheet cannot natively be read by most used language php, if some asp.net developer engages well and good. But if you can save it as CSV file then there may be a script which can perform this.

    BUT question is, is the searching performed on a site or is the term searched form database ?
    If from site, then which search engine or site you search?
    Without this information no one will be able to help.


    regards
     
    Vooler, Jul 16, 2008 IP
  3. Social.Network

    Social.Network Member

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    #3
    I am going to make some assumptions here, but will give this a try. If you want an automated solution to search the terms and report zero searches, you have a couple of options. I do not know how the analyst produces their report, but let us assume it will always be in Excel format. I would export the data into a text-based format, use PHP or whatever language your site is developed in or part of your company standards and write a utility to read the data, perform search for each term, and report the results. This can be performed other ways, but as stated above these are assumptions. If you provide us more detail, we can offer some options.
     
    Social.Network, Jul 17, 2008 IP