Recently, we introduced Google Web Elements as a new way to easily add
dynamic content to your site. In this post, we'd like to focus on one
of the Web Elements which you can use to earn more revenue: the Custom
Search Element.

As our optimization tips point out, adding search functionality to your
site can improve the user experience on your pages and overall make
your site "sticky". Here are some commonly asked questions about the
Custom Search Element to help you get started:

Q: What do I need to do in order to start earning revenue with the
Custom Search Element?

The first thing you should do is activate AdSense for search in your
AdSense account. Sign in to your AdSense account and visit the AdSense
Setup tab. Then, choose 'AdSense for search'. Once you click the "Get
started" button, your account will be activated.

After you've activated AdSense for search, the next steps depend on
whether you're creating a Custom Search Element that searches your own
site or one that uses an existing Custom Search Engine to search across
multiple sites of your choice.

If you're creating a Custom Search Element that searches your own site:

- You can create your Custom Search Element from the Web Elements site
at www.google.com/webelements/customsearch/.
- Under "Configure", be sure to select "Search my site and use AdSense
for search."
- In the AdSense Publisher ID field, be sure to enter your unique
publisher ID properly (should start with "pub-"). You can learn how to
find your publisher ID in our Help Center.

If you're creating a Custom Search Element that uses an existing Custom
Search Engine:

- Link your AdSense account to your Custom Search account from the
Custom Search control panel as follows:
- First, go to your search engines at www.google.com/cse/manage/all.
- Click the "control panel" link for the corresponding Custom Search
Engine.
- In the left-hand navigation bar under "Control panel", click "Make
Money".

You'll be taken to a page like below where you can link your Custom
Search Engine account to your AdSense account. All you need to do is
input your AdSense account information.

Q: Do I need to create a Custom Search Engine in order to use the
Custom Search Element?

No. By default, the Custom Search Element wizard gives you the option
of searching only your own website. However, if you wish to have your
element search websites other than your own, you'll need to first
create a Custom Search Engine at www.google.com/cse/manage/create.

Here are a few examples of publishers who've implemented the Custom
Search Element:

Yin Yang House

On the Yin Yang House site, search results using the Custom Search
Element appear inline on the page, allowing users to search without
leaving the current page context.

Digital Inspiration

Villiard.com

For publishers who like to tinker with code, you might find this post
useful - it outlines how to further customize your Custom Search
Element with CSS and JavaScript.

If you'd like to share your use of the Custom Search Element, leave us
a comment! We'd love to see what you've done.

Posted by Christine Tsai - Google Web Elements Team

--
Posted By Inside AdSense Team to Inside AdSense at 10/20/2009 11:01:00
AM