Thread: How Do I Make the Search Function More Efficient?

How Do I Make the Search Function More Efficient?

Is it possible to make the search function more efficient, allowing it to find multiple category names that are similar to the a category name that a user types into the search box.

For example, I have a coupon site that focuses on wedding vendors. There are many wedding vendor categories. The problem with the search function is that there are several different possible names for each category. If I name one category "Photographer," the user must type the exact word "Photographer" in order to be directed to the "Photographer" category. However, if a user types in "Photographers" (plural) or "Wedding Photographer," the user is not directed to the "Photographer" category. Instead, they get a message saying zero results were found when they should have been directed to the "photographer" section.

I know that I can create multiple categories with all of the different options for the category names users may possibly write while searching, but when I do so the categories section becomes overly populated with all of the possible variations on one word. It also makes it confusing for a user to choose a category when submitting a coupon since the user is only allowed one choice when choosing his category.

Please advise.