CSE FAQ

What is a Custom Search Engine?

A Custom Search Engine (CSE) is a tailored search experience, built using core search technology provided by Google. A CSE prioritizes or restricts search results based on websites and pages that you specify. This means that your CSE can be tailored to reflect your particular point of view or specific area of expertise.

How does a Custom Search Engine work?

You can simply submit websites or pages that you would like to include in your CSE index. You can then choose either to restrict your search results to include only these pages and sites, or you can choose to give these pages and sites higher priority and ranking in the larger Google index. Once you have defined your CSE index, Google will provide you a simple piece of code for a search box which will let you place your CSE box on your website. You will then have the option to choose various customization options to make the look, feel and functionality of your CSE your own.

What can I do with my Custom Search Engine?

There are numerous options avalable to you. For example, with a CSE you can:

• Apply your own website's look and feel to the search results page to integrate it into your website.
• Earn some money from your CSE by participating in Google's AdSense partner advertising program.
• Provide additional search refinements within your results pages to make it easier for your searchers to find the information that they are looking for.
• Incrementally add sites to your CSE index as you surf the internet.
• Invite friends and trusted users to edit and contribute to your CSE.

For more information about these features, please visit Google's Custom Search Engine Documentation where you will find lots of useful information to help you on your way. Once you have developed your CSE index then you can add it to this directory at your convenience, subject to you meeting our basic quality standards.