Google offers customised web search

Google has launched a tool that allows websites and blogs to customise a search to their specific needs.

Website owners can use the Google Custom Search Engine to create a search box that finds content on a dedicated topic.

Google said it had made the process deliberately easy and it took just minutes to set up a customised search.

"We want to make it easy for anyone to create a search engine about all of their favourite topics, without needing a PhD," said Marissa Mayer, VP of search products and user experience.

"Everyone – from businesses, organisations, mums, dads, teenagers and teachers – can harness the power of Google technology to create a personalised search experience that reflects specific knowledge and interests."

The Custom Search Engine tool lets users choose which pages they want to include in their index, how the content should be prioritised, whether anyone else can add to their index, and what the search results page will look like.

Currently the search is only available in English and only queries the Google.com website.

However, a spokesman told PCW that Google was working to translate the instructions into other languages and to include localised versions of Google's search engine.

Real Climate.org, which is dedicated to the science of climate change, has already incorporated a dedicated search into its site.

"Unfortunately, since this topical subject has become rather politicised, the quality of information available on the web is variable, ranging from the excellent to the atrocious," said Gavin Schmidt from Real Climate.

"With the Custom Google Search facility, we are able to create a searchable subset of the web that in our expert judgment provides solid and reliable information."

"Hopefully, it will allow users to get to the good stuff faster, without some of the confusion that currently occurs," Schmidt added.

Custom Search Engines can also earn money using Google's Adsense advertising program, although universities, non-profit organisations and government bodies can choose not to run ads.