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Integrating Theca results with local search

When Theca is used to supplement a native local search engine we aim not to interfere with its functionalities. This page contain considerations for displaying Theca ads in addition to the local search results.

Recommendation: Always show at bottom of the SERP​

To ensure a seamless user experience, we recommend to always show Theca Ads at the bottom of the search engine results page (SERP), regardless of what results are retrieved from the local search engine. The following example illustrates the approach:

Recommendation: Separate pagination​

Theca results can be paginated using the "next page" from the search results. Since Theca ads and local search engine results are different from both a user experience and a technical perspective we recommend that they should be paginated separately. I.e., if the local search engine is paginated with a button that says "More results", then the Theca ads should not change when it is pressed and vice versa. Consider these options when paginating Theca results:

  • Infinite scroll or more results button. The user scrolls down or presses a "more results" button to load more results.
  • Carousel. The ads are placed in horizontal row with an arrow button to the right that replaces the results.

Caution: Placing Theca results on the right of the SERP​

Showing the Theca results to the right of the SERP gives the ads from Theca higher exposure, but we think it leads to a "busier" UI and is not mobile friendly.

Caution: Removing local search engine features​

There is no need to remove the bells and whistles of the local search engine when using Theca, such as autocorrection, autocomplete, or search-as-you-type. Theca does not replace a local search engine. However, keep in mind when using autocorrection to send the original "uncorrected" search query to Theca.

Here is an example of where the autocorrection can be improved by Theca:

Caution: Auto-complete "no results" warning​

Sometimes the user interface in the autocomplete function is designed to prevent the user to enter more text as soon as it sees that the local search engine will not generate any hits. This is sometimes done by showing the message "no hits found" already in the auto-complete canvas, which will lead to the user not completing its query. This will lead the user to abandon the search rather than give Theca a chance.

This example illustrates the issue:

Caution: Only showing Theca ads on no-hits​

Only showing Theca ads when the local search engine does not return any hits is discouraged. There is a risk you miss out on opportunities in situations where the local search engine rewrites the text queries and returns irrelevant results, or where cross-site ads is superior to the local offerings.