Configuring Nearby Results in eDirectory

Introduction

eDirectory's "Visitor Location Detection" and "Nearby Results" features enhance user experience by allowing customers to filter searches based on proximity. By accurately detecting a visitor's location and applying a search radius, eDirectory helps users find relevant listings, events, and articles that are conveniently located. This article explains how these features work and provides step-by-step instructions for configuration.

How the Features Work:

  1. Visitor Location Detection:
    • This feature enables eDirectory to identify a user's geographical location non-intrusively.
    • If the user grants permission, their location is automatically populated in the search field, simplifying the process of finding nearby items.
    • Example: A user in Los Angeles, California, USA, would see their location displayed in the location field.

  1. Nearby Results:
    • When enabled, this feature filters search results based on a predefined radius around the user's specified location.
    • Important: A valid Google API Key is required for both "Visitor Location Detection" and "Nearby Results" to function, as they rely on Google's geocoding services. (Click here for assistance creating your Google API Key.)

Note: The accuracy of nearby results depends on the specificity of the location provided. A more precise location (e.g., city, ZIP code) yields better results than a broad location (e.g., country).

Example: Searching for the country “USA” will result in a very broad search area, and may provide less relevant results.

Enabling and Configuring Nearby Results:

  1. Access Location Settings:
    • Log in to your eDirectory Site Manager.
    • Navigate to "Settings" -> "Language & Geography" -> "Location Settings."

Radius Configuration:

When "Visitor Location Detection" and "Nearby Results" are enabled, search results are filtered based on a radius. eDirectory offers three radius configuration options:

  1. Specific Location Radius:
    • This radius applies to searches performed from a location search page (accessed via the location search bar's dropdown or the "More Locations" box).
    • To configure a specific location radius:
      • Log in to eDirectory Site Manager.
      • Go to "Configuration" -> "Language & Geography" -> "Location Data."
      • Edit the desired location and set the "Radius" in the provided field.

  1. Specific Keyword Radius:
    • This radius applies to searches using location keywords (e.g., "LA" instead of "Los Angeles, California").
    • To configure a specific keyword radius:
      • Log in to eDirectory Site Manager.
      • Go to "Configuration" -> "Language & Geography" -> "Customize Searched Terms" (under "Visitor Location Detection and Nearby Results").
      • Select a keyword and assign a geolocation and radius.

  1. Default Radius:
    • This radius is used when neither a specific location nor a keyword radius is defined.
    • Set the default radius on the "Visitor Location Detection and Nearby Results" page.

Conclusion

By effectively configuring the "Visitor Location Detection" and "Nearby Results" features in eDirectory, you can significantly enhance the search experience for your users. Utilizing google API keys, and setting the correct radius settings are very important to provide the best possible user experience. Using the three radius configurations allows you to control the search results with a high level of accuracy.

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