Robert Gordon University

Success story

How RGU Increased Course Page Traffic by 30% with AddSearch

This case study explores how Robert Gordon University fixed its internal site search, improving user experience and driving a 30% increase in course page traffic.

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The Need for Course Discovery and Better Site Functionality

Robert Gordon University (RGU), a prestigious Scottish institution renowned for their programs in management, health, energy, and technology, faced a challenge: their website wasn’t living up to their good name. Despite offering a wide range of respected courses, the university’s site search functionality was underperforming.

They desperately needed a more effective site search function for students, applicants, and staff. The university’s existing search functionality within its website wasn’t delivering relevant results or allowing their PDFs, text files, web pages, etc., the opportunity to be indexed either. 

Considering the resources available, RGU knew that if they were to do it internally, the development project would take months—which is not ideal for an organization that relies on their website for new or repeat students. So, it was time to find a solution that covered these concerns and that would give their marketing team complete control over updates and improvements.

Finding the Right Fit: Why RGU Chose AddSearch

RGU initially considered developing a custom in-house search solution. However, the development process proved to be too time-consuming and complex. They then opted for AddSearch, which offered a flexible, API-powered solution that they could implement without sacrificing customization.

“AddSearch gave us the flexibility to build search exactly the way we wanted.”

Colin Jones, Web and Applications Team Leader, Robert Gordon University

Responsive customer support also played a significant role in their final decision because it allowed the team to troubleshoot faster.

How AddSearch Helped RGU Gain Full Control Over Site Search

With AddSearch, RGU transformed its internal site search function into a more intuitive and effective tool. These are the changes that made the biggest impact:

  • More control over results: their team could fine-tune relevance and highlight key content without relying on developers.
  • Comprehensive indexing: course pages, PDFs, and text files became instantly searchable, making information easier to find.
  • Seamless API integration: AddSearch’s developers quickly built a tailored search experience with clear documentation and responsive support.

 

“The whole experience has been great. We’ve seen a 30% increase in traffic to our course pages, and the new search has played a major role in this.”

Sean Brosnan, Digital Content Manager, Robert Gordon University

30% More Traffic and a Better Search Experience for Everyone

By choosing AddSearch, RGU improved site search without the burden of a complex in-house build. The results speak for themselves:

  • 30% more traffic to course pages.
  • User-friendly search for applicants, students and staff.
  • Faster, more relevant search results.
  • A flexible search solution with continuous improvements

Customized Search for a Better User Experience

SUA’s team improved user engagement by customizing internal search with AddSearch’s flexible search installation:

  • They used promotions and pinned results to help prospective students explore their academic options more easily.
  • The team used search tuning to “tweak the dials” to refine results and highlight priority content.

“With AddSearch API, we built search as we wanted. Clear documentation and great fast support made it really easy to connect and achieve good results.”

Stephanie Baxter, Senior Web and Applications Developer, Robert Gordon University

RGU now has a powerful, flexible search solution that enhances user experience while keeping maintenance effortless. 

Are you ready to upgrade your site search? Book a demo to see how AddSearch can impact your website.

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