Search is one of the most important and most overlooked parts of a website.

Many organizations have large amounts of content, but users struggle to find what they need. Traditional search often returns long lists of results with limited context, leaving users to sort through pages on their own.

AI can improve this in a meaningful way.

We work with universities, government agencies, and other content-rich organizations to design and implement AI-driven search experiences that make it easier for people to find information quickly and confidently.

Where AI Improves Search

AI does not replace search. It improves how search works in practice.

This often includes:

• Better ranking of results based on intent rather than just keywords
• Summaries that help users understand what a page contains before clicking
• More flexible ways to interpret queries, including natural language questions
• Improved handling of large document sets, including PDFs and structured content

The goal is to reduce the effort required to find relevant information.

Search Across Complex Content

Many organizations we work with have:

• thousands of pages
• large document libraries
• content spread across multiple systems

AI can help bring this together into a more coherent search experience.

For example, we have worked on implementations where users can search across pages and documents and receive results that include clear summaries and context, rather than just file names or page titles.

This is especially valuable in environments like higher education and government, where information is often distributed and difficult to navigate.

Platforms and Tools

We work with established search platforms including Algolia, ElasticSearch, and Solr.

AI capabilities can be layered on top of these systems to improve:

• ranking
• summarization
• query understanding

In some cases, this involves integrating external AI services. In others, it involves refining how content is indexed and structured so that AI systems can interpret it more effectively.

The right approach depends on the needs of the organization and the complexity of the content.

Integration with Drupal and WordPress

Search is closely tied to how content is managed.

We integrate AI search into Drupal and WordPress environments, ensuring that content is indexed in a way that supports both traditional and AI-driven search.

This includes:

• structuring content so it can be interpreted correctly
• ensuring metadata and relationships are preserved
• connecting search systems with existing APIs and services

The goal is to make search feel like a natural part of the site, not a separate tool.

AI Search and Generative Engine Optimization

Search is evolving beyond lists of links.

Users are increasingly asking questions and receiving direct answers from AI-driven systems. This shift is often referred to as Generative Engine Optimization.

AI search implementations play a role in this by:

• structuring content so it can be interpreted and summarized
• providing clear answers within search results
• aligning site content with how people ask questions

We approach this as an extension of content strategy and information architecture. The same work that improves search also improves how your content is surfaced in AI-driven environments.

A Practical Approach

Most organizations do not need to rebuild search from scratch.

We typically start by:

• reviewing the current search experience
• identifying where users are struggling
• improving indexing and structure
• layering in AI capabilities where they provide clear value

This allows for incremental improvements rather than large, disruptive changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need to replace our current search platform?
Not always. In many cases, existing platforms like Algolia, ElasticSearch, or Solr can be improved and extended with AI capabilities.

How accurate are AI-generated summaries?
They can be very helpful, but they need to be implemented carefully and tested. We focus on use cases where results can be validated and refined over time.

Can AI search work with PDFs and documents?
Yes. AI can improve how documents are indexed and summarized, making them easier to navigate and understand.

Is AI search appropriate for government and higher education?
Yes, but it needs to be implemented with attention to accessibility, accuracy, and transparency.