Overview
The Web Search node enables you to perform internet searches using various search engines and retrieve search results for analysis, research, or data collection. This node supports multiple search types including web pages, news articles, images, and specialized searches like patents and shopping results, providing comprehensive access to online information across different search platforms.
Input Configuration
Query Configuration
Query Input: Enter your search terms in the "Enter query" text field
Search Terms: Type keywords, phrases, or specific queries you want to search for
Query Optimization: Use specific, relevant terms for better search results
Connection Point: Can receive query terms from other flow nodes
Search Type Selection
Choose the type of search to perform using the available search type buttons:
Web Search: Perform general web searches across indexed web pages
Location: Find location-specific results and geographic information
News: Search for news articles and current events coverage
Images: Search specifically for images and visual content
Patents: Access patent databases and intellectual property information
Patent Details: Retrieve detailed patent information and specifications
Lens: Perform reverse image searches and visual analysis
Shop: Search for products and shopping-related content
Search Type Focus: Select the type that best matches your information needs
Search Engine Selection
Engine Options: Choose from available search engines:
Google: Comprehensive web search with extensive indexing
Bing: Microsoft's search engine with different ranking algorithms
Additional Engines: Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, and Yandex may be available in future updates
Default Setting: Google is typically selected as the default search engine
Engine Characteristics: Different engines may provide varying result quality and focus areas
Advanced Settings
Access additional configuration options through the settings panel:
Geographic Configuration
Country Selection: Choose the country for localized search results
Default Setting: "us United States (US)" is typically the default
Localization: Different countries provide region-specific results and content
Market Focus: Select countries relevant to your research or target audience
Result Configuration
Results Count: Specify the number of search results to retrieve (e.g., 10, 20, 50)
Pagination Control: Control the volume of results returned
Performance Balance: More results provide comprehensive data but increase processing time
Language Settings
Language Selection: Choose the language for search results
Default Setting: "United States (En)" for English language results
Multilingual Search: Access content in different languages based on your needs
Content Filtering: Language settings help filter results to relevant linguistic content
Search Enhancement
Auto Correct: Enable automatic correction of spelling mistakes in search queries
Query Optimization: Helps improve search accuracy by correcting common typos
Toggle Setting: Can be enabled or disabled based on search precision needs
Output Configuration
Search Results
Results Display: Shows search results in the Output section
Result Format: Typically includes titles, URLs, descriptions, and relevant metadata
Structured Data: Information organized for easy analysis and processing
Connection Point: Search results can feed into analysis, filtering, or reporting nodes
Execution Control
Run Prompt Button
Location: Top-right corner of the interface
Function: Initiates the web search based on configured parameters
Processing: Performs search across selected engine and returns results
Results Display: Search results appear in the output area upon completion
Best Practices
Query Optimization
Specific Terms: Use clear, specific search terms for more relevant results
Keyword Strategy: Consider synonyms and related terms for comprehensive coverage
Search Operators: Utilize search operators when supported by the selected engine
Query Length: Balance between specific enough to be relevant and broad enough to capture results
Search Type Selection
Purpose Matching: Choose search types that align with your information needs
Content Type: Select appropriate types for the kind of information you're seeking
Specialized Searches: Use patent, shopping, or news searches for specific research needs
Multi-Type Analysis: Consider using multiple search types for comprehensive research
Engine Selection Strategy
Result Diversity: Different engines may provide different perspectives and results
Privacy Considerations: Use DuckDuckGo for privacy-focused searches
Regional Relevance: Choose engines with strong regional presence for local information
Comparative Analysis: Use multiple engines for comprehensive result coverage
Integration Considerations
Flow Architecture
Data Pipeline: Use search results as input for content analysis, trend monitoring, or research workflows
Multi-Query Analysis: Chain multiple searches for comprehensive topic coverage
Result Processing: Connect search outputs to text analysis, summarization, or filtering nodes
Automated Monitoring: Set up regular searches for ongoing topic or brand monitoring
Research Applications
Market Research: Monitor industry trends, competitor mentions, and market developments
Content Research: Gather information for content creation, fact-checking, or academic research
Brand Monitoring: Track brand mentions, reputation, and public sentiment
Competitive Intelligence: Research competitors, industry developments, and market positioning
Use Cases
Academic Research: Gather scholarly articles, research papers, and academic sources
Business Intelligence: Monitor industry news, competitor activities, and market trends
Content Creation: Research topics, verify facts, and gather supporting information
SEO Analysis: Analyze search results for keyword research and competitive positioning
News Monitoring: Track current events, breaking news, and topic developments
Product Research: Research products, reviews, and market availability
The Web Search node provides comprehensive internet search capabilities, enabling sophisticated information gathering, research automation, and content discovery workflows across multiple search platforms and content types.