Adding Dynamic Search and Filtering in Webflow

In this tutorial, we will explore how to add dynamic search and filtering functionality to your website using Webflow, a no-code website building platform. We will be using Jetboost, a tool specifically designed for the Webflow CMS, to achieve this functionality. By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to create a dynamic search and filtering feature for your website, enhancing the user experience and making it easier for visitors to find specific content.

About Jetboost and its Functionality

Jetboost is a powerful tool developed by Chris Bax that allows you to add advanced interactivity to your Webflow site using the Webflow CMS. It offers features such as dynamic filtering, search functionality, member stacking, and auto-archiving, all of which can greatly enhance the user experience of your website.

Setting Up Dynamic Search Functionality

Step 1: Accessing Jetboost

To get started with adding dynamic search functionality to your Webflow site, you'll need to access Jetboost and connect it to your Webflow account. Once connected, Jetboost will automatically pull in all the information about your Webflow CMS.

Step 2: Configuring the Search Criteria

After connecting Jetboost to your Webflow CMS, you can specify what information you want the search functionality to filter by. This can include fields such as job title, primary service, sub-services, and more. Jetboost automatically identifies and lists all the available labels inside your CMS, making it convenient to select the items you want to filter.

Step 3: Configuring the Search Type

You can configure the type of search you want to have, such as exact match, partial match, or custom options. Additionally, you can choose to display the search term in the URL for improved usability.

Step 4: Embedding Scripts

To activate the search functionality, you need to embed the provided scripts into your project. This involves pasting the code into the head section under the custom code part in the project settings. Once done, you can test and validate the setup.

Step 5: Adding Custom Embed Code

To enable dynamic search within your collection items, you'll need to add a custom embed code to the specific elements containing your content. This allows Jetboost to filter the different collection items based on the search criteria.

Step 6: Testing the Search Functionality

After setting up the search functionality, it's important to test it on your published website to ensure that it works as expected. Once the setup is validated, your dynamic search feature will be ready for use.

Implementing Dynamic Filtering

Step 1: Adding Dynamic List Filtering

Similar to setting up the search functionality, you can add dynamic list filtering using Jetboost. This feature allows you to filter collection items based on specific criteria such as freelancer type, skills, or other custom options.

Step 2: Configuring Filtering Criteria

You can specify the fields by which you want to filter the collection items. This can include reference fields, multi-reference fields, or option fields, depending on your specific requirements.

Step 3: Embedding Custom Code and Testing

After configuring the filtering criteria, you'll need to embed the provided code into your Webflow project. This code enables Jetboost to filter the collection items based on the specified criteria. As with the search functionality, it's crucial to test the dynamic filtering to ensure its effectiveness.

Adding User Interface Elements

Step 1: Designing the Search Box

To provide a user interface for the search functionality, you'll need to design and build the search box. This involves adding a form element and a text input field, which can be customized to suit your website's design and layout.

Step 2: Implementing Filtering Options

For dynamic filtering, you can add user interface elements such as select boxes or checkboxes to allow users to filter and narrow down the displayed content based on specific categories or criteria.

Step 3: Styling and Visual Customization

Once the search box and filtering options are implemented, you can further enhance their appearance and usability by applying custom styling and visual elements to ensure they integrate seamlessly with your website's design.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jetboost provides a robust solution for adding dynamic search and filtering functionality to Webflow websites. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can enhance the user experience of your website by enabling visitors to easily search for and filter content based on their specific requirements. Whether it's a freelancer marketplace, a directory, or any other type of listing site, the dynamic search and filtering feature powered by Jetboost can greatly improve the overall usability and accessibility of your website.

If you want to learn more about how to implement such functionalities or need further assistance, feel free to explore Jetboost's documentation or reach out to their support team for guidance. With the right tools and understanding, you can create a seamless browsing experience for your website's visitors, making it easier for them to find the content they're looking for.