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Why are my searches slow, and how can I improve search speed?
Answer
Slow searches can occur when dealing with large amounts of content. Here are some workarounds and solutions:
MySQL timeout setting: For MySQL 5.7+, set a query timeout to prevent searches from locking up your database. Composr automatically sets this, but you can configure it manually if needed.
Use InnoDB tables: Switching to InnoDB tables in MySQL can prevent slow queries from affecting other users on your website. Note that InnoDB is not officially supported by Composr yet.
Enable the fast custom index: As mentioned earlier, the fast custom index is optimized for handling large datasets and filtered searches, potentially leading to significant speed improvements.
How does the search engine handle different languages?
Answer
Composr's fast custom index supports multiple languages. Content is indexed based on its translated version, ensuring that you get relevant results even when searching in a different language.
Quoted phrases allow you to search for an exact sequence of words. For example, searching for "red apple" will only return results containing that exact phrase. Keep in mind that enabling quoted phrases can increase disk space usage.
Stop words are common words (like "the", "a", "is") that are ignored by the search engine because they add noise and don't contribute to the meaning of the search query. You can customize the list of stop words for the fast custom index. See the search tutorial for more information.
What is the fast custom index and why should I use it?
Answer
The fast custom index is Composr's own search engine, designed to be faster and more efficient than MySQL full-text search, especially for large websites and filtered searches.
Benefits of the fast custom index:
Faster filtered searches: Significantly improves search speed when you add filters like category or author.
Configurable stop words: Control which common words are ignored during search.
Better stemming: More accurately recognizes variations of words (e.g., "like" and "liking").
Multilingual support: Indexes content based on different language translations.
Downsides of the fast custom index:
Slight lag in indexing new content: New content takes a short time to be indexed.
Less accurate ranking: Ranking is based on the most obscure keyword, not a blend of all keywords.
Cannot perform blank searches: You must enter at least one keyword.
KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are specific measurements selected for marketing analysis. In Composr, time-series graphs can be added as KPIs. They offer several benefits:
Quick reference: Available on the Admin Zone dashboard staff checklist.
Target setting: Allows setting targets against KPIs, visualized on graphs and in overview summaries.
Notifications: Staff members receive regular notifications regarding target achievement status.
Tracking codes help you identify the sources driving user sessions to your website or associate specific split testing variations with users. Composr offers integrated referral tracking through various means:
URL parameter: The _t URL parameter can contain any custom tracking code, automatically registered by the stats addon.
Recommend addon: This addon automatically includes tracking codes for the referral source, referring member, and the referred page.
Member joining: When a referred member joins, the referring member receives points and a friend request.
Referrals addon: Allows manual tracking code input upon joining and facilitates a referrer reward system.
Stats addon: Generates graphs of tracking codes, including conversion rate measurements.
User lookup tool: Allows checking if a user accessed the site via a tracking code.
Tempcode integration: Inject tracking codes into Tempcode using symbols like {$SET_TRACKING_CODE,some code} or {$SPLIT_TEST,some code,some other code}.
What are the different ways to track events in Composr?
Answer
Composr offers various methods for tracking events:
Inbuilt events: Automatically recorded for actions like form submissions, purchases, newsletter signups, etc.
Tempcode symbol: Use the {$LOG_STATS_EVENT,event} symbol within your templates to track events when the template is displayed.
JavaScript function: Employ the $cms.statsEventTrack JavaScript function to track events from within your JavaScript code.
HTML data attribute: Add data-click-stats-event-track="{ category: 'some event', nativeTracking: true }" to HTML elements. This method acts as a wrapper for the JavaScript function.
URL wrapping: Wrap URLs in links using the {$STATS_TRACK_URL,URL,event} symbol. This approach records events via a redirection script and doesn't rely on JavaScript.
The JavaScript and HTML data attribute methods can also be integrated with Google Analytics events.
How do I install geo-location data for Composr statistics?
Answer
Geo-location data installation is usually automatic during the Composr installation process. If not, you can manually install it by navigating to Admin Zone > Audit > Site statistics > Install geolocation data. This action will reschedule the installation task. If you don't see this option, the geo-location data is already installed.
What tools and strategies can be used for staff training and development?
Answer
While Composr itself doesn't provide built-in training features, several approaches can be used for staff development:
Documentation & Tutorials: Utilize the extensive Composr documentation and tutorials available online to familiarize staff with the platform's functionalities.
Mentorship: Pair experienced staff with newcomers to provide guidance and support during the initial learning phase.
Private Forums & Chat: Create dedicated communication channels where staff can exchange knowledge, ask questions, and share best practices.
Regular Meetings: Conduct regular staff meetings to discuss updates, share information, and address any arising challenges.
External Resources: Leverage external resources like online courses or workshops focused on relevant skills, such as content management or community moderation.
By investing in ongoing staff training and development, communities can ensure their teams possess the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively and contribute to the platform's overall success.
How can potential conflicts between staff members be avoided (regarding content moderation)?
Answer
Composr incorporates "conflict detection" features to prevent staff from accidentally overwriting each other's work. When multiple staff members attempt to edit the same resource simultaneously, a warning message appears, prompting communication and coordination.
Open communication and transparency are crucial. Encourage staff to share their ongoing tasks and plans with each other to prevent overlaps and potential conflicts. Utilizing shared tools like the staff checklist and private forums can further facilitate coordination.
What should be considered when assigning roles and responsibilities to staff?
Answer
When assigning roles, it's recommended to start new staff with limited responsibilities and gradually increase their authority based on performance and dedication. This fosters a sense of progression and prevents discouragement among existing staff.
Always consider the individual's skills and interests when assigning tasks. For example, someone with strong writing skills might be well-suited for managing content creation, while a technically-minded person could excel at site maintenance.
