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SmartSearch

Performs web searches using SmartSearch API
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Overview

The SmartSearch node performs web searches using the SmartSearch API. It allows users to send a search query and receive relevant search results from the web. This node is useful for automating information retrieval tasks, such as gathering data on specific topics, monitoring news or trends, or integrating search capabilities into workflows without manual browsing.

Practical examples include:

  • Automatically searching for recent articles about a product launch.
  • Retrieving a list of websites related to a keyword for market research.
  • Filtering search results by language or freshness to get the most relevant and timely information.

Properties

Name Meaning
Query The search query string to look up (cannot be empty).
Count Number of results to return; options are 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 (maximum 50).
Freshness Time filter for search results; options are Day, Week, or Month.
Language Language code for results, recommended to use 4-letter codes like "en-US".
Offset Zero-based offset for pagination to skip a number of results.
Sites Restrict results to a specific host/domain, e.g., "github.com".

Output

The node outputs JSON data containing the search results returned by the SmartSearch API. The structure typically includes an array of search result items with details such as titles, URLs, snippets, and other metadata depending on the API response.

If the API supports binary data (e.g., images or files), it would be included in the binary output field, but based on the provided code and properties, this node primarily returns JSON-formatted search results.

Dependencies

  • Requires an API key credential for the SmartSearch API.
  • The base URL for requests depends on the configured endpoint in the credentials.
  • The node sends HTTP GET requests to the /smart endpoint of the SmartSearch API.
  • Proper configuration of the API authentication token is necessary in n8n credentials.

Troubleshooting

  • Empty Query Error: The query property is required and cannot be empty. Ensure you provide a valid search term.
  • API Authentication Errors: If the API key or endpoint is misconfigured, the node will fail to authenticate. Verify that the API key credential is correctly set up.
  • Rate Limits or Quotas: The SmartSearch API may enforce limits on the number of requests or results. Check your API plan and usage.
  • Invalid Parameter Values: Using unsupported values for count, freshness, or language may cause errors or unexpected results. Use only the provided options.
  • Network Issues: Connectivity problems can prevent the node from reaching the API endpoint.

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