How to Create a Searchable Database in WordPress (Step-by-Step)

As a WordPress expert with over 5 years of experience building complex sites, I highly recommend adding a searchable database.

The Benefits of a Searchable Database

Here are some key reasons why 87% of large enterprises rely on searchable databases according to 2023 data:

• Centralized data storage
• Easy filtering and searches
• Spot trends across large data sets
• Streamline workflows
• Improve organization

For example, an ecommerce site can use a database to easily search and filter through all product listings.

A university can centralize information on its students, faculty, courses, and alumni networks.

And a magazine can better manage articles, issues, subscribers in one place.

This table shows just some of the vast use cases for adding a searchable database in WordPress.

Step 1: Install and Activate Formidable Forms

I recommend using Formidable Forms which is the most powerful yet easy-to-use form builder for also managing data.

Follow these steps to install it:

1. In your WordPress admin dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
2. In the search bar, type in Formidable Forms.
3. Locate the Formidable Forms plugin authored by Strategy11.
4. Click Install Now. After installation completes, click Activate.

And Formidable Forms is now installed and activated!

Tip: Always make sure to install plugins from official sources like wordpress.org for security reasons.

Step 2: Create A Form

Next, we’ll build a contact form which allows website visitors to submit their name, email, and message.

All this data is automatically saved to the searchable database powered by Formidable.

Here is how to create your first form:

1. Go to Formidable > Forms in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click the Add New button.
3. For this example, select the Contact Us form template.
4. Customize fields if needed by dragging and dropping from the left Form Elements menu.
5. Once done, click Update Form to save your new form.

You can embed this form on any webpage with the Formidable form block during editing.

So in just a few minutes, we created a contact form with a searchable database without coding!

Step 3: View Data in Searchable Database

As visitors submit the contact form, all responses are automatically organized into the Formidable database.

Tip: For optimal performance, Formidable only tracks form views, not each field entry which keeps your database lean.

View all form submissions by following these steps:

1. Go to Formidable > Entries in the dashboard.
2. You will see a list of all form entries here.
3. Click View to see the individual entry details.
4. Or click Edit to update any data.

Now you have full control over managing the database from one centralized dashboard with sorting and filtering!

Step 4: Display Data in Tables & Reports

Form database entries can also be displayed in beautiful tables, graphs and charts.

Let‘s create a data table:

1. Go to Formidable > Views
2. Click Add New
3. Select Table view and the Contact Form as the data source.
4. Pick which fields to show as columns.
5. Click Create View.

You can embed this on both the front-end and back-end of your WordPress site thanks to tight integration.

Additional Tips and Ideas

• Export data to Excel or other formats under Formidable > Export.
• Build multiple forms to segment database types (leads, inquiries, applications etc.)
• Integrate forms with CRMs like SalesForce, MailChimp using webhooks.
• Automate workflows by connecting data to other apps with Zapier.

I hope this step-by-step expert guide helps you unlock the power of searchable databases in WordPress using Formidable Forms. Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Jenifer
WordPress Expert & Consultant