Google Search
Search Google and get structured results using the Google Custom Search API
Node Type
Action
Category
General
Icon
Search
Overview
The Google Search node is an action node that performs web searches using Google's Custom Search API and returns structured search results. This powerful integration enables you to search the web programmatically within your workflows, perfect for research, content discovery, and information gathering.
Key Features
- • Structured Results: Returns organized search results with titles, links, snippets, and metadata
- • Customizable Query: Search with any text query using template variables
- • Result Control: Specify the number of results to return (1-10)
- • Rich Metadata: Includes display links, formatted URLs, and image thumbnails when available
- • Performance Tracking: Returns search time and total result counts
- • API Integration: Uses Google's official Custom Search JSON API for reliable results
Prerequisites
Google Custom Search API
Must have Google Custom Search API credentials configured
Internet Access
Network connectivity for Google Search API
Technical Requirements
System capabilities needed for search operations
Node Configuration
Required Fields
Search Query
The search query to send to Google. This can include any search terms, phrases, or keywords you want to search for. Use template variables for dynamic searches.
Optional Fields
Number of Results
Number of search results to return (1-10). Defaults to 10 if not specified. The API will automatically validate and constrain this value.
Best Practices
Do's
- • Use specific, well-formed search queries for better results
- • Leverage template variables for dynamic search terms
- • Monitor the Total Results output to understand search scope
- • Use appropriate result counts based on your workflow needs
- • Handle the Results array properly in downstream nodes
- • Consider search time for performance optimization
- • Test different query formats to find what works best for your use case
Don'ts
- • Don't use overly broad or vague search terms
- • Avoid exceeding the 10 result limit per search
- • Don't ignore API rate limits and quota restrictions
- • Avoid making too many concurrent search requests
- • Don't assume all searches will return results
- • Avoid using the node for real-time search without proper error handling
- • Don't forget to handle cases where no results are found
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
API Key Configuration Errors
Symptoms: Node fails with 'Google Custom Search API key is not configured' error
Solution: Verify that your Google Custom Search API key is properly set in the configuration. Check that the API key has the Custom Search API enabled in Google Cloud Console.
Search Engine ID Missing
Symptoms: Node fails with 'Google Custom Search Engine ID is not configured' error
Solution: Ensure your Google Custom Search Engine ID is configured. You can create a custom search engine at https://cse.google.com/ and get the Engine ID from the setup.
No Search Results
Symptoms: Search returns empty results array
Solution: Try different search terms, check if your query is too specific or too broad, and verify that the search engine is configured to search the entire web.
API Quota Exceeded
Symptoms: Node fails with API quota or rate limit errors
Solution: Check your Google Cloud Console for API quota usage, consider upgrading your quota if needed, and implement rate limiting in your workflows to avoid exceeding limits.
Network Connectivity Issues
Symptoms: Node fails with network or timeout errors
Solution: Verify internet connectivity, check firewall settings, and ensure that Google's API endpoints are accessible from your environment.