Configuring the Chatbot to use the Google Search API

A Google Search can be used to respond to users when your chatbot doesn’t know how to answer a question. The process for setting up a Google Custom Search and aquiring an API key is outlined in great detail here, however we have provided abbreviated  instructions below.

1. Go to Google Custom Search .
2. If you don’t already have a custom search engine complete the following steps: (figure 1)
   1. After logging in, Choose “Create your first search engine”.
   2. Enter a name and the urls to be be included in the search engine.
   3. Click “Create”.
   4. Choose “Customize”.
   5. Copy the Search engine ID. (figure 2)
3. If you already have a custom search engine complete the following:
   1. After logging in, click on your serach engine name.
   2. Copy the Search engine ID. (figure 2)
4. Return to your website dashboard AIChatbot > Settings page and enter the Search engine ID in the Google Custom Search Engine CX ID field. (figure 3)
5. Go to the Google Programmable Search Instructions.
6. Click “Get a Key”. (figure 4)
7. Click “Select or Create a Project”.
8. Choose “Create a Project”. (figure 5)
9. Choose “New Project”.
10. Enter a project name and choose “Next”.
11. Choose “Show Key”. (figure 6)
12. Copy the key and return to your website dashboard AIChatbot > Settings page and enter it in the Google Cloud API Key field. (figure 3)

Figure 1: Create a Programmable Search

 

Figure 2: Copy Search Engine ID

Figure 3: Update Search Settings

Figure 4: Get a Key

Figure 5: Create a Project

Figure 6: Copy the Key and Update Settings