How to Use the Search Tool on Investor Village

How to Use the Global (Site-wide) Search Tool on Investor Village

🔍 How to Use the Global (Site-wide) Search Tool on Investor Village

Learn how to search for boards, messages, or members using the search tool in the dark blue menu bar on every page.

If you are a visual learner, or just looking to save time, check out the attached screenshot. 


📍 Where to Find the Search Tool

  • The search tool is located on the far-right side of the dark blue menu bar in the header of every page.

  • By default, the search box shows the words “enter symbol” in gray text.


Next to the search box, you’ll see a drop-down menu. This allows you to toggle between three search types:

  1. Boards (default)

    • Prompt: “enter symbol”

    • Use this to find a message board dedicated to a specific stock ticker symbol (e.g., AAPL) or company name (e.g., Apple).

  2. Messages

    • Prompt changes to: “enter keyword”

    • Use this to search for specific topics or keywords inside posted messages across the site.

  3. People

    • Prompt changes to: “enter alias”

    • Use this to find other members by their screen names.


  • Type the relevant ticker, keyword, or alias into the search box.

  • Click the green SEARCH button.


📊 Step 3: View Your Results

After clicking SEARCH, you’ll be taken to a results page:

  • For boards, you’ll see links to any matching message boards.

  • For messages, you’ll see a list of posts containing your keyword.

  • For people, you’ll see member aliases that match your entry.

Click any link to go directly to the board, post, or member profile.


📌 Tips for Effective Searching

  • Use exact ticker symbols when possible for the most direct board results.

  • For messages, try broad keywords first, then refine.

  • For people, enter the full screen name to narrow results quickly.

  • Remember: Some boards are highly active, while others may have little or no activity.


💡 Discovery Tip

Combine the search tool with the Recent Posts module on the homepage for a powerful way to uncover discussions and boards you may not have noticed before.

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