diff --git a/website/search/models.py b/website/search/models.py
index 5255cbc..406b06d 100644
--- a/website/search/models.py
+++ b/website/search/models.py
@@ -70,6 +70,9 @@ class SearchPage(BaseContentMixin, BasePage):  # type: ignore[misc]
 
             context["results"] = results
         else:
-            context["invalid_search"] = True
+            if "q" in request.GET:
+                context["invalid_search"] = True
+            else:
+                context["initial"] = True
 
         return context
diff --git a/website/search/templates/search/search_page.html b/website/search/templates/search/search_page.html
index 44a3fd1..e64576c 100644
--- a/website/search/templates/search/search_page.html
+++ b/website/search/templates/search/search_page.html
@@ -11,7 +11,9 @@
 {% endif %}
 
 <section class="container">
-  {% if invalid_search %}
+  {% if initial %}
+    <p>Enter search terms</p>
+  {% elif invalid_search %}
     <p>Invalid search</p>
   {% elif results|length == 0 %}
     {% if page_num > paginator.num_pages %}