Help shoppers before they type
The first seconds of a search sell the most
A search does not start when the shopper presses enter. It starts the moment they tap the search bar. What they see in that empty box, and in the first letters they type, decides whether they reach a product quickly or give up. These two guides show you how to use both moments.
Why the first seconds matter
Many shoppers open the search without a precise product name in mind. They know they want an oud perfume or a black abaya, not which one. An empty box gives them nothing to go on, and typing on a phone is slow.
Every tap you save brings them closer to a product page. A ready list of what is popular, or a suggestion that completes their word, turns a hesitant visit into a short path to the cart.
Two moments, two tools
The two features cover different moments and work well together.
- Before typing: pinned keywords, pinned products and pinned categories that you choose, shown the moment the search opens. Returning shoppers also see their own recent searches.
- While typing: search suggestions that complete the word from popular searches and your catalog, plus a "Did you mean" correction when a word is mistyped.
A sensible order to set them up
Start with Search suggestions, because they work from your catalog and your shoppers' searches without any list to maintain. Check that the four options are set the way you want and save.
Then build your pinned sections. Look at your most searched keywords in Search Analytics and pin the ones that lead to sales. Add a few products you want to push, such as new arrivals or a seasonal offer, and the categories shoppers browse most. Revisit them whenever your season or stock changes.