Explore the Power and Benefits of Search-as-You-Type Technology

Introduction

Enhancing the user experience is at the heart of search advancements in this industry. One such advancement is the ‘search as you type’ functionality, also known as predictive search or auto-complete.

This feature offers real-time suggestions when the user begins typing their query, before they hit the search button, guiding them toward successful searches and expediting the search process. Not only does this enhance user satisfaction, but it also increases the chances of users finding exactly what they need, driving conversions and revenue.

In this article, we will explore the various aspects of search as you type, including its benefits for different user types, best practices for implementing it on websites, and how it reduces search time and improves search accuracy. So let’s dive in and discover how this feature can elevate your search experience.

This feature aims to assist users in finding the most relevant results quickly and efficiently. It anticipates the rest of the search query based on the input already provided and offers multiple options for the user. For example, when typing “sp” in the search box, the autocomplete feature may suggest options like “sports,” “space,” “spa,” and so on.

However, search-as-you-type can also suggest different categories based on the search context. For instance, if the user types “men’s shoes,” the autocomplete feature can offer category-based suggestions like “trainers,” “boots,” “sneakers,” and “running shoes.” This dynamic suggestion feature helps users narrow their search and find the specific product they seek.

Benefits of autocomplete search for different user types

Implementing autocomplete on your website can yield numerous benefits for different user types. Let’s explore how this feature caters to the needs of various users and enhances their search experience.

Purposeful buyers

One of the significant advantages of autocomplete search is its ability to convert purposeful buyers who use long-tail keywords. Long-tail keywords are more specific and detailed search terms that indicate strong purchase intent. By suggesting relevant search queries based on the user’s current input, autocomplete search helps buyers find the specific products they seek.

For example, if a user types “leather shoes,” the autocomplete feature can provide suggestions for different types of leather shoes like “loafers,” “oxford shoes,” or “sandals.” This personalized suggestion feature increases the chances of conversions as users find the exact product they desire.

Information seekers

Not all users clearly know what they are looking for when they initiate a search. Some users may be in the early stages of their buying journey and conducting informational searches to explore options. In such cases, autocomplete search can be incredibly useful in helping users narrow down their search and adopt a more focused approach.

Autocomplete search guides information seekers toward more specific search queries by providing relevant suggestions as users type. For instance, if a user starts typing “patio accessories,” the autocomplete feature may suggest options like “patio chairs,” “patio umbrellas,” or “patio decor.” This focused search approach lets users quickly find the necessary information and make informed decisions.

Time-conscious users

Since users expect instant results and a seamless user experience, autocomplete search plays a crucial role in reducing search time for time-conscious users. As users start typing in the search box, they are presented with relevant suggestions, eliminating the need to type out the entire query.

For example, if a user is searching for “G-Shock watches,” the autocomplete feature may offer suggestions like “G-Shock digital watches,” “G-Shock analog watches,” or “G-Shock sports watches.” Users can quickly arrive at the desired products by clicking on one of these suggestions without wasting time typing the complete search query.

This time-saving aspect of autocomplete search is particularly beneficial for users who may not be tech-savvy or struggle with typing accurately. Autocomplete search ensures that users find what they are looking for efficiently, leading to a more positive user experience and potentially higher conversion rates.

Suggestion-powered search

Autocomplete search harnesses the power of suggestions to enhance the user experience and guide users toward relevant products. The search engine analyzes factors like past search history, previous search results, and common search terms used to provide relevant and personalized suggestions.

For example, if a user searches for “leather shoes,” the search engine will display all available leather shoe options. However, when the same user subsequently types “jackets,” the search engine may provide autocomplete suggestions by adding “leather jackets.” This intelligent suggestion feature enables users to explore alternative options and discover related products they might be interested in.

The power of suggestions in autocomplete search extends beyond known-item searches. It also allows users to discover new products or explore different categories. By presenting users with a range of recommendations, autocomplete search boosts user confidence, encourages exploration, and potentially leads to increased sales.

Eliminating no-results

No-results pages occur when users do not receive any results for their search queries, leaving them frustrated and uncertain about the availability of desired products. Autocomplete search is critical in reducing the occurrence of no-results pages by providing accurate and specific search suggestions.

When users enter a search query that does not deliver results, autocomplete search ensures they are offered alternative suggestions relevant to their search. This feature prevents users from reaching dead ends in their search journey and maintains their confidence in the website and its product offerings.

By guiding users to accurate and specific search suggestions, autocomplete search ensures that users always find results whenever they search for something. This significantly improves the user experience, increases user satisfaction, and contributes to overall sales growth.

Autocomplete best practices for websites

Implementing autocomplete search effectively requires following certain best practices to refine the search process and maximize its benefits. Let’s explore some key best practices for autocomplete search on websites:

1. Provide a quick autocomplete feature

The speed of your autocomplete search feature is crucial to providing a seamless user experience. Modern users have come to expect instant results, and a slow autocomplete function can lead to frustration and decreased user confidence in your website.

Optimize your search infrastructure and utilize technologies like Luigi’s Box, which offers high-performance search capabilities, to ensure a quick autocomplete feature. Minimizing latency and response times can provide users with an efficient and responsive autocomplete experience.

2. Personalize the autocomplete suggestions

To maximize the impact of autocomplete search, personalize the suggestions based on individual user preferences and behavior. This personalization can be achieved through various elements:

By incorporating these personalization elements, you can deliver a highly customized autocomplete experience that caters to individual user preferences and needs.

3. Correct typos and offer typo tolerance functionality

Users often make typing errors or spelling mistakes while entering their search queries. Autocomplete search should have built-in functionality to correct these typos and offer suggestions based on the corrected query.

Integrate typo correction tools, autocorrection features, or plugins that save misspelled searches and memorize them to provide the correct suggestions. Additionally, consider implementing a spell-check functionality that highlights misspelled words and offers suggestions for correction. Correcting typos and spelling mistakes enhances the performance of your autocomplete feature and improves the overall search experience for users.

4. Provide autocomplete options for non-product queries

While the primary focus of websites is often on product-related searches, it is essential to recognize that users may also search for information beyond the available product inventory. Users may be interested in learning about return policies, shipping options, payment methods, special deals, discounts, or general information about the business.

To cater to these non-product queries, ensure that your autocomplete search offers suggestions for all relevant user query terms. This comprehensive approach demonstrates your commitment to providing a holistic search experience and builds trust with potential buyers.

5. Create a usable autocomplete list

While providing a list of suggestions for each search query is important, it is equally important not to overwhelm users with an extensive list. Quality should take precedence over quantity, and avoiding having a dropdown list with too many items is advisable.

Consider the user interface and ensure that the autocomplete list is easily scannable and accessible. It is crucial to display suggestions that fit within the available viewport on mobile devices, where screen space is limited. Avoid adding scroll bars to the list of suggestions, as they create additional tasks for users and disrupt the search flow.

Ensure the input field is large enough to accommodate the autocomplete list without obstructing other elements on the page. The autocomplete feature should enhance the search experience, making it easier for users to find what they want.

6. Enhance the experience with visual elements

While the search aspect primarily revolves around text, incorporating visual elements can significantly enhance the search experience. Visual cues help users quickly identify the predictive section of suggestions and differentiate them from the manually typed input.

Consider using bold styling to distinguish the suggested search queries from the user’s input. You can also divide the suggestions into sections based on pages, categories, or products. This visual organization helps users navigate the suggestions and locate the relevant options more effectively.

For websites that heavily rely on visual imagery to sell products, consider including display product image thumbnails alongside the suggestions. This allows users to instantly see if the suggested product matches their needs and may introduce them to alternative products they haven’t previously considered.

7. Leverage autocomplete for merchandising

Autocomplete search presents an opportunity to showcase specific merchandise and promote targeted products. Leverage autocomplete suggestions to highlight products from promoted brands, items on sale, or products with higher margins. However, ensuring that the highlighted products are relevant to the user’s search is essential.

Create custom pages that feature these products and include them in the autocomplete recommendations. For example, if a user searches for “sneakers,” present a landing page with currently discounted sneakers. This form of cross-selling or up-selling allows users to discover special offers and products they may not have otherwise encountered.

By strategically using autocomplete suggestions for merchandising, you can increase the visibility of specific products and drive conversions.

8. Support mouse and keyboard navigation

Users are accustomed to using both the mouse and keyboard when interacting with search interfaces. Your autocomplete search feature should support both navigation methods to provide a seamless user experience.

Ensure that users can scroll through the list of suggestions using either the mouse or the “up” and “down” buttons on the keyboard. Highlight the currently selected suggestion to help users navigate through the recommendations and quickly identify the one they wish to choose. When using the keyboard for selection, activate the “enter” key as the primary action button.

By accommodating both mouse and keyboard navigation, you create a user-friendly autocomplete search experience that caters to different user preferences and interaction styles.

Conclusion

Implementing autocomplete on your website can significantly enhance the user experience and drive conversions. By providing real-time suggestions as users type their query before they hit the search button, you guide them toward successful searches and increase the chances of finding the products they need.

Remember to optimize the speed of your autocomplete feature, personalize suggestions based on user behavior, correct typos, and offer spell-check functionality. Provide autocomplete options for non-product queries, create a usable autocomplete list, leverage visual elements, and use autocomplete for merchandising purposes.

By following these best practices, you can refine the search experience on your website, increase user satisfaction, and ultimately boost your long-term sales.

So why wait? Adjust your website search with autocomplete and empower your users to find what they need effortlessly. Start enhancing your search experience today!

Frequently asked questions