Enhancing the search experience on e-commerce platforms is crucial for customer satisfaction and conversion rates. This article delves into the intricacies of faceted search and filtering systems, essential for optimizing website navigation and user engagement.
Customers demand robust search capabilities, and faceted search and filtering are pivotal tools in achieving this. This guide will outline how to elevate your Shopify store with an enhanced search and filtering experience.
It’s important to differentiate between ‘filters’ and ‘facets’. Filters are static categories that users select to refine search results, while facets are dynamic and related to the search term. Facets allow for more precise searches and can be selected simultaneously, offering a more accurate search experience.
Both filters and facets are used concurrently on most e-commerce websites to cater to a diverse range of products. Shopify provides flexibility with its admin panel for creating custom filters and leverages headless commerce with Shopify Hydrogen for faceted search capabilities.
Product filtering on Shopify can be achieved through tag filtering and storefront filtering. Tag filtering involves manually adding tags to create subsets of products, while storefront filtering uses product metadata like availability and price.
For optimal performance, ensure your Shopify theme supports Online Store 2.0. Implementing filter displays, prioritizing customer needs, and using Shopify’s ‘Search & Discovery’ app can streamline the filtering process.
Choosing the right filter layout is crucial. A horizontal filter bar may be suitable for smaller stores, while vertical bars offer more space for multiple filters. Keeping the interface simple and avoiding overwhelming customers with too many filters is recommended.
Avoiding empty search results and optimizing the user experience with UX enhancements like the ‘list’ filter type in Shopify are also essential. Positioning the search box prominently and ensuring mobile optimization are additional considerations.
Faceted searching not only impacts on-site users but also influences search engine rankings. Addressing synonyms and using thematic facet filters can improve visibility and reduce site exit rates.
To maximize your store’s potential, consider partnering with Coalition Technologies, a Shopify Plus Partner specializing in SEO strategies and web development. Contact us to discuss enhancing your store’s visibility and sales.
