Search function for websites: Why a powerful search is essential.
Today, a powerful search function is no longer a nice-to-have, but a significant sales driver. Users who find what they are looking for quickly stay longer, convert better and come back again. If this efficiency is lacking, frustration, high bounce rates and unnecessary support costs arise.
In short: A bad search costs money.
Many companies underestimate the potential of modern search technology. Word has got around that design and content are important success factors. The search function often remains a black box. Yet this is precisely where the key to greater visibility, better customer experiences and measurable business success lies.
Algolia: Best practices for better UX and conversions.
We help you to optimise your search – for more sales, less frustration and satisfied customers. An optimised website search, for example with the Algolia search, brings many advantages:
- Better user experience (UX) – Fast, precise search results without frustration.
- Higher conversion rate – the propensity to buy increases, repeat visits are more likely.
- Lower bounce rates – avoid frustration caused by inaccurate or slow searches.
- Fewer support requests – Relevant search results reduce the workload of support teams.
An example from the B2C sector: A customer searches for “Nike black trainers” in an online shop. A good search function recognises relevant models directly – even for search terms such as “Nike trainers” or “Nike sneakers”.
An example from the B2B sector: An industrial buyer searches for “wired high-pressure pump”. An intelligent search shows suitable products, even if different terms such as “electric pressure pump” are searched for.
What makes a good search function for websites?
These “classic” features help users reach their destination faster:
- Autocomplete and typeahead suggestions save time when typing.
- Typo Tolerance – spelling mistakes are recognised automatically.
- Filter and faceted navigation – search results are narrowed down specifically.
However, two factors are decisive for a successful search:
1. Speed: every millisecond counts
A delay of 100 milliseconds can measurably reduce the conversion rate. Studies show that users bounce after a maximum waiting time of 3 seconds.
Practical example: A digital fashion platform with a range of over a thousand items relies on the Algolia search platform. Match! The loading time of the search results drops to less than 50 milliseconds – the bounce rate is reduced by 20 %.
2. Relevance: The best hits in first place
Hit lists with irrelevant results are useless. A smart search recognises:
- Meaning and context: The search intentions are interpreted correctly.
- Synonyms and phrases: “shoes” = “sneakers”, “laptop” = “notebook”.
- Personalisation: Individual user preferences are taken into account.
Practical example: An online supermarket uses the Algolia search software to optimise search results according to season. Match! If you search for “chocolate” in December, Christmas products are displayed first.
The technical basis: What a powerful search needs
There is more behind an intelligent search than just a good algorithm. It is important:
- Clean data structures in the CMS – content must be clearly defined.
- Keywording and weighting – Certain terms and taxonomic categories must be prioritised.
- A powerful search platform – Our choice: Algolia.
Algolia Search: the optimal platform for smart search solutions
Algolia is one of the most powerful search platforms on the market. It offers, among other things:
- Ultra-fast response times thanks to distributed infrastructure
- Flexible customisation of search algorithms for individual requirements
- High scalability – ideal for B2C and B2B companies with large amounts of data
AI in website search: more than just algorithms
Important: AI is not the same as Generative AI. While Generative AI creates new content, an AI-supported search improves existing results.
1. Semantic search meets keyword search
AI not only analyses individual keywords, but also the context of the query.
Practical example: A user searches for “mobile phone with good camera” in an electronics shop. An AI-supported search shows relevant smartphones, even though “camera quality” is not specified anywhere as a filter option.
2. Automatic categorization of search queries
AI recognises patterns and classifies search queries automatically – ideal for large product catalogues.
Practical example: An online electronics retailer notices that customers often search for “gaming monitor”. The AI recognises that this search query is relevant in both the “monitors” and “gaming accessories” categories. The most relevant category is automatically selected.
3. Re-ranking in real time
Popular or frequently clicked results are automatically ranked at the top.
Practical example: An online DIY store notices that users almost always buy models of a certain brand when searching for “cordless screwdrivers”. These products are automatically ranked higher.
4. Personalization: Get what you are really looking for
AI-supported personalisation provides users with tailored results.
Practical example: When searching for “thriller”, a streaming provider first shows films that match the previous viewing behaviour.
5. Automatic synonym creation
Whether “pullover” or “jumper” – AI recognises terms with the same meaning.
Practical example: A fashion retailer notices that users in northern Germany search for “jumper”, while in southern Germany they tend to enter “jumper”. The AI automatically compensates for this.
Who benefits from smart website search?
Who benefits from smart website search?
- E-commerce & marketplaces – Product searches are becoming faster and more accurate.
- B2B platforms – complex offers become easier to find.
- Knowledge databases – Relevant articles or instructions can be delivered more quickly.
- Events & Media – Individual suggestions are played out based on interests.
- Healthcare – Patient information and medical studies are becoming more accessible.
More visibility, more conversions, less frustration – your search as a success factor
An optimised website search is more than just a technical function – it is a key lever for better customer experiences and measurable business success. It ensures that users find what they are looking for faster, reduces bounce rates and increases conversions. At the same time, it relieves support teams and improves internal efficiency.
In short: A smart search makes the difference – for your customers and your business.
