Search filters play a crucial role in providing a smooth user experience on websites. By allowing users to easily refine their search results based on specific attributes, filters help users find desired information quickly. Here we will discuss how implementing filters in search suggestions can improve the overall search and browsing experience of users on a website.
Understanding User Needs
When users perform a search on any platform, they typically have certain expectations or goals in mind. They want to find the most relevant results with minimum effort. As users start typing their search query, providing instant suggestions helps guide them. However, suggestions alone may not satisfy all user needs. Users usually want to narrow down the results based on additional criteria like price, category, brand, etc. This is where filters become important. By incorporating filters within the search suggestion drop-down itself, the website can anticipate user needs and offer a more customized browsing experience.
Implementing Search Filters
There are different ways to implement filters within search suggestions. A common approach is to group suggested results and show filter options on the left side within the suggestion panel itself. For example, when a user searches for “phones”, the suggestions could show filters for “Brand”, “Price”, etc., along with the suggested search queries. Selecting a filter immediately refines the results. This allows filtering and searching to happen simultaneously without switching between pages. The filters should be contextual based on the search term. For instance, filtering options for “shoes” could include “Size” or “Color” instead of “Brand”.
Refining the User Experience
To make filtering within suggestions an intuitive experience, certain design aspects need attention. Filters should be visually distinguishable but not overwhelm the suggestions. A good practice is to limit the number of filters shown to 3-4 primary attributes. The selected filter states should be clearly highlighted. Interactivity is also important – filters should update results instantly as selected instead of requiring a separate submission. With responsive design, the experience should work seamlessly across devices. These refinements allow users to effortlessly discover and acquire information through an engaging search-cum-browsing experience.
Advanced Filtering Options
Websites dealing with complex product catalogues can take filtering a step further. Along with standard filters, they can introduce advanced filters like price ranges, multi-select options, etc. This is useful for categories with many variable attributes. Refining suggestions based on the user’s location can also be helpful. For example, searching for “TV” on an electronics site may show nearby store locations along with filters to find products available in-store. Personalized filtering customizes the search even more by remembering past user behaviour. With anonymized user profiling, filters that match individual preferences and needs can be highlighted.
Improving Site Engagement
The right implementation of filtering within search suggestions improves the discoverability of content and keeps users engaged on the website for longer periods. It satisfies users’ desire to gain control over their search rapidly. When integrated thoughtfully, filtering turns the initial search experience into a seamless exploration that maximizes relevance and conversions. Advanced personalization features make each interaction more rewarding for the user.
Enabling Intelligent Search
Expertrec is a leading provider of customized search experiences for websites. Their powerful yet user-friendly custom search engine allows easy implementation of filters within search results as well as suggestions. Businesses can define filters specific to their category through a simple interface. Expertrec analyzes clickstreams and query data to surface the most appropriate contextual filters. It delivers personalized filtering based on individual profiles without compromising privacy. The search engine is optimized for rapid load times, ensuring a smooth experience. Expertrec helps websites across domains dramatically boost search and improve customer experience through intelligent filtering.
Conclusion
Incorporating filters within search suggestions takes the initial search satisfaction to the next level by adding an effortless browsing component. It allows a more personalized, control-oriented user experience right from the beginning. With an expert company like Expertrec to power the intelligent search, businesses can stop worrying about search and focus on their core expertise while highly engaging users. Thoughtful filtering design keeps the website relevant and visitors engaged for optimal conversions.
