In eCommerce, guiding users to the right product quickly is everything. Whether a user types “running shoes” or “Nike sneakers,” they expect your website to understand and deliver accurate, relevant results – fast.
One way many businesses try to manage this is by setting up a redirect rules engine – a system that routes certain search queries or URLs to specific pages or categories.
But here’s the real question:
Is a redirect rules engine still the best tool for product discovery in 2025? Or is there a smarter, more scalable approach?
Let’s explore.
What Is a Redirect Rules Engine?
A redirect rules engine is a system that automatically redirects users based on predefined rules. These rules are usually set by site administrators to route specific keywords, URLs, or user actions to particular destination pages.
Common Use Cases:
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Redirecting searches for “refund policy” to the returns page
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Routing misspelled queries to the correct product page
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Redirecting outdated URLs to new pages after a product is removed
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Forwarding branded terms to brand-specific collections
Redirect engines are typically part of a broader site search or content management system and can be useful for handling edge cases or critical user journeys.
But Is It Really Worth Using?
Redirect rules engines can be useful, especially when:
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You want full control over specific search queries
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You have non-product pages users often search for (e.g., “shipping info”)
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You want to route seasonal or promotional queries to specific landing pages
However, they come with significant limitations:
Where Redirect Rules Engines Fall Short:
In today’s fast-moving eCommerce environment, where customers expect smart and intuitive experiences, relying solely on a rules-based engine feels outdated.
Is There a Better Alternative?
Instead of defining static rules, what if your system could understand search intent automatically?
That’s exactly what modern AI-driven search engines like Expertrec offer.
Rather than redirecting a keyword like “black boots” to a fixed page, a smart search engine dynamically surfaces the most relevant products, taking into account synonyms, inventory, popularity, and user behavior — in real time.
This eliminates the need for hundreds of redirect rules and delivers a more flexible, scalable solution for product discovery.
Why Expertrec Is the Smarter Alternative to Redirect Rules Engines
Expertrec offers a powerful, AI-based site search solution designed for eCommerce brands that want more than just rule-based redirects.
It doesn’t just match keywords. It understands intent, autocorrects typos, suggests products, and offers real-time, personalized search results — all without writing a single rule.
Expertrec’s Key Features:
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Intelligent query understanding with no manual rules needed
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Dynamic autocomplete with real-time suggestions
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Synonym and typo detection built-in
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Product-rich search results with images, prices, and stock indicators
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Visual search UI customization
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Instant indexing of new products or categories
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Works across Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and more
So instead of managing hundreds of static redirects, Expertrec lets you focus on growing your store, while it handles smart, user-friendly search behind the scenes.
Final Verdict: Redirect Rules Engine or AI-Powered Search?
A redirect rules engine might have been useful a few years ago — and it still serves basic use cases. But for stores looking to scale product discovery, reduce manual work, and improve search UX, it’s no longer enough.
Modern shoppers expect intelligent, intuitive results. Relying on static rules leaves too much on the table.
With Expertrec, you get the best of both worlds — the control you need and the intelligence your users expect.
Final Takeaway:
If you’re still manually creating redirect rules, it’s time to upgrade. Expertrec offers a smarter, automated, and scalable approach to search that helps convert more visitors into customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A redirect rules engine is a system that routes users from one query or URL to another based on pre-set conditions. It’s often used to guide users to specific landing pages or fix outdated links.
Q2. Are redirect rules good for product search?
They’re helpful for some cases, like routing specific brand terms or customer support queries. But they don’t scale well for dynamic product discovery and can’t adapt to changing inventory or new queries.
Q3. How is Expertrec better than a redirect engine?
Expertrec automatically understands user intent, suggests relevant products, handles typos, and provides rich search results — all without manual rules. It saves time and improves UX.
Q4. Do I need coding skills to use Expertrec?
No. Expertrec is a no-code solution that integrates easily with major eCommerce platforms and offers a visual interface for customization.
Q5. Can I still define some manual redirects in Expertrec?
Yes, you can define high-priority redirects while letting Expertrec handle the rest intelligently.
Q6. Does Expertrec work on mobile devices?
Yes. Expertrec offers fully responsive, mobile-optimized search interfaces to ensure seamless experiences across all devices.
