Imagine a shopper visits your store, types “blak shoes” into the search bar—and sees zero results. Even though you sell black shoes.
That’s a missed opportunity—and it happens more often than you think.
That’s where spell corrections come in. This quiet yet powerful feature can dramatically improve user experience, reduce bounce rates, and unlock more conversions—all by fixing one thing: typos.
Let’s explore what spell corrections are, how they work in ecommerce search, and how to implement them the right way.
What Are Spell Corrections in E-commerce Search?
Spell corrections automatically detect and fix misspelled queries in your site’s search bar. When a user makes a typo, the search engine silently or visibly corrects it and returns relevant results.
Example:
User types: “lether jaket”
Spell correction returns: “leather jacket” — with accurate results.
The shopper doesn’t even notice the fix. But they see what they came for—and that’s the magic.
Why Spell Corrections Matter for Conversions
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Reduces No-Result Pages | Avoid frustrating dead-ends that drive users away |
| Improves UX | Makes your site feel smarter and more user-friendly |
| Increases Sales | Catching and correcting typos leads users back to product pages |
| Supports Mobile Users | Typing errors are more common on small screens |
| Boosts SEO and Onsite Engagement | Fewer exits, longer sessions, better rankings over time |
Common Spelling Mistakes That Hurt Conversions
- Brand names: Adiddas instead of Adidas
- Product types: T-shurt instead of T-shirt
- Materials: silvr instead of silver
- Sizes or categories: exrta large instead of extra large
These aren’t rare mistakes—they’re happening every day.
Types of Spell Correction Mechanisms
1. Silent Corrections
Automatically correct the typo without informing the user.
Smooth UX, but may confuse users if correction is far off.
2. Did-You-Mean Suggestions
Offer an alternative with a message: “Did you mean black shoes?”
Better transparency, but adds friction if not auto-applied.
3. Real-Time Autocomplete Corrections
Fixes common typos during typing in the search bar.
Prevents the typo from ever being submitted.
How to Implement Spell Corrections on Your Store
How ExpertRec Handles Spell Corrections
ExpertRec includes built-in spell correction capabilities that:
- Fix common typos automatically
- Offer “did-you-mean” suggestions for ambiguous terms
- Use AI and behavior-based learning to improve accuracy over time
- Seamlessly integrate with autocomplete and filters
- Reduce zero-result pages—especially on mobile
It’s not just search—it’s self-improving search that catches more revenue you didn’t even know you were losing.
Conclusion: Small Fix, Big Revenue Impact
Spell corrections might seem like a minor upgrade, but they solve a major ecommerce pain point: user frustration.
By helping shoppers recover from common mistakes, you make their journey smoother, smarter, and more satisfying.
And in ecommerce, better journeys = better sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a spell correction feature in ecommerce search?
It automatically detects and fixes misspelled search queries to return relevant results.
2. Why are spell corrections important?
They reduce friction, prevent zero-result pages, and help users find products—even with typos.
3. How do I add spell correction to my ecommerce site?
Use an AI-based search tool like ExpertRec that supports typo handling and real-time suggestions.
4. Are spell corrections necessary if I already have filters?
Yes. Filters help after users search—but spell corrections ensure they get results in the first place.
5. How does ExpertRec improve spell corrections?
ExpertRec uses AI to correct typos silently or through suggestions, personalized by user behavior and catalog context.
