Why is predictive search important for business?
In recent days, online users have high expectations from search bars. But, of course, all credit goes to Google, and other important websites that users have come to expect specific search patterns and functions like autocomplete or predictive search in all of their search experiences.
Since the introduction of auto-complete in 2004 by Google, predictive search has gained popularity. The main USP of predictive search is that it helps to smoothen the online browsing experience for users and allows them to search and find the results quickly. Therefore, it is considered the UI pattern best practice, and users can find it on E-commerce sites and online marketplaces.
It is a drop-down of heavily populated autosuggestions as the user introduces characters on the search bar. These suggestions depend on the product database as well as the user’s browsing history. This helps users find actual results faster, reducing the bounce rate due to common issues such as user distraction, inability to find products and contents, etc. because the search engine can’t figure out the query.
Let’s understand with data that how effectively users search on the internet!
In this regard, predictive search features have been utilised by various platforms, from other search engines to retails sites and social media. Following are the variety of ways that show how predictive search can help in the growth of the business:
Benefits of predictive search-
A good search helps in producing excellent user experiences. Predictive search has become a standard in web design that saves users’ time and avoid multiple searches. Let’s check out the benefits-
Improves user experience- When users can’t find what they actually want on the website, they quickly become frustrated. By having a predictive search feature, websites can reduce the grievances users feel. Rather than inputting different terms into the search fields repeatedly, users can rely upon getting accurate results.
Displaying popular search terms- By showing popular results on the search bar, users can gain perception regarding the website's offerings and other popular search queries of other users.
Decrease search time- Instead of spending a lot of time identifying the best way to optimize the search query, users can rely on a predictive search to make appropriate suggestions.
Highlight product promotions- This beneficial search option allows organizations to suggest products that are on sale. This means that the user finds relevant results while being directed towards cost-saving possibilities. This also benefits the company through the focus on appropriate sales and promotion of products.
Personalized search results- Predictive search can include essential information from a user’s search history to optimize their search results. This denotes that previous purchases and search terms are considered when making recommendations around a user’s content search.
Effective tips for creating a useful predictive search experience
To provide a heightened user experience, autocomplete and predictive tools should maintain the following factors:
To ensure an effective search experience for users, visitors can easily read and differentiate between suggestions. You can highlight or bold to make differences visible to the users.
Provide immediate results-
Autocomplete suggestions need to be shown immediately after the users start typing, without any delay. Promptly delivered suggestions can make the interface feel more interactive and conversational that enhances the overall user experience.
Autocomplete is only useful if the suggestions are relevant. Therefore, the suggestions should be based on several factors such as business goals, data generated from site search analytics, business relevance etc.
Hence, to conclude, predictive search allows customers to articulate, express and refine their search queries and provides different ways to explore online stores. For more information please visit content writing agency.
