Addressing poor search resultsA Merchandiser's Blueprint to Commerce Studio
Improving search performance involves identifying and addressing issues that result in poor search experiences for customers. This article outlines strategies Merchandisers can use in Commerce Studio to refine search results and ensure they meet customer expectations.
Merchandisers can analyze feedback and search data to identify irrelevant or underperforming products appearing in results. Techniques such as blocking irrelevant products or demoting and burying poorly performing or less relevant items can improve the quality of search results, aligning them more closely with user intent.
By systematically addressing poor search results, Merchandisers can create a more reliable and satisfying search experience, driving engagement and improving overall site performance.
Block irrelevant or underperforming products
When a customer searches on specific terms and results are not relevant or not returned at all, the customer can abandon the search and the potential sale is lost. To avoid poor customer search experience, you may want to prevent products from appearing in the search results. For example, create block rules if you have off-season merchandise or out-of-stock items in your inventory. Blocking irrelevant or unavailable items can help improve search relevance for users.
-
In the Visual Editor, select the checkboxes for the items to block, and then click Add Rule > Block to create an unpublished rule.
-
Go to the Ranking Rules page to publish it.
Test and make sure the blocked items don’t appear in the search results. If too many products are blocked, refine the blocking rules to ensure customers still see enough variety. Alternatively, implement dynamic blocking rules that only trigger under certain conditions, such as dates or queries.
Bury poorly performing products
An option when dealing with an underperforming or poorly rated product is to bury it in the results. This displays products that are purchased more often higher in the results, and displays the buried poorly performing product towards the bottom of the search results.
-
In the Visual Editor, navigate to the item or items you want to bury, select the item checkboxes, click Add Rule, and select Bury to create an unpublished rule.
-
Go to the Ranking Rules page to publish it.
If sales or reviews improve for these products, adjust rules to boost them back into more prominent search placements.
Next steps
With a strategy for handling search challenges in place, you can turn your attention to proactively responding to trends and marketing needs. Search and merchandising strategies should evolve to align with emerging patterns and campaigns. The next article provides guidance on adapting Commerce Studio to capitalize on opportunities and support business goals. This ensures your search experience remains agile and competitive.