Our client is a mid-sized DTC brand selling home and lifestyle products across the US. Their catalog had grown fast with over 300 SKUs across multiple categories but most users weren’t finding what they needed. The on-site search bar was barely used and even when it was the results weren’t helpful. Visitors were bouncing and product discovery was suffering.
They asked us to figure out what was going wrong and help make search a usable helpful part of their customer journey.
Task in Hand
We needed to turn the on-site search bar from an ignored feature into a helpful tool that actually guided customers to the right products.
Approach
We started by looking at how people used the site and where things were falling apart.
1. Search Behavior Review
We checked search queries, heatmaps, and session replays. Most visitors either skipped the search or gave up after using it. Even common keywords were showing zero results, which frustrated users and pushed them away.
2. Rebuilt Search Logic
We improved the product tagging and search algorithm. Now the system understood synonyms, spelling errors, and category-level queries not just exact titles.
3. Smarter Autosuggest and Filters
We added real-time suggestions, popular searches, and smart filters to help guide shoppers before they hit enter. This alone cut bounce from search pages by over 30 percent.
4. Mobile Search Fix
Search was almost hidden on mobile. We redesigned it with a full-screen view, clear input space, and shortcuts to trending items.
Results
Search Usage Doubled
More visitors started using the search bar, and those who did stayed longer and explored more products.
Better Conversions from Search
Shoppers who used the improved search converted at nearly twice the rate of those who didn’t.
Lower Frustration
Fewer dead ends, faster product discovery, and a smoother experience overall.
