Intelligent site search as the key to more conversions

In the area of ​​e-commerce, search is not just a useful feature - it is the backbone of a successful web shop. A current Statista study shows: Almost three quarters of online customers rate the search function on websites as crucial to their purchasing decision, even more than other factors such as the design of the shop. “Anyone who works with a below-average search function risks high bounce rates and misses out on valuable conversions,” says Christoph Wendl, CEO of the Austrian IT company Iphos IT Solutions.

More conversions through enterprise search

Finding the right information using a standard website search function often feels like looking for a needle in a haystack. In contrast, a successful website search function should quickly deliver the most useful results for every user query.

Content visibility is significantly improved by implementing a powerful search solution based on an enterprise search engine. The result is more interaction options to draw users' attention to additional content or - in the case of online shops - to complete a purchase. In addition to displaying the most relevant results, Enterprise Search also alerts users to similar products and information. An enterprise search solution like searchit Detects higher-level themes in all files using artificial intelligence and classifies them automatically. The user receives related articles, pages or products that further advance the customer journey.

Enterprise Search also offers the ability to personalize search results based on a user's individual profile. For returning shop visitors, this means that products that are particularly suitable for them are shown first, which is reflected in higher conversions.

Search all file formats and content - even on websites

Search functions, as provided out-of-the-box by most CMS providers, often have limited performance. This is particularly noticeable when it comes to searching forms or product documentation that is available in Word format or PDF. Standard website search functions can often only search the content of specific web pages. In contrast, an enterprise solution can integrate multiple data sources - from different websites (multi-website search) to intranets to databases - and file formats. Searching through Word documents, Excel files, PowerPoint presentations and more is no problem.

PDFs can also be searched using an Enterprise Search-based Website Search feature, even if they are scans. At searchit Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is used to make the contents of pictorial files searchable using full-text search. A function that is particularly an advantage for online archives.

Predict what users are looking for

AI algorithms enable the website search function of searchit automatic search completion and the “Did you mean…?” functionality allows you to find the right content even with incomplete or even incorrectly spelled terms. “Especially for web shops, a search function that displays products even with typos is crucial when it comes to conversions,” says Wendl from experience.

Advanced analyzes for new product ideas

More than just search terms and click numbers – with an enterprise solution, companies gain detailed insights into user behavior and can therefore also identify unfulfilled search queries. “An enterprise search engine can give companies detailed insight into their customers’ needs. Are special colors in demand right now? Are there products that are apparently missing from my range but are constantly being sought? The analysis tools that are integrated into the backend of a website search with Enterprise Search provide profitable answers to these questions,” explains Wendl.

No additional effort for website administrators

Conversions or not, when considering integrating new software, the effort involved is often a key point. “As a managed service, searchit an extensive support offering. The technicians at Iphos IT Solutions are responsible for setting up and setting up the Enterprise Search-based website search,” concludes Wendl. “Companies can use this to tailor their website search function to their specific requirements, ensuring that it meets the needs of their customers. And that’s the key to more conversions.”