{"id":162254,"date":"2018-10-09T04:00:50","date_gmt":"2018-10-09T08:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.practicalecommerce.com\/?p=162254"},"modified":"2022-06-12T08:25:32","modified_gmt":"2022-06-12T12:25:32","slug":"faceted-search-and-navigation-is-critical-for-conversions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.practicalecommerce.com\/faceted-search-and-navigation-is-critical-for-conversions","title":{"rendered":"Faceted Search and Navigation Are Critical for Conversions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Inadequate search tools frustrate online shoppers. While some visitors enjoy \u201cwindow shopping,” most want to get in and get out \u2014 even if they aren\u2019t exactly sure what they want.<\/p>\n

Unless the catalog has just a few dozen products, search and browse tools should accommodate today\u2019s savvy shoppers. For some stores, filters are sufficient. For others, faceted navigation and search is a must.<\/p>\n

Filters<\/strong> allow shoppers to narrow results based on simple criteria, such as items for the bedroom, kitchen, or patio.<\/p>\n

Faceted navigation<\/strong> provides more relevant results based on filters of specific attributes. When shopping for appliances, for example, filters help narrow a selection down to side-by-side refrigerators. Faceted navigation with filters helps locate the exact types that will fit in a specific kitchen.<\/p>\n

Faceted search<\/strong> is similar. Instead of browsing to a specific section, shoppers would enter keywords to search, which would apply filters to the results. Most product types on Amazon can be searched using this method. Don\u2019t confuse this with simple search filter tools that allow users to check parameters as part of the search itself.<\/p>\n

\"Lowe's

Lowe’s faceted navigation helps to find refrigerators based on size, dimensions, and finish.<\/p><\/div>\n

Faceted search is critical, especially for large catalogs. It saves shoppers time and also helps make better decisions. For example, narrowing results based on customer ratings helps guide consumers to suitable brands. And the ability to filter results by price range eliminates products outside one\u2019s budget.<\/p>\n

\"Faceted

Faceted search helps shoppers to eliminate everything they don’t want by selecting all the features that are important. Source: Amazon.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Attributes and Filters<\/h3>\n

Choosing the right attributes<\/a> and filters to display is essential. It will vary based on product type and target audiences, as well as the available data. For clothing, consider filters for size, color, fabric type, silhouette, brand, pattern, and price. For furniture, provide a way to narrow results by dimensions \u2014 height, width, depth \u2014 as well as color, material, unique features, and weight.<\/p>\n

Faceted navigation<\/a> or search presents shoppers with a manageable list of items from which to choose. For merchants, configuring fields and displays can be daunting and time-consuming. This is why many merchants rely on developers, designers, and third-party tools. Without the right options, though, many shoppers will go elsewhere.<\/p>\n

Consider these steps to get started.<\/p>\n