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Know Your E-commerce Search Query Types?

ecommerce-search

Know Your E-commerce Search Query Types? 41% of E-commerce Sites Are Getting It Wrong

Introduction

It’s no secret that search functionality is the backbone of any successful e-commerce site, as it directly impacts the customer experience and conversion rates. When customers land on your site, they aren’t just browsing—they’re actively searching for products. If they can’t find what they need quickly, they’ll leave, and are unlikely to return. Here’s the kicker: 41% of e-commerce sites are still getting their search functionality wrong.


It’s not just about having a search bar on an e-commerce website. It’s about understanding the types of search queries your users are making and optimizing your e-commerce site to respond accurately to each one.

In this post, we’ll break down the common e-commerce search query types and reveal why most e-commerce sites get it wrong.

Why Search Queries Matter

Research shows that 69% of online shoppers go straight to the search box when visiting an e-commerce site. The way users search it’s revealing their intent and search patterns, and in e-commerce, search intent is the golden ticket to conversion. If you don’t understand customer search patterns and fail to deliver relevant results based on that intent, you’re losing money—plain and simple.


However, why do so many e-commerce sites struggle with search? One major issue is that many e-commerce businesses don’t fully understand the different types of search queries and how they work. Let’s explore search query types so you can begin optimizing your site’s search functionality.


In our next blog, we’ll dive deeper into customer search intent and how it influences search query types in e-commerce.

Search Query Issues Across E-commerce Sites

percentage-site

Breaking Down the Common E-commerce Search Query Types

According to the Baymard Institute’s UX research, there are eight essential e-commerce search query types that customers rely on to find the products they need. Unfortunately, many e-commerce sites perform poorly in supporting these search queries.

Here’s a breakdown of these common search query types and how they function:

  • Exact Searches: These are searches where users know exactly what they want (e.g., “iPhone 14 Pro” or a specific SKU like “STH2000DM004”).
  • Product Type Searches: Customers often search by product category (e.g., “women’s sneakers” or “laptops”).
  • Feature Searches: Some customers search for products based on specific attributes (e.g., “waterproof jacket” or “Bluetooth headphones”).
  • Use Case Searches: Users searching for products for a specific purpose (e.g., “birthday gift” or “travel backpack”) rely on this query type.
  • Abbreviation/Symbol Searches: Customers may use shortened or symbolic terms (e.g., “26 in trolley bag” instead of “26 inch trolley bag”).
  • Compatibility Searches: These are searches for products that are compatible with others (e.g., “charger for MacBook Air”).
  • Symptom Searches: Some users search based on problems they want to solve (e.g., “cure for dry skin”).
  • Non-Product Searches: These include queries about policies or information (e.g., “return policy”).

Each of these search types is critical for creating a seamless online shopping experience. Failing to support these queries can frustrate users and result in site abandonment.

ecommerce-search-1

Why 41% of E-commerce Sites Get It Wrong

Despite the clear importance of search functionality, many e-commerce sites fail to fully support these critical search types. Here are some of the key reasons why this is happening:


  • Lack of Synonym Support: Customers may use different terms to search for the same product (e.g., “jacket” vs. “coat”), but many sites don’t provide relevant results for alternate terms.
  • Misspellings and Typos: Without typo tolerance, even minor spelling errors can result in no search results, driving customers away.
  • Irrelevant Results: Poor search algorithms often return unrelated products, even for simple product type or feature searches.
  • Missing Filters: The absence of useful filters (such as size, color, or price) makes it difficult for users to refine their search results.
  • Slow Search: If search results take too long to load, users will abandon your site.
  • Fuzzy Search: Fuzzy search compensates for typos and misspellings, ensuring relevant results are shown even when users make small errors (e.g., “bluetooh” instead of “Bluetooth”), but many sites still don’t utilize it effectively.
  • Search Relevance: A well-tuned relevance engine ensures the most appropriate results appear first, based on user queries and behavior.
  • Inflectional Search: Inflectional search recognizes different grammatical forms (e.g., singular/plural) to return accurate results regardless of word variations and is often overlooked by sites.

Poor Search Functionality and Missed Revenue Opportunities

“Poor search functionality leads to 80% of users leaving e-commerce sites, with 39% abandoning them entirely when they can’t find what they need, often switching to competitors. This issue costs retailers up to $300 billion each year.”

Conclusion

Baymard’s research shows that 41% of e-commerce sites still struggle with search functionality, but those that get it right see a notable increase in both sales and customer satisfaction.

In our next blog series, we’ll provide a detailed look at each of the eight essential e-commerce search query types, discuss common usability issues observed across the industry, and explore how mastering these queries can dramatically improve your e-commerce search experience.

How to Install Solr on Linux Using Docker

solr-dashboard

Installing Apache Solr using Docker on a Linux system can significantly streamline your setup process. Whether you’re a developer, a system administrator, or just dabbling in search technologies, using Docker can help you maintain a clean and manageable working environment. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from removing existing packages to creating your very own Solr core.

Prerequisites

Before we get started, you’ll need a Linux system with internet access and sudo privileges. For the purposes of this guide, we will assume you are using a CentOS-based distribution. And same should also work for RHEL as well as AlmaLinux.

Step 1: Remove Existing Podman

First, it’s good practice to remove any existing installations of Podman that might conflict with Docker:

bash

sudo dnf remove -y podman

Step 2: Install Docker Dependencies

Next, install the necessary Docker dependencies:

bash

sudo dnf install -y dnf-plugins-core

Step 3: Add Docker Repository

Add the Docker repository to your system to ensure you get the latest version:

bash

sudo dnf config-manager –add-

repo=https://download.docker.com/linux/centos/docker-ce.repo

Step 4: Install Docker

Install Docker by running:

bash

sudo dnf install -y docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io

Step 5: Start Docker Service

Once Docker is installed, start the Docker service:

bash

sudo systemctl start docker

Step 6: Pull the Solr Docker Image

Now, pull the Solr image from the Docker repository:

bash

sudo docker pull solr:8.11.0

Step 7: Set Up Solr Data Directory

Before running Solr, create a directory for Solr data and ensure it has the appropriate permissions:

bash

cd ~

mkdir solr-data

chmod -R 755 solr-data

chmod -R 777 ~/solr-data

Step 8: Run Solr on Docker

Run the Solr container with the following command:

bash

sudo docker run -d –name my-solr -p 8983:8983 -v ~/solr-

data:/var/solr/data solr:8.11.0

Solr should now be accessible at http://:8983, where should be replaced with the IP address of your Linux machine.

Step 9: Create a New Solr Core

To create a new Solr core, first find the name or ID of your Solr container:

bash

sudo docker ps

Then, execute the following command to create a core named “my-core”:

bash

sudo docker exec -it my-solr bin/solr create_core -c my-core

Conclusion

And there you have it! Your Solr instance should be up and running on Docker, and you’ve successfully created a new Solr core. This setup not only keeps your environment clean but also makes it easy to manage Solr instances across different projects. Feel free to experiment with different Solr configurations and explore its extensive features to enhance your search capabilities.

By following these steps, you can efficiently manage your Solr instances with Docker, ensuring a scalable and reliable search service architecture. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out or consult the extensive Docker and Solr documentation available online. Happy searching!

5 Important Reasons to Choose nopCommerce platform for Your E-commerce Needs

E-commerce, or e-business, has drastically transformed customers’ shopping experience through e-commerce websites that provide 1000+ products. nopCommerce platform is one of the eCommerce solutions that businesses can consider to meet their online store needs. Do you know? The open-source platform nopCommerce supports around 60 thousand e-commerce websites today.

This reliable platform gives developers access to a massive number of add-ons, 500+ integration options, and features that make shopping more enjoyable and let customers do more. The best thing about the nopCommerce platform is that it allows multiple payment ways, SEO tools for multiple businesses, and shipping. nopcommerce also lets sellers reach more customers and boost their sales, while customers can buy all their favorite goods in one place.

Have you not jumped on the e-commerce bandwagon yet? Give nopCommerce a try. Include this excellent e-commerce solution in your top list for these reasons.

Keep reading this blog to learn the reasons to use nopCommerce for your eCommerce!

Here are 5 reasons to use the nopCommerce platform for your eCommerce

1. Open source platform

The open-source nature of nopCommerce means that the software’s source code is available to everyone, which gives developers the freedom to modify and enhance the platform to meet the specific needs of their businesses.

The platform gives developers a complete set of APIs and hooks that they can use to add third-party apps to their websites. You can also share these tools with other people. This could mean more plugins and extensions for the platform can be downloaded and added to make the store do more. Also, developers can add features like custom payment gateways, shipping providers, or any other functions they need for their online store.

2. Mobile-friendly

A mobile-friendly website provides customers with an improved shopping experience, ultimately leading to increased sales. nopCommerce provides a mobile-friendly experience that allows customers to browse, shop, and checkout from their mobile devices. According to research by Gartner, mobile devices are responsible for 19.4% of all B2B sales.

https://www.gartner.com/en/marketing/insights/articles/what-b2b-can-learn-from-b2c-digital-commerce

Additionally, nopCommerce comes with mobile-friendly features like responsive design, mobile payment gateway integrations, and optimized image sizes to provide an excellent user experience on mobile devices. It even supports touch-friendly features like swiping, zooming, and scrolling, making the shopping experience more intuitive.

3. SEO-friendly

SEO is a must if a company wants to be seen more often in search engine results. SEO is a primary focus in the development of nopCommerce. Several elements integrated within the platform facilitate spidering and indexing by search engines.

Some of these features include customizable URLs, meta tags, and sitemaps. This means that this platform allows businesses to create search-friendly URLs, edit meta tags, and add keywords to product descriptions.

The nopCommerce platform also supports third-party SEO plugins, which help businesses further optimize their websites for search engines. It is integrated with Google Analytics, which helps them track their website traffic and identify areas for improvement.

4. User-friendly

Customers can find what they need on the app quickly and easily because it is simple and easy to use. With the nopCommerce platform, customers can make accounts, save their tastes, and keep track of their orders. At checkout, there are no difficulties or extra steps. By making an easy-to-use interface, businesses can make customers happier, increasing sales and bringing back old customers.

nopCommerce supports +50 payment gateways and options (Paypal, SagePay, BluePay, etc.), allowing customers to choose their preferred payment and delivery method. It also has a robust search function that lets customers swiftly find products based on keywords, categories, or attributes.

5. Multi-store support

Many companies now have multiple online stores, each with its own needs. Keeping track of many online shops can be tricky and take a lot of time. But with nopCommerce’s centralized interface, businesses can handle many outlets with a single view of inventory, sales, and customer information.

The platform can handle many stores, so retailers can set up and run multiple websites, each with its look, inventory, and prices. This feature lets business owners quickly set up and run multiple businesses catering to different customer groups. By using a consolidated method, the company can save time and money that can be used in other ways.

Wrapping Up

nopCommerce will continue as a leading e-commerce platform for numerous businesses in 2023. This open-source platform’s adaptability, search engine optimization, and user-friendliness allow businesses to expand their online presence and gain more customers. In addition, nopCommerce supports multiple stores, meaning that a single admin interface may be used to oversee multiple online outlets. Get the most out of this robust platform by working with a professional nopCommerce developer to launch your online store. With the help of nopCommerce development services, business owners may thrive in the cutthroat eCommerce market.

Why Wholesale E-Stores Should Make sell in bulk a Priority

Did you know?
At a CAGR of 6.5%, the retail and wholesale market is anticipated to reach $99,195.76 billion in 2027.

https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/retail-and-wholesale-global-market-report

Wholesale online stores have gained immense popularity in recent years. Selling products in bulk is a crucial factor contributing to these stores’ success. They offer their customers the convenience of buying large quantities at discounted rates. Not only does this help the customers, but it also helps the Business.

Well, are you also a wholesaler and have an ecommerce platform? If yes, then great!
Please read this blog because we discussed 6 top reasons wholesale suppliers should sell in bulk here. This content may be helpful for you and your business, indeed!

Continue reading…

Overview of wholesale online store

A wholesale online store is an e-commerce platform that sells goods in bulk quantities to retailers or other businesses at a discounted price. Wholesale stores that sell in bulk (products) include clothing, electronics, and groceries. They typically require customers to have a valid business license or resale certificate to purchase from them.

They may also offer various services, including drop shipping, private labeling, and customization. Wholesale online stores are often used by small business owners or re-sellers who buy products in bulk and then sell them in smaller quantities to end customers. Some examples of wholesale online stores include Alibaba, DHgate, and Wholesale Central.

Some of the best things to buy and sell in bulk include non-perishable food items, toiletries, cleaning supplies, office supplies, and pet food. These are products that customers use regularly and are likely to purchase in large quantities.

Here are the top 6 Reasons to sell in bulk

The choice to sell goods in bulk can significantly affect how well your Business does. Whether you operate a small or big company, there are many ways that bulk sales may help your bottom line.

1. Increased Sales

One of the best things about selling in bulk is that it can help you make more money. When people buy things in large quantities, they often end up spending more money than if they had bought each item separately. Customers want to get a good deal and save money, so when items are sold in bulk, they are more likely to buy more of them. Also, selling in bulk makes customers stock up on goods they use often.

For example, if you sell a product for $10 per unit and offer a bulk discount for customers who purchase 10 units, you can still make a profit while giving your customers a deal. This can lead to increased sales and revenues.

2. Customer Convenience

With bulk purchasing, customers can save time by ordering a large number of items at once instead of placing multiple orders for smaller quantities. This can benefit enterprises that need to purchase large quantities of products regularly, allowing them to manage their inventory and reduce the time spent on reordering.

Buying in bulk can also lead to cost savings for customers, as wholesale prices are typically lower than retail prices. This means that customers can save money per unit by purchasing a larger quantity and benefit from economies of scale. This way wholesalers can attract customers looking for this convenience and make their shopping experience more pleasant and efficient.

3. High ROI

Selling in bulk is essential for retail wholesale suppliers because it leads to a high return on investment (ROI). When products are given in bulk, the profit margin is higher because the cost per unit is lower. Retailers can sell goods at a discounted rate while still making a profit.

Furthermore, it reduces the cost of shipping and handling. When products are shipped in bulk, the cost per unit is lower, reducing the overall shipping cost. This means wholesale platforms can offer their customers free or discounted shipping rates, which can be a significant selling point.

4. Advertise Business

Customers buying in bulk will probably spread the word about the online store they purchased from. This can lead to increased visibility for the wholesale e-store, ultimately resulting in more sales. Wholesale stores offering bulk discounts are especially appealing to businesses looking to spare money, and these customers could return for repeat purchases.

Selling in bulk can also help establish the wholesale online store as a reliable and trustworthy source for entrepreneurs aspiring to buy goods. Customers who receive high-quality goods in abundance are more likely to trust the store and make future purchases.

5. Helps in Small Businesses

Wholesale online stores offer a crucial lifeline to small businesses that need to purchase products in bulk. Small businesses often struggle to meet the minimum order requirements set by manufacturers or distributors, making it challenging to secure affordable prices.

On the other hand, wholesale e-stores provide a viable solution for these businesses to purchase the goods they need to run their operations. By offering competitive prices on bulk purchases, wholesale suppliers help small businesses save money, which they can reinvest in growing their Business.

Apart from this, these stores often offer payment plans allowing small businesses to spread their payments over time, making it easier to manage their cash flow. This is beneficial for small-scale enterprises that are just starting and don’t have a lot of capital to invest in their operations.

6. Packing is easy and fast

Selling products in bulk means that the seller can pack and ship multiple items in a single shipment, saving time and reducing packaging costs. This can also make it easier for the seller to manage their inventory and reduce the time spent packing and shipping individual orders.

In addition, bulk orders often have more predictable demand, which can help the seller plan their production and logistics more efficiently. This makes it possible for the wholesale store to fulfill orders more instantly, which leads to increased customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Selling goods in bulk is a vital aspect of wholesale online stores. It helps advertise the Business and create brand awareness, reduces the effort required for packaging, benefits small enterprises, and speeds up the packaging process. Wholesale online stores even can take advantage of economies of scale, reduce costs, and increase profitability. Moreover, customers also benefit from the convenience of buying products in large volume at discounted or low rates. A wholesale eCommerce platform, therefore, should consider selling products in bulk to stay competitive and meet the needs of its customers.

The Future of eCommerce Online Store: 7 Trends Small Businesses Need to Watch in 2023

An estimated $6.3 trillion will be generated by eCommerce worldwide in 2023, with a growth rate of 10.4 percent.

Source Link: 25 eCommerce Statistics and How to Capitalize on Them in 2023 (hostinger.in)

As a small business, staying ahead of the curve in the ever-changing eCommerce landscape can be challenging. However, if your business is already established in the world of eCommerce, then understanding the current and upcoming trends can help you come out on top in 2023.

In this guide, we’ll discuss 7 of the most important trends to keep in mind when running a small

eCommerce online store in 2023.

1. B2B eCommerce platform

B2B eCommerce revolves around allowing businesses to sell their products or services directly to other businesses through an online platform. As technological advancements make it easier to accomplish and manage, more businesses are turning to this type of platform to facilitate transactions.

Benefits

  • Reduces human order processing costs and improves purchasing efficiency.
  • Businesses may automate procurement, market their brand, and access real-time pricing and inventory via B2B eCommerce solution.
  • Process orders faster with computerized order processing and shipping tracking.

Strategy to implement

  • The business must set up and integrate a B2B ecommerce platform.
  • Budget, vendor, and customer payment options like online payment processing or invoices must also be considered.
  • Determine how the platform will integrate with invoice processing and ERP systems.
  • Create a customer portal and payment gateway for easy order tracking and management.

2. Video shopping

Online shoppers are new to video shopping. Live streaming lets people purchase from home. Customers may quickly and easily receive what they need without going to the store. A live customer service representative answers questions and helps customers choose the best product via computer or phone. It also makes it easy for customers with disabilities to get everything they need.

Benefits

  • Shops may promote their products and services creatively with high-quality images and animations.
  • Help retailers attract new customers by making new products and offers more visible.
  • Video shopping reduces retail space and staffing, saving retailers money.

Strategy to implement

  • Tutorials attract shoppers and boost sales.
  • Influencer videos, 360° imagery, branded content, and virtual Reality can boost brand awareness.
  • Tags, thumbnails, and video previews help customers find their needs.
  • Integrating video shopping into your store’s menus, homepage, or promotions alerts customers to its possibilities.

3. New Payment Options

Best e-commerce platforms like amazon, Flipkart, Alibaba, etc., adopted the new payment options because it is a critical step in setting yourself apart from the competition. Adding suitable payment options that cater to your customer’s needs can increase your customer base and market share.

Benefits

  • Lower transaction fees and remove time-consuming paper invoicing.
  • Consumers may pay fast and securely from their phones without memorizing their card data.
  • Security can reassure customers and foster brand loyalty.
  • Customizing payment methods encourages purchases.

Strategy to implement

  • New payment technologies must be compatible with existing systems.
  • Incorporate credit/debit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrency.
  • Incentives to utilize a payment method also increase usage.
  • Payment guidance, security, and client data are crucial.

4. Loyalty Programs: Discounts and Vouchers

Loyalty programs reward repeat clients. Customers can earn points for discounts, incentives, or cash back. Customers receive points for buying particular goods and services. Redeem these points for discounts or perks. Customers may get incentives without spending money, depending on the loyalty program.

Benefits

  • Loyalty programs encourage repeat business.
  • This improves consumer interactions and loyalty.
  • Rewarding customers may make them buy more from the same company.

Strategy to implement

  • Offer customers exclusive discounts and deals, prizes for brand engagement, and community involvement.
  • Customer input and data can help businesses determine the best loyalty tactics.
  • Track progress and tweak as appropriate

5. Green Consumerism

Green Consumerism refers to buying and selling practices that benefit the environment, like reducing plastic packaging and other unsustainable materials. By adopting green Consumerism, businesses can gain public goodwill, reduce their costs, and create a more sustainable future for their operations.

Benefits

  • Green consumerism fosters greater trust in online enterprises, as customers are more likely to trust brands that are doing their part in preserving the environment.
  • Green products have larger margins due to consumer demand and higher production costs. They can boost profits for small e-commerce firms.
  • Sustainable and ethical products can set firms apart as consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious.

Strategy to implement

  • Lower carbon footprint, buy sustainably, and support eco-friendly companies.
  • Examine its manufacture and materials. It may involve buying local, renewable energy, organic, fair-trade, or natural products.
  • Look for ecological products with minimal packaging.
  • Check for Biogold, EcoCert, and Rainforest Alliance labels.

6. Social Commerce

Social commerce, also known as influencer marketing, is one of the significant trends in digital marketing today. It involves using social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram to influence consumer behavior and promote products or services. Influencers use their platform in a variety of ways to promote a product or service.

Benefits

  • Businesses can reach more people and increase engagement by connecting with customers.
  • Improves consumer satisfaction, loyalty, and sales.
  • Businesses can learn client preferences by replying to messages, liking posts, and conversing.

Strategy to implement

  • Analyze your clients’ purchase habits, content choices, and platform demographics.
  • Analyze campaign effectiveness and improve customer targeting by using analytics technologies.
  • Social media analytics help companies understand customer behavior, uncover trends and possibilities, and improve campaign performance.

7. Mobile commerce

Mobile commerce, also known as m-commerce or “m-commerce, is the buying and selling of goods and services through wireless handheld devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and wearable devices. With the rise of smartphones, more users are turning to their devices to search and shop for goods and services.

Benefits

  • Mobile solutions allow business owners to cut rent and utility costs and invest more in their products and services.
  • Through push notifications, businesses can notify customers of new products, events, promotions, and loyalty programs.
  • Provides robust analytics to track customer behavior, revealing what products, services, and marketing campaigns work best.

Strategy to implement

  • Provide a trustworthy platform for financial transactions.
  • An easy-to-use design allows customers to investigate their alternatives and make informed judgments.
  • This interface should also include tutorials, assistance, and product ratings.
  • Optimize your visibility with popular keywords, phrases, featured photos, and videos.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the top eCommerce trends 2023 that businesses should consider. With the increasing popularity of technology, eCommerce businesses need to be agile and keep up with the latest advancements in the industry to remain competitive. Investing in technology, digital marketing, and customer service initiatives are ways to stay ahead.

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