12 eCommerce Product Discovery Tips

When it comes to online shopping nowadays, it’s not just about typing into a search bar. It’s about finding what you want in a way that feels personalized and intuitive. 

In this article, we’ll dive into what exactly eCommerce product discovery is, how it differs from the usual search methods, and practical strategies to make your online store a go-to for shoppers. 

Let’s explore how you can enhance your customers’ journey through straightforward and effective eCommerce product discovery methods.

What is Product Discovery?

Product discovery is the process of customers stumbling upon and exploring new products in a way that feels as if the online store has been personalized to their preferences. 

It’s when you don’t just find what you need, but you discover items you might not have known you wanted – all curated just for you.

Unlike regular searching where you type in specific keywords, eCommerce product discovery is more indirect shopping experience tailored just for you.

Product Search vs. eCommerce Product Discovery

Think of product search as when you know exactly what you’re looking for and type it into the eCommerce search bar. It’s straightforward and to the point.

On the other hand, eCommerce product discovery is more like exploring a boutique where the items you see are handpicked based on your preferences. It’s a bit more relaxed and lets you find items you might not have even known you wanted.

So, while product search is like going straight to the item you want, product discovery is like going on a treasure hunt where you’re pleasantly surprised by what you find along the way.

It’s all about making the online shopping experience more personal and enjoyable for customers.

Not sure if your current search and discovery solution is fully optimized for eCommerce product discovery?

Personalized Product Discovery Best Practices

Let’s take a look at some simple yet effective eCommerce product discovery strategies for your online store. From streamlined navigation to dynamic homepages and engaging product pages, we’ll cover it all. 

1. Enhance Navigation and Search

Making it easy for customers to find what they’re looking for is crucial. Simplify site navigation so they can smoothly explore your products. Also, consider adding a predictive search feature that suggests items as they type. It’s like having a friendly guide helping them along the way.

2. Keep Your Homepage Dynamic

A static homepage is a missed opportunity. Keep it lively by showcasing trending products, promotions, and personalized recommendations. This not only keeps things interesting but also encourages users to discover new and exciting items every time they visit.

3. Transform Pages into Discovery Experiences

Don’t just present products; create an experience. Make your product pages engaging by incorporating multimedia elements like videos or interactive content. Let your customers feel like they’re not just shopping but embarking on a journey of discovery.

4. Develop a Holistic Mobile and Ad Strategy

Since many people shop on their phones, ensuring a smooth mobile user experience is vital. Optimize your website for mobile users, and don’t forget to have a solid advertising strategy. 

Use ads strategically to guide users toward new products, creating a seamless connection between discovery and purchase.

5. Improve Product Discovery with Data

Data is a goldmine for understanding your customers. Use it wisely to tailor recommendations based on their preferences, buying habits, and trends. 

By harnessing the power of data, you can offer a more personalized and enjoyable shopping experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

Search and Discovery Optimization Tips

Owning a successful eCommerce requires more than just a functional online store – it demands an experience that connects with your customers. 

Let’s unpack some effective strategies to elevate your store’s search and discovery tool, ensuring that customers not only find what they’re looking for, but also come across new and interesting products.

Easy Site Navigation

Think of your website like a well-organized store. The goal? To make sure customers can move around easily. 

A clear menu, simple categories, and buttons that are easy to find all add up to a shopping experience without headaches. 

To foster both finding what they need and discovering what they might love, offer customers a range of search options. 

Whether they prefer text search, voice search, or even image search, these choices make the journey more than just transactional. It becomes an exploration, where every click could lead to a delightful discovery.

Predictive Autocomplete

Imagine having a conversation where you and your customers finish each other’s sentences – but in the world of online shopping. 

Autocomplete search is like that friendly companion, suggesting not just relevant search terms but also sparking ideas for items customers weren’t originally looking for. 

As users type, it speeds up the search process, helping them discover what they’re looking for faster and even introducing them to things they might not have thought of initially.

Efficient Filtering

Nobody enjoys sifting through a haystack to find a needle. That’s where guided search filters come in handy. 

They use the search engine’s filters to ask your customers a series of questions, helping them quickly narrow down their results. 

Efficient search filtering options allow customers to refine their search based on specific criteria like price, size, or brand. 

This way, they can quickly narrow down their options and discover the perfect product.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews play a crucial role in shaping online purchasing decisions. 

To infuse authenticity into your online store, seamlessly integrate customer reviews into your product detail pages or product cards. 

These reviews not only cultivate trust but also play a pivotal role in guiding potential buyers through their decision-making process. 

By doing so, they contribute significantly to fostering a positive and enriching discovery experience.

Personalized Recommendations

Treat your customers like VIPs by leveraging data to provide personalized recommendations. 

By comprehending their preferences and shopping habits, you can expertly guide them toward products they are likely to love, enriching their overall discovery journey. 

These tailored recommendations can be strategically placed not only on product pages but also on the homepage, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience right from the start.

Social Media Campaigns & Landing Pages

Spread the word and create a buzz by utilizing social media platforms for awareness and traffic. Engaging social media campaigns can lead customers to your website, increasing the chances of them discovering new products. 

Additionally, consider creating ad-specific product landing pages to further enhance the discovery experience. 

These dedicated pages can be tailored to match the messaging of your social media campaigns, providing a seamless transition for customers and maximizing the impact of your advertising efforts.

Searchandising

Take control of your search results page by strategically promoting specific products, brands, or promotions with banners. 

Strategic searchandising involves optimizing results to highlight top-performing products, almost like placing the most enticing items right at the storefront. 

This approach ensures they get the attention they deserve, enhancing the visibility of key products and contributing to a more impactful and personalized discovery experience for your customers.

FAQs

1. What is product discovery in ecommerce?

In ecommerce, product discovery is the dynamic process where customers explore and find new products tailored to their preferences.

It differs from traditional product search, which relies on specific queries. Instead, product discovery presents users with a personalized and curated selection of items based on their interests, browsing history, and behavior.

2. What is the discovery process in ecommerce?

The discovery process in ecommerce refers to how users interact with online stores to find new and relevant products.

It involves a more intuitive and personalized approach, guiding customers toward discovering items based on their unique preferences.

3. What is the difference between product search and product discovery?

Product search involves users actively inputting specific keywords or phrases to find a particular item. It’s a more direct and linear process.

On the other hand, product discovery is a more intuitive and personalized approach, presenting users with a curated selection of products based on their preferences, browsing history, and behavior. It’s about guiding users to new and relevant items without relying on specific queries.

4. What is an example of discovery commerce?

An example of discovery commerce could be a personalized shopping platform that suggests products based on a user’s past purchases, browsing history, and preferences.

For instance, a fashion retailer suggesting outfits based on a customer’s style. This showcases the power of discovery commerce in offering a more tailored and enjoyable shopping experience.

Implement a Product Discovery Tool Today

With the craze of online shopping today, it’s important to help customers find what they want while also introducing them to new things.

That’s where a product discovery tool comes in handy. It’s like having a friendly guide for your customers, making their shopping experience more personalized and enjoyable.

If you’re on the lookout for a reliable search and discovery solution, check out Doofinder. It’s a great option for optimizing your website’s eCommerce product discovery features without making things complicated.

With Doofinder, your customers can navigate effortlessly, get helpful suggestions, and discover products that match their tastes.

So, why not give it a try? Implement a Product Discovery Tool today and help your customers not just find what they need but also things they might love.