What is Predictive Search? (with examples)

Think back to a time when finding information required sifting through stacks of books or making trips to the library. Today, we can access a wealth of knowledge with just a few taps on our devices. 

This remarkable shift has been driven by advancements in digital search technology, particularly with the help of artificial intelligence.

One standout innovation in this area is predictive search. This search feature anticipates what users might be looking for as they type, offering helpful suggestions along the way. 

For eCommerce managers, this means a more streamlined shopping experience for customers, leading to higher satisfaction and better conversion rates.

In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of predictive search, including how it works, its benefits, and practical examples. 

Whether you’re familiar with the concept or looking to enhance your site’s search functionality, let’s dive into how predictive search can elevate your online business.

Understanding Predictive Search

What is Predictive Search?

Predictive search is a smart search feature that guesses what users are looking for and offers suggestions as they type in the search bar. 

It uses artificial intelligence to figure out user intent, providing relevant options that make finding information quicker and easier. 

This intuitive approach helps users save time by reducing the need to type out their entire queries.

Key Functionalities of Predictive Searching

Predictive search comes with several important features:

• Autocomplete: Often referred to as typeahead, this feature fills in the rest of a user’s query based on common searches, past behavior, and context.
• Autosuggest: Similar to autocomplete, autosuggest offers real-time recommendations while the user types, helping them refine their search.
• Instant Query Results: This functionality displays relevant search results even before the user finishes typing, making the search experience faster and more engaging.

Differentiating Autocomplete from Predictive Search

While autocomplete is a vital part of predictive search, it’s helpful to distinguish between the two:

• Predictive Search: This is the overarching idea of anticipating what users need and offering suggestions or results based on various data.
• Autocomplete: This refers specifically to the tool that predicts and completes a user’s query as they type, drawing on popular searches and user habits.

In summary, predictive search is all about the strategy and technology that anticipates user needs, while autocomplete is a specific tool that makes the search process more efficient. 

Understanding these elements can help eCommerce managers improve user experience, boost conversion rates, and create a smoother search journey on their sites.

How Does Predictive Search Work?

Predictive search is designed to enhance the user experience by processing each keystroke in real-time. 

As users start typing, the system quickly analyzes their input and generates relevant suggestions almost instantly. 

This means that as you type, you’ll see options that match what you’re looking for, making the search process feel smooth and intuitive. 

The more you use it, the better it gets at understanding your preferences.

The power behind predictive search lies in a combination of clever algorithms:

• String Matching: This is the simplest form, where the system looks for exact matches between your input and the data it holds. It helps generate quick suggestions based on what you’re typing.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): This natural language search technology allows the system to grasp the meaning behind your words, even if there are typos or unusual phrasing. It helps create a more user-friendly experience by understanding the context of your search.
• Machine Learning: Over time, the system learns from user behavior and preferences. It analyzes what suggestions are most often clicked on, refining its predictions to be more accurate and helpful.

Advantages of Predictive Search

Predictive search significantly improves the user experience in several ways:

1. Faster Search Results: Users receive suggestions almost instantly as they type, reducing the time spent searching.
2. Reduced Typos: By suggesting queries, predictive search minimizes the chances of users making typing errors, leading to increased search relevance.
3. Effective Query Formulation: Predictive search helps users refine their queries. If they’re unsure of the exact term, suggestions guide them towards relevant keywords, enhancing their chances of finding what they need.

In addition to enhancing user experience, predictive search offers substantial business advantages:

1. Increased User Retention: When users can easily find what they’re looking for, they’re more likely to stay on your site longer and explore other products or content.
2. Higher Conversion Rates: By streamlining the search process, predictive search helps users make quicker purchasing decisions, ultimately leading to increased sales.
3. Improved Search Engine Optimization (SEO): With users spending more time on your site and navigating easily, bounce rates decrease. This positively impacts your SEO, helping your site rank better in search results.

Best Practices for Implementing Predictive Search

1. Immediate Response Time

One of the critical aspects of effective predictive search is speed. Users expect search suggestions to appear almost instantaneously. 

If there’s a noticeable delay, they may lose interest or even abandon their search altogether. To enhance user experience, ensure that your system processes inputs quickly and delivers relevant search predictions without lag. 

This immediate feedback encourages users to engage more with your platform.

2. Mobile Compatibility

With the growing number of shoppers using mobile devices, it’s essential that predictive search is mobile-friendly. 

Make sure your mobile search UX design allows search suggestions to be easily readable on smaller screens. Use larger fonts and ensure sufficient spacing so users can quickly see options without straining their eyes. 

A mobile-optimized predictive text search not only improves usability but also captures the attention of on-the-go customers.

3. Navigation and Selection

Another key feature to consider is allowing users to navigate search suggestions using their keyboard. Enabling arrow keys and the enter key for selection can streamline the search process. 

This functionality makes it easier for users to refine their queries without needing to remove their hands from the keyboard, enhancing the overall predictive search UX.

4. Visual Focus and Text Wrapping

Improving focus on the search bar during use is vital. When users click on the eCommerce search bar, dimming other elements on the page can minimize distractions, making it easier to see suggestions. 

Additionally, if suggestions are lengthy, use text wrapping instead of horizontal scrollbars. This approach keeps the interface clean and user-friendly, ensuring that users can read and select suggestions effortlessly.

Implementing Predictive Search with Tools

When it comes to integrating predictive search into your eCommerce platform, Doofinder Search & Discovery is a robust solution to consider. 

This tool is designed to enhance your site’s search capabilities and product discovery features, making it easier for users to find exactly what they’re looking for with minimal effort. 

Doofinder offers advanced predictive searching features that can significantly improve the user experience (UX) on your website.

There are several ways to integrate predictive search into your platform, ensuring a seamless and efficient search experience for your users:

• Plugins: Doofinder provides a ready-to-use plugin that can be easily added to your site. This plugin offers predictive text search functionality right out of the box, making it simple to enhance your site’s search without extensive coding.
• APIs: For those who need more customization, Doofinder’s API allows you to tailor the search experience to your specific needs. This approach provides flexibility and the ability to integrate search predictions deeply into your site’s architecture.
• Customizations: Doofinder supports extensive customizations, allowing you to tweak the search algorithm, appearance, and behavior to match your brand and user preferences. This ensures that the predictive search feature feels natural and integrated within your site.

Using a search-as-a-service solution like Doofinder is often the best choice for maintaining the most up-to-date technology. 

These services are continuously improved and updated, ensuring your site benefits from the latest advancements in predictive text algorithms and search predictions.

Improve Your eCommerce Site with Predictive Searching

Predictive search is an essential feature for any eCommerce site, offering numerous benefits that enhance the user experience and drive business success. 

By providing instant, relevant search suggestions, predictive search reduces the time users spend typing and searching, helping to prevent typos and guiding users to the products or information they need more efficiently. 

The advantages of predictive search are clear. By implementing this technology on your platform, you can significantly improve the user experience and drive better outcomes for your business. 

Don’t wait—start enhancing your site with predictive search today and experience the difference it can make.