The Best UX/UI Tips for eCommerce Search Bars

In the competitive world of eCommerce, every click counts, and the search bar plays a pivotal role in guiding customers to what they want quickly and efficiently. A well-designed search bar UI can make all the difference—users who engage with it are 80% more likely to convert.

Nonetheless, not each eCommerce search bar is created equally. Some require precise keyword inputs, while others leverage AI to interpret search intent and provide more relevant results. The more effective your search bar is at connecting customers with their desired products, the higher the likelihood of a purchase. 

In this article, we’ll explore the key UX/UI strategies to optimize your search bar for maximum conversions.

What Is an eCommerce Search Bar?

An eCommerce search bar is a simple but essential tool integrated into eCommerce websites, allowing users to quickly find products by typing in keywords, product names, or specific queries. When users activate the search function, the system scans the website’s database and presents relevant products or information in an organized, easy-to-navigate format.

This search bar is crucial for streamlining the shopping process. Studies show that nearly 50% of online shoppers start their shopping journey by using the search bar, making it a key feature in product discovery.

In essence, the eCommerce search bar is not just a navigational tool; it’s a powerful element that significantly enhances user experience, boosts engagement, and directly influences conversion rates. By helping users find exactly what they’re looking for quickly, the search bar plays a central role in the success of any eCommerce site.

When to Implement an eCommerce Search Bar?

While better navigation benefits all online stores, the need for a search bar primarily depends on the size of your product catalog and the behavior of your users.

• 50+ Products: As your catalog grows, relying solely on navigation menus becomes less efficient. A search bar offers the fastest path to relevant products, saving users time and improving their shopping experience.
• Wide Product Categories: If you sell across diverse categories—such as apparel, electronics, or home goods—a search bar becomes essential to help users quickly find specific items within a broad range.
• Returning Customers or Power Users: These shoppers often know exactly what they want and prefer to use the search bar to bypass navigation menus, making it a valuable tool for these segments.

On the other hand, search bars may not be necessary for stores with:

• Fewer than 20-30 Products: If your catalog is small and your site layout is well-organized, users can easily browse without advanced search features. In such cases, a search bar might be unnecessary.

Ultimately, the decision to implement a search box hinges on your store’s size, product variety, and the shopping habits of your audience.

What Does an E-commerce Search Bar Consist Of?

Modern e-commerce search bars are more than just a text box. They are complex, multi-layered components designed to enhance user experience. Key elements oftentimes, but not always, include:

1. Search Icon: A clickable magnifying glass that opens the search bar or takes you to the search page
2. Search Bar: The input field where you type in your search query to find products.
3. Opening Layer (Dropdown/Suggestions): A dropdown that shows search suggestions or recent queries as you type.
4. Search Results Page: A dedicated page that displays all the products matching your search, with options to filter and sort.
5. Search Modal/Overlay: A pop-up window that shows search results without leaving the current page.

The search bar UI—the design, size, and behavior of elements like modals and overlays—can greatly impact the user’s search experience. For example, a full-screen search modal focuses attention, while a smaller pop-up lets users keep browsing. Thoughtful search UI design turns a basic search bar into a powerful, engaging tool that boosts conversions.

Now, let’s explore key UX/UI tips to optimize your eCommerce search bar for the best results.

Tips to Improve the UX/UI of the Search Box

1. Elevate Visibility with Prominent Placement

Place the eCommerce search box prominently at the top of your website, preferably in the header. This strategic positioning ensures that users can easily find and access it as soon as they land on your site. 

By making the site search box one of the first elements users encounter, you reduce frustration and minimize the time spent searching for the search function. 

This straightforward approach creates a seamless shopping experience, keeping customers engaged and more likely to find what they’re looking for.

2. Guide Users with Informative Placeholder Text

Use clear and concise placeholder text within the eCommerce search bar to indicate what users should enter. For instance, phrases like “Search for products” or “What are you looking for?” provide clear guidance on the purpose of the eCommerce search box. 

This simple yet effective technique not only instructs users on what to input but also sets their expectations for the type of results they’ll receive. By eliminating ambiguity, you make the search process more intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly. In fact, using clear, active placeholder text can boost search engagement by up to 25%.

3. Enhance Search Efficiency with Auto-Suggestions

Implement autocomplete search suggestions that display popular or relevant search terms as users type. As customers begin typing in the search bar, these auto-suggestions instantly provide them with options that closely match what they’re looking for.

This feature not only accelerates the search process but also guides users toward relevant products they might not have initially considered. 

By harnessing the power of predictive search, you enhance the overall user experience and increase the chances of customers discovering items they’re interested in.

4. Improve Accuracy with Intelligent Typo Tolerance

Include a typo tolerance feature in your eCommerce search box that offers relevant results despite minor misspellings. Mistakes in typing are common, and this feature can make a significant difference. By automatically understanding minor errors or suggesting alternatives, you prevent users from encountering “no results found” messages due to small typos. 

This seamless mechanism ensures that users are presented with accurate results, eliminating frustration and enhancing their confidence in the search function.

5.  Empower Users with Precise Category Filtering

Offer dropdown filters in your search bar that allow users to narrow down their search by category, price range, brand, and other relevant criteria. These search filters empower customers to refine their search results based on their specific preferences, making it easier to find exactly what they’re looking for. 

By offering this level of customization, you streamline the decision-making process, reduce information overload, and guide users toward products that align with their needs and interests.

6. Optimize for Mobile Seamlessness with Responsive Design

Mobile commerce now makes up over 54% of total eCommerce sales globally, making mobile-optimized search essential.

A responsive search UI design ensures that the search box adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes, making it easy to interact with regardless of the device. By prioritizing mobile-friendliness, you create a consistent and enjoyable shopping experience for users on the go.

7. Embrace Voice-Activated Search for Convenience

Integrate voice search functionality into your eCommerce search box to cater to users who prefer using voice commands. With the rise of virtual assistants and voice-activated devices, offering a voice search option is a forward-thinking move. 

This feature allows users to search for products simply by speaking, bypassing the need for manual typing. By accommodating users who prefer hands-free interactions, you make the shopping journey more convenient and accessible, enhancing user satisfaction.

8. Simplify Search by Displaying the Last Search Query

Implement an eCommerce personalization feature that displays users’ most recent search query. This feature provides users with a convenient way to revisit the last product that they searched for. By allowing them to easily pick up where they left off, you create a sense of continuity in their shopping experience. 

This streamlines the path to purchase and encourages customers to continue the search journey right where they left off.

9. Expand Search Scope with Synonym and Variant Recognition

Account for synonyms and different product variants to ensure users find what they’re looking for, even if they use different terms. Language is diverse, and customers might use various words to describe the same product. 

By incorporating natural language search features and recognizing different variations of a product’s name, you expand the likelihood of matching user intent with relevant results. This inclusiveness prevents users from feeling frustrated by not finding what they’re looking for due to phrasing differences.

10. Personalize Results to User Preferences

Implement a personalized search experience by considering the user’s past behavior and purchase history. Leveraging customer data allows you to tailor search results to individual preferences. 

By showcasing products related to a user’s previous interactions and purchases, you create a sense of relevance and familiarity. This personal touch enhances the user experience and increases the likelihood of conversions by presenting customers with items they’re more likely to be interested in.

11. Ensure Instant Results with Loading Speed Optimization

Optimize the search bar’s loading speed to provide instant results and a seamless experience. In the fast-paced online environment, speed is extremely important. 

Ensuring that search results appear instantaneously upon hitting “search” prevents users from experiencing frustrating delays. This optimization contributes to a frictionless journey, allowing users to explore products efficiently and maintain their engagement with your platform.

12. Facilitate Navigation with Visual Cue

Use a magnifying glass icon within or next to the search bar to visually indicate its purpose. Visual cues are powerful tools for guiding users. 

Incorporating a universally recognized magnifying glass icon next to the search box immediately signals its function. This simple but effective design element ensures that users can quickly identify and utilize the search feature, streamlining their navigation and enhancing the overall usability of your website.

13. Highlight Promotions Directly within Search Results

Integrate the search bar with ongoing promotions or special offers to showcase relevant deals. By incorporating sales promotions and special offers directly within the search results, you ensure that users are aware of attractive deals that align with their search intent. 

This integration not only enhances the visibility of these promotions but also encourages users to explore discounted products. By leveraging the search box as a promotional tool, you boost conversions and add an element of excitement to the shopping journey.

Unleash the Potential of Your eCommerce Search Box

Navigating the ever-changing world of eCommerce is like embarking on a treasure hunt, and the search bar? It’s your map to uncovering a trove of products that eager shoppers are on the lookout for. By applying the optimization tips we’ve covered in this article, you have the power to turn your eCommerce search box into a savvy guide, leading customers with precision and finesse. 

Think auto-suggestions, mobile adaptability, voice search, and personal touches – all working together to create an experience where customers feel truly understood and taken care of. As you fine-tune your eCommerce search box to deliver speedy and spot-on results, you’re not just making things convenient; you’re building a foundation of trust and satisfaction with your audience. 

Remember, these optimization strategies are anything but set in stone; they grow alongside user preferences and technological advancements. 

So, stay tuned to feedback and be ready to adapt as needs change. This way, your search engine features remain a source of efficiency and delight, welcoming all who step into your virtual store.

Elevate Search with Doofinder: The Ultimate eCommerce Search Bar Solution

Revolutionize your customers’ search experience by integrating Doofinder, a powerful eCommerce search solution. From prominent placement and real-time suggestions to personalized product recommendations and mobile-friendly design, Doofinder enhances every aspect of your site’s eCommerce search box. 

Try Doofinder’s 30-day free trial and transform your search bar optimization into a dynamic gateway for user satisfaction and eCommerce success.