What is a search filter? Definition, Best Practices, & Examples

So you’re thinking about improving your website’s search engine?

Well, that’s a smart move on your part! 

Believe it or not, a lot of online businesses overlook the incredible power of their site’s search bar. 

But guess what? More than 50% of eCommerce sales can be traced back to people using that very search bar. 

Impressive, right? That’s why I’m here to tell you about a simple upgrade you can make to your search engine: search filters. 

Seriously, taking the time to add these filters will totally pay off in the long run. 

Not only will your customers be happier, but you’ll also see a boost in your sales. It’s a win-win situation, my friend!

So, let’s explore everything you need to know to successfully use search filters on your eCommerce site. 

What Is a Search Filter?

Search filters are an extension of search facets that allow customers to refine their search results to match their specific preferences. 

When confronted with a wide range of items, search filters act as a helpful tool for customers to narrow down their choices and locate exactly what they’re looking for. 

Ecommerce search filters can be an incredibly useful feature that enhances the way your customers navigate and discover products on your website. 

For example, imagine that a customer is looking to purchase a TV for their new apartment. 

With search facets like size, color, price, or brand, a customer could use the filters: 32 inches, black, $300 – $500, and Samsung to find a TV that best meets their needs. 

Search filters simplify the product exploration process, enabling customers to find the right items more quickly and efficiently. 

By incorporating search filters into your website, you can greatly assist your customers in their quest to find their desired products.

10 Best Practices for Search Engine Filters

Let’s uncover the top ten best practices for implementing search engine filters into your eCommerce site! 

By optimizing your filters using these practical insights, you’ll achieve maximum effectiveness, leading to search results that are both accurate and relevant.

✅ Keep it User-Friendly

Make sure your search filters are easy to use and understand. Don’t confuse your shoppers with complicated jargon or hidden filter options.

✅ Prioritize Important Filters

Identify the filters that matter the most to your customers and place them front and center. Help them quickly refine their search results without any hassle.

✅ Show Relevant Filter Options

Offer filter choices that actually make sense for the products you’re selling. Avoid overwhelming your customers with irrelevant filters that only lead to confusion.

✅ Make Active Filters Visible

Clearly display the filters that are currently active, so shoppers can see at a glance what they’ve applied. Give them an easy way to remove filters individually or start fresh with a single click.

✅ Show Changes in Real-Time

As shoppers select filters, let them see the search results update instantly. No need to wait for the page to refresh—it’s all about that dynamic feedback!

✅ Get AI-Powered Filters

Be clever! Use smart filtering techniques to adjust the available options based on what shoppers have already chosen. For example, if someone’s looking for shoes, show them filter options like size, color, or brand.

✅ Support Sorting Options

Help your customers find what they want by offering sorting options. Let them sort search results by relevance, price, popularity, or customer ratings. It’s all about putting them in control.

✅ Offer Dynamic Filters

Allow your customers to combine multiple filters to narrow down their search even further. It’s like assembling a dream team of filters that work together to find that perfect product. Does your current search and discovery solution offer dynamic filtering?

✅ Optimize Search Engine Speed

Keep your search engine running like a well-oiled machine, even when lots of filters are in play. Make sure it responds quickly and smoothly to keep your shoppers happy.

✅ Test, Analyze, and Improve

Don’t settle for “good enough.” Continuously test and analyze your search filters to see what works best for your customers. Be open to making improvements based on their feedback and behavior.

Search Filtering Examples

Search Filtering by Color

Imagine you’re a customer in search of the perfect wallpaper for your living room.

You can use search filters to explore various options. Let’s say you want to look at some blue wallpaper options, so you select the “Color” facet and apply the “Blue” filter.

As soon as you do that, a wide range of blue wallpapers with unique patterns and designs appears before your eyes.

You can effortlessly browse through them, read reviews, and effortlessly find the wallpaper that perfectly suits your preferences.

With the help of search filters, your search becomes a breeze, and you can easily discover the ideal wallpaper for a tranquil and stunning living room transformation.

Search Filtering by Brand

Let the search filters do the work to help you find the perfect kids toys.

Just select the “Brand” filter and choose your favorite brand to see an exclusive collection of toys that will bring smiles to your little ones. 

Discover, explore, and make toy shopping a joyful experience with the simplicity of search filters.

Search Filtering by Size

Search filters can guide you through your journey of finding the perfect pair of shoes! 

Choose your ideal shoe size from the “Size” filter, and watch as a handpicked selection of shoes in your size unfolds before you. 

Finding the right fit has never been easier with the help of search filters. 

Search Filtering by Shape

Imagine that you’re searching for the perfect glasses to frame your style.

Let the search filters be your stylist! 

Explore the “Shape” filter and select your preferred shape to unveil a collection of glasses that perfectly complement your style.

With the magic of search filters, finding glasses that match your unique aesthetic is just a click away. 

How to Easily Implement Search Filters into Your eCommerce Site

Doofinder is here to help! 

Our user-friendly eCommerce site search solution makes it a breeze to add and customize search filters (and many other site search features) that perfectly suit your products and customers.

With Doofinder, you can effortlessly incorporate a variety of filter options like size, color, price, and brand. 

Our intuitive interface allows you to easily fine-tune search filters to meet your specific needs. 

Give Doofinder a try with our 30-day free trial. 

Say goodbye to browsing frustrations and welcome a smoother, more satisfying shopping experience with powerful search filters in your online store.