3 Best Website Search Software Tools for Better Website Management
Elevate your website management with these top search software tools.
Published October 15, 2024.
The right search software tools help customers find what they're looking for quickly and easily. Almost half of your eCommerce customers head straight for the search bar when visiting your site. So you could be gaining a significant number of sales with a robust search tool in your eCommerce website management.
Choosing the right search software tool for your eCommerce site involves carefully considering your specific needs and budget constraints. When evaluating each of the products below, I considered the different features and functionality that eCommerce business owners rely on to keep customers browsing and buying.
» Check out our complete guide to site search engines for more information
Meet the Expert
Jameela Ghann has over 10 years of eCommerce experience. She runs a successful online store, Alora Boutique, and is the marketing manager for Fera Product Reviews.
Our Top Picks for the Best Website Search Software Tools
- Fast Simon - Best overall
- Bloomreach - Best for e-commerce businesses looking to scale
- Searchspring - Best for enterprise-level businesses
Fast Simon Search & Discovery
Instant and powerful site search optimization
AI-powered search that drives higher conversions and boosts sales.
Instant personalized results in collections, searches, and recommendations.
Bloomreach Discovery
Personalized search for better conversions
Accurate search suggestions and advanced query understanding
Visual AI discovery
Searchspring
Advanced eCommerce search solutions.
Provides fast and accurate search results
Autocomplete suggestions
One of my favorite features is that Fast Simon's technology understands human typing and speech patterns, providing a more natural search experience.
1
AI-powered optimization to increase AOV
Pricing
Varies according to your preferred platform (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.).
Pros and cons
Swift and accurate search results, enhancing user experience
Extensive customization options
Intuitive, easy-to-use interface
Powerful insights into user search behavior
Advanced personalization features
Can be pricy for smaller websites
Advanced features may require some time and technical expertise to set up
Brief overview
Fast Simon is a powerful tool for medium to large-sized retailers, especially those using Shopify. It offers advanced merchandising and site search features, earning an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 700 reviews on the Shopify app store.
Key features
- Powerful search algorithms for accurate results
- Real-time indexing of website content
- Customizable search interfaces to match your website's design
- AI-driven insights for improving user experience
Why we chose Fast Simon
Fast Simon's lightning-fast search results, driven by natural language processing (NLP), ensure customers swiftly find the products they seek.
Its intuitive interface allows for quick configuration and customization without requiring extensive technical knowledge. Fast Simon also includes autocomplete search functionality and provides valuable data insights.
2
Pricing
Customized to the size of your customer base, your product catalog size, and how many events you execute
Pros and cons
Personalized content and product recommendations
AI-powered search
Robust content management tools
Suitable for both small and large websites, with the ability to scale as your website grows
Integration with existing systems and databases can be complex
Transitioning away from Bloomreach can be challenging due to potential vendor lock-in
Brief overview
Bloomreach Discovery is powered by its AI assistant, Loomi. This tool tries to understand intent through semantic processing to deliver relevant content to the user.
Key features
- AI-powered search and merchandising capabilities
- Personalization and recommendations for enhanced user experience
- Scalable and adaptable to various business needs
- Analytics and reporting tools for better website management
Why we chose Bloomreach
Bloomreach aims to give responses that are personalized both historically and in session, allowing you to decide what you show to customers at both a segment and user level.
The recommendation algorithms suggest related products, content, and promotions based on user behavior and browsing history. You can also dynamically optimize your product catalog and search results based on real-time data and user behavior.
3
Pricing
Starting from $599 per month
Pros and cons
Sophisticated search capabilities, including natural language processing and query understanding
Attentive customer support
Detailed analytics
High-cost solution, better suited for businesses with substantial budgets
Integration with existing systems and databases can be complex
Brief overview
Searchspring is for large, enterprise-level businesses, reflected in its price point. It offers a comprehensive suite of search features, including autocomplete, spell correction, faceted search, and filtering options, enabling customers to quickly and effortlessly find the products they seek.
Key features
- Advanced search algorithms for precise results
- Dynamic, real-time search suggestions
- Intelligent merchandising and filtering options
- Integration with various e-commerce platforms for easy setup
Why we chose Searchspring
SearchSpring's navigation capabilities allow users to easily find their way through extensive product catalogs, so it's a good option for businesses with vast product offerings.
While SearchSpring's advanced features come at a premium, its ability to simplify the search and navigation experience can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and potentially boost conversion rates. If you're considering SearchSpring, carefully evaluate your specific needs and budget to determine if its advanced capabilities justify the investment.
A prime example is fashion retailer Steve Madden's site search functionality, powered by Fast Simon. Typing 'crop' not only generates highly relevant results but also considers potential typos, offering alternatives in a clear and easy-to-navigate manner.
Keyword-based search engines may struggle to differentiate between "shirt dress" and "dress shirt" searches. However, Bloomreach's semantic processing capability ensures more accurate results based on contextual understanding.
Training and optimizing the AI algorithms of Bloomreach Discovery may require a learning curve. So you may need to invest time and effort in understanding the platform's features, configuration options, and best practices to maximize its effectiveness.
Head to Head: Search Software Tools Comparison
| | Fast Simon | Bloomreach | Searchspring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Search | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Natural Language Processing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Personalization | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Best For | Mid-Large Businesses | Mid-Enterprise Businesses | Mid-Large Businesses |
| Merchandising | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| AI Integration | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
While there are several options available, Fast Simon stands out as a top choice due to its versatility, positive user reviews, and comprehensive features for improving site search and merchandising.
Benefits of Website Search Tools
Implementing search and merchandising tools on your eCommerce site can address specific challenges and improve user experience. Here are some use cases where these tools can be particularly beneficial:
- High bounce rates If your eCommerce site experiences high bounce rates, it's essential to understand why visitors are leaving quickly. For instance, if users are endlessly scrolling through a product category, it's a clear sign they're searching for something specific. In such cases, implementing a robust search solution like Fast Simon Search can help you test and address high bounce rates, especially if you have a large product catalog.
- Large product catalogs When you offer more than 50 or 100 products, efficient search functionality becomes crucial. These tools enable customers to find products quickly and help you merchandise seasonal collections and related items effectively.
Choosing the Right Software Tool For Your eCommerce Business
If your eCommerce store features a sizable product catalog, implementing a search and merchandising solution is not just a use case; it's a necessity. Providing an easy and efficient way for customers to discover products and navigate your website is essential for reducing bounce rates and improving overall user satisfaction.
Choose a search tool that can expand with your evolving needs. Look for options that offer scalability without exorbitant costs as you move to higher tiers of service. And prioritize excellent customer support and training resources.
Check online reviews to gauge the responsiveness and effectiveness of the support team. Access to knowledgeable and helpful support is essential when issues arise.
» Discover just how important site search engines are for eCommerce