On average, users type as short search queries as possible. 56% of ecommerce store search queries contain a single word.

And yet, the statistics on a search query length and its correlations to conversion rates show a promising potential you could easily exploit.

Every additional word in a retail search query increases the conversion rates by 15%.

How so, and what can you do to drive more conversions to your ecommerce store?

What is a search query length?

Search query length is the number of words or characters users type into a search box to find what they need.

Most users would simply type “jacket” into their search field.

However, as users add more words (like “waterproof spring jacket for women size M”), the length of the search query increases.

But does that mean the conversion rate will also increase?

Does the search query length correlate with purchases?

Actually, yes.

Search query length and conversion rates are closely related and influence each other. That means the longer the search query, the higher the purchase expectancy.

How does it happen?

Generally speaking, the longer the search query, the more specific and focused the user’s intent is. Therefore, an AI-driven ecommerce search (like LupaSearch) can more accurately decipher it and provide more user-relevant search results.

Conversely, the shorter the search query, the more broad and vague the user’s intent is. Accordingly, it makes it more difficult for an ecommerce search to match the user intent with the right product.

Such queries are more likely to generate irrelevant or generic results, increase the bounce rate and decrease the conversion rate.

Example

Let’s take shoes as an example.

A user searching for a single-word query [shoes] might not have a clear idea of what he wants or needs. This way, he might end up browsing through dozens of pages without finding anything that suits him.

Users searching for a longer query [black leather boots size 9] know exactly what they want and need and might be ready to buy as soon as they find a suitable offer.

That being said, the longer the query, the more interested in buying the user is, and the more accurately can an ecommerce search deliver the right products.

How to encourage users to use longer search queries?

One of the best practices to significantly increase your store’s conversion rates is to encourage users to use longer and more detailed search queries.

Here are the top strategies for how you can do that.

Use advanced ecommerce search

If your ecommerce search does not support long search queries, the conversion rates will not increase. Use a dedicated, AI-powered tool for that.

Use an ecommerce search that handles natural language processing, synonyms, misspellings, and complex queries. This tool will match the user’s intent and provide relevant results.

For example, you can use LupaSearch - an integrated solution that matches your shoppers’ search inquiries with the right results, regardless of the query length.

Exploit autocomplete

One of the most effective strategies to prompt users to use longer queries is autocomplete.

Turn on autocomplete and search suggestions to help your users find what they need faster and easier. By providing possible search endings, you can increase the length of the search query.

This way, users can specify their search queries while searching and get highly-relevant results.

Turn on the faceted search

Use filters and facets to help your users narrow their search results and refine their criteria.

You can use categories, subcategories, attributes, price ranges, ratings, reviews, and other options to create filters and facets. Make sure they are clear, relevant, and easy to use.

This way, whenever a user searches for [shoes], you can encourage them to apply query-specifying criteria and improve search relevance.

Follow these tips to adjust your ecommerce store to effectively deliver search results with longer search queries.

Soon you will notice an improvement in your user experience, conversion rate, and sales.