Search engine as a service (SaaS) is the use of an online search engine that can be accessed from anywhere on an internet connection. This saves businesses time and money because they do not have to invest in developing their search engine. Instead, they can subscribe to a third-party provider.
The catch is there are many different SaaS providers available, and you need to evaluate your options before deciding which one to use. Any business that relies heavily on its website for lead generation or sales needs a strong search engine to drive traffic.
Unless you’re an expert in web design and coding, it’s probably better to hire a company with this type of expertise than build a site from scratch.
Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of using SaaS when building your website search engine, so you can make the right decision for your business.
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What is a Search Engine as a Service?
A search engine as a service (SaaS) is an online service that allows you to run an effective, AI-driven site search on your e-commerce store. The partner company sets up the site search according to your business needs.
If you want custom modifications, the search engine partner company builds them for you. Besides, the search partner (like LupaSearch) always consults you whenever you have any questions or work on website improvements.
If you run a large company with multiple locations and departments, SaaS may be the best solution for you.
Why You Should Use a SaaS When Developing Your Website
A SaaS comes with several benefits, including:
Reduced hosting cost. Compared to building your search engine and hosting it in-house, using a SaaS typically has lower upfront costs and ongoing hosting expenses.
No need to hire engineers. If you want to build your search engine, you will need to hire engineers to create the code and install the system. SaaS providers offer a pre-built solution that you can use without having any expertise in this area.
No need to manage servers. An onsite search engine requires you to maintain servers, update the hardware, and ensure everything is running smoothly. With a SaaS, you only need to pay the monthly subscription fee to ensure everything is running as it should.
Customizable features. When you build your search engine, you need to be sure you have all the features you need. With a SaaS, you have a wide range of customizable features that can be tailored to meet your needs.
Easy to manage. You may be able to manage your SaaS account from any computer with an internet connection, and some providers offer apps for both iOS and Android devices.
Benefits of Using SaaS
- Scalability.
If your business grows, you can easily scale up and add more users or products to your account without any costly upgrades.
- Relevancy.
SaaS providers use artificial intelligence to determine the relevance of your content. This means you can be sure your content will rank high in the search results, bringing you more qualified leads and customers.
- Brand consistency.
When you use a SaaS for your website, you can be sure your branding is consistent across all devices. This makes it easier for your customers to navigate the site and find what they’re looking for.
Cons of Using SaaS When Developing Your Website
Not everything is rosy when it comes to using a SaaS, and there are a few drawbacks you should think of when developing your site search:
- Additional monthly fee.
While SaaS providers offer monthly plans with varying features and price tags, you should be prepared for the additional monthly expense. You should select a plan that meets the needs of your business but also keeps the costs within your budget.
- Learning curve.
Although a SaaS is easy to use, you may encounter a learning curve as you become familiar with the system. This is normal, but you should try to overcome this challenge as quickly as possible to get the most out of your SaaS.
