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One of the biggest problems that causes you to lose customers without realizing it is your in-store search filters. Many store owners focus on website design and page layout, forgetting that search is the first step a customer takes when they come with a specific goal. If your search filter isn't bringing up the important results, or is giving incomplete or irrelevant ones, the customer will quickly leave saying, "I didn't find what I was looking for," even if the product actually exists.
In this blog, we'll learn how to discover if your search filters are costing you sales without you even noticing.
1. If customers are asking about products that are already in your store
This is the clearest sign.
If customers come to you saying:
"I looked for the product and couldn't find it,"
"It didn't show up in the search,"
"Which section has this product?"
While the product actually exists… this means your search filter isn't correctly matching keywords to the content.
2. When the search returns many results… but not what the customer is looking for.
Sometimes a customer types “fast charger”… and the website returns:
– Cases
– Headphones
– Phone holders
Here, the customer feels the search is “stupid” and doesn’t understand it.
This is a problem with incorrect filters or keywords.
3. If the search doesn’t understand similar words or spelling mistakes
Customers often type quickly, and naturally they might type:
“charger” → “charger”
“abaya” → “abaya”
“spray” → “spray”
If your search doesn’t pick up on these words or gives similar results… you’re losing customers who won’t even last a second.
4. When the search relies solely on precise spelling
Many stores in Saudi Arabia suffer from this problem.
The customer types “bag”
while the product is spelled “bag.” The search considers them two different words.
The result?
The product isn't showing up… and sales are lost.
5. If filters are preventing products with incomplete specifications from appearing.
Some products don't have all the specifications, like color or size.
When the search filter asks for “all” specifications, it hides products with incomplete data.
Not because the product isn't suitable… but because the filter has become too rigid.
6. If search results are very few even though you have many products.
For example:
A customer types “winter clothes,” and your store has 40 winter products… but the search only returns 5.
This indicates that the filters or basic categories aren't linked correctly.
7. When the search shows expired or unsuitable products.
Sometimes the search results show products that are:
Out of stock
Unrelated
In a different category
This confuses the customer and gives them the impression that the store is disorganized, causing them to leave quickly.
A search filter isn't just a small box at the top of the page… it's one of the most important tools that determines whether a customer will buy or leave the site. If you notice any of the above signs, know that your search needs a quick fix. Improving the filter can significantly boost sales without changing anything else.
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