AI in search engines is completely changing how we look for things in online stores. By offering instantaneous, relevant, and tailored search results, search engines can benefit from integrating AI technologies. AI understands user intent, fixes misspellings, and improves the search experience using semantic search technologies, NLP, and ML. By precisely determining user intent, boosting customer satisfaction, and optimizing search results, this strengthens eCommerce. Overall, AI is reshaping search technologies in eCommerce, requiring businesses to adopt AI-powered solutions for success.
When we talk about search engines, Google is probably the first name that comes to your mind.
But what if we told you that now you can have a Google-like search experience on your business website, focused solely on your products? That’s the idea behind site search. It allows customers to type in what they’re looking for and get relevant and personalized search results in no time.
It sounds easy, isn’t it?
Unfortunately, these systems are inefficient without AI or machine learning in search as they struggle to handle large volumes of data and queries because humans can’t process information as quickly as AI.
In this blog, we have covered more about AI, its role in search engines, and how you can use AI to upgrade your online store.
How Does AI In Search Engines Work?
AI-based semantic search tools can access vast amounts of information to learn consumer demands and product data, making the results shown in searches more appropriate.
These search tools collect information from several sources, such as past search queries, product specifications, and customer behavior. Then, the tool uses natural language processing (NLP) to determine user intent based on how users conduct their searches.
Then comes Machine Learning in search (ML), which allows deep-learning search algorithms to recognize trends and tune the search engine optimization AI.
Independently, NLP and ML combine to create a semantic search experience that makes finding what you need easier and more intuitive.
Let’s understand it with an easy example.
Suppose a customer misspells a word while typing it in the search bar. Now, AI won’t help correct the misspelled term but will use intelligent algorithms to guess what the user meant, using previous searches and corrections.
This real-time adjustment makes the search experience smoother and more intuitive, providing customer satisfaction.
4 Ways An AI-Powered Search Is Empowering eCommerce
Now we know how AI-powered search works, so let’s hop into how AI in eCommerce search is transforming traditional eCommerce tactics:
1. Identifying User Intent
In the past, search engines had trouble interpreting natural language processing (NLP) and determining the user’s purpose or the search term.
AI-driven search engines can now comprehend what consumers are actually seeking with the help of artificial intelligence, even if they don’t use exact terms or phrases.
So, if you’re searching for something but can’t phrase it, don’t worry. AI has got your back. These advanced search engines ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for by handling synonyms, multiple query formats and even correcting mistakes.
2. Personalization
A research study found that 77% of consumers would choose, suggest, or pay more for a brand that offers a tailored experience or service, highlighting the significance of personalization in eCommerce.
AI in search engines offers incredible personalization to online stores by using past purchases, browsing history, and preferences.
For instance, if you have previously bought a set of high-quality headphones, you are very likely to find more related audio gear and accessories in your search results.
This kind of personalization can make searching easier and increase the chances of your customers finding something they’ll like and even purchasing.
3. Visual Search AI
Sometimes, when we see an outstanding dress or accessory, we want to know its details so we can buy it for ourselves.
This is now possible with AI-powered search without any hassle. You can upload a photo of that item with visual search AI and let its algorithms do the rest.
They sift through the image, recognize the key elements, and match them to a huge catalog of products. It’s like having a personal shopping assistant who works faster than traditional text searches!
4. Voice Search Technology
AI has recently made search engines innovative by including voice search technology and smart assistants. Because of these AI search algorithms, these systems can now understand natural language queries with remarkable accuracy. All this has changed the nature of interaction with search technology and made it much more intuitive and easier to use.
Voice search technology is increasingly applied, allowing users to obtain required information simply by talking through their devices. It has been quite a while since smart assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa became integral parts of our everyday lives. These are fast solutions to answer any kind of query and help with many other tasks.
5. Increased Conversions
A sophisticated site search tool will significantly reduce the number of frustrating “No results found” messages and help your customers find your precise match fast and easily.
AI makes the search experience more relevant and instinctive. Such refinement helps drive better user satisfaction and makes it much easier for visitors to progress from browsers to buyers, boosting conversion rates.
Popular AI-Driven Search Engines For eCommerce
There are several excellent AI-driven search engines besides Google that can help you improve your eCommerce store search.
These tools are designed to optimize the buying experience and increase conversions. Each offers something slightly different, so you can select the one that better suits your business.
1. Algolia
Algolia is famous for its fast search and user-friendly interface.
It gives real-time and personalized search results as users type due to the smart AI handling typos and synonyms.
In Algolia’s analytics dashboard, businesses can see trends for what customers are searching for, which will help them know how to fine-tune their strategies for more remarkable performance.
2. Bloomreach Discovery
Bloomreach Discovery is perfect for mid-sized enterprises and larger businesses. It uses AI to roll out a wide range of tools. It’s a smart search engine innovation that knows what your customers want and changes according to their needs.
Moreover, its merchandising features automatically refine your product listings, ensuring they are always in top condition. It’s like having a tech-savvy assistant with better foresight.
3. Nosto
Nosto offers a shopping experience that feels personally tailored to you. It monitors your shopping habits in real-time and uses that information to suggest products you’re really interested in.
With its intelligent search systems, Nosto offers unique AI product recommendations instead of generic and relevant ones. It fine-tunes suggestions and content based on your actions to ensure your shopping experience is always fresh and relevant.
4. Elasticsearch SE
ElasticSearch SE is known for managing huge volumes of data. It is highly scalable and can easily handle any extensive dataset.
It deals with complex queries, delivering in-depth analytics that illustrate precisely how customers behave when you’re fine-tuning your search accuracy and optimizing the user experience.
5. Magento - Adobe Commerce
Magento’s eCommerce platform has enhanced AI technology, delivering incredible search features for a heightened shopping experience.
With its advanced AI product recommendations, predictive search AI capabilities, and options for personalized content, Magento ensures that every visit to your online store is seamless and precisely at your own convenience.
Whether you are looking for specific items or discovering new ones, these smart tools enhance the process to make it more intuitive and engaging.
Conclusion
AI is finding its way through search technologies and has dramatically changed how eCommerce businesses get hold of their customer.
From simple keyword searches, we have moved to sophisticated AI systems that focus on context and exact intentions.
It’s not only any advanced technology; it’s a whole different game for digital commerce as it improves brand visibility, customer interactions, and sales.
As eCommerce expands, businesses need to embrace AI-powered search solutions and adjust to new trends to stay ahead of the competition. Using the tips above, you can fully utilize AI in search engines and create new business prospects.
