Search UX best practices: a complete guide

When you head to a website with a specific product in mind, what’s the first thing you do?

Chances are, you’ll head to the site’s search box and type in those keywords. If the site displays your desired item, then great. But if your website fails to give you what you want, you’ll leave — or ‘bounce’ as it’s known in web analytics terms. You’ll then probably head over to Google or Amazon — two sites known for their world-class search function. 

Neglecting your UX search turns your site into a leaky bucket situation, with customers flowing out before making that all-important sale. Visitors who engage with your search box are 1.8% more likely to convert, so it makes sense to have that little box fully optimized. And that’s what we’re going to help you do today! 

What is search UX?

Search UX refers to two things: the search box and the results page on a website. Just like Google has fine-tuned the interplay between the two, websites need to deliver the expected goods to their users.

Search UX as a process refers to the way users interact with search features on a digital platform, focusing on how effectively and efficiently they can find the information they seek. 

Why does good search UX matter?

Good search UX directly impacts user retention and conversion rates. Users who can’t find what they want will leave in frustration, which means they miss out on potential goods or services. So ultimately, it affects your bottom line.

On the flip side, an intuitive search experience can lead to higher user interaction, return visits, a better reputation, and ultimately boost sales. Making sure your search function is user-friendly and effective can be the difference between success and failure, especially if your business is predominantly online.

The anatomy of a search

Before we dive into best practices, let’s break down the anatomy of a search experience. A well-rounded search involves several components:

• Search input/bar: Where users type their queries.
• Search dropdown: Suggestions or autocomplete options that appear as users type.
• Search result page: The display of results based on user queries.
• Filters and facets: Options for users to refine their search results.

Each of these components plays a starring role in delivering a solid search experience.

Types of search experiences

Not all searches are the same. Knowing the three main types will help you level up. 

Command search

Command search allows users to retrieve specific information by entering commands or keywords. It’s preferred by users who are familiar with the system and understand the syntax they need to use to get results.

When designing a command search feature, make sure it’s intuitive and offers clear documentation or tooltips for users to reference. Adding autocomplete suggestions can help users frame their queries and reduce errors (e.g. in spelling).

Advanced search

Advanced search gives users the ability to refine their search queries using multiple filters and criteria, like time frames, file types, or categories. This is especially useful in databases or eCommerce sites where users need to  sift through vast amounts of data. 

Keep the layout user-friendly and avoid overwhelming users with too many options. Logically group filters and give users the ability to toggle their options. Also, giving examples of good queries can guide them. 

Find search

Find search experiences are for situations where the user is looking for specific items — like products or documents — and may not know the exact keywords to use. In these instances, guided searches can be a big help.

The design should include a prominent search bar accompanied by suggested items or categories based on popular searches or user behavior. Offering a ‘Did you mean?’ feature can also guide users towards the correct terminology and improve the likelihood of a successful hit.

Common search

This is where users simply type things into a search bar. While this may seem straightforward, it’s important you optimize it.

Incorporate features like relevancy ranking, where the most pertinent results surface at the top, and filters that users can apply after their initial search to help them drill down into more specific results without having to start from scratch again. 

Search UX best practices 

Now let’s talk about how to fine-tune each of these components.

1. Think about search box design and placement

Think of the search box as being the welcome mat to your site. When it comes to the design and placement of the search box, you’ve really got to think about how users will interact with it. You want that search box to be front and center at the top of the page. It should be user-friendly enough so users can type in and edit longer queries without worrying about them getting cut off. 

Oh, and don’t forget to add a search icon — like the classic magnifying glass — so it’s clear that users can click here to start searching. A bit of whitespace around the search box can also make it pop, ensuring it doesn’t get lost among other elements on the page. And remember to keep the styling consistent with the rest of your website.

4. Use hint text

Including informative placeholder text within your search box can enhance user interaction by giving them clear guidance on how to use the search feature well. 

This hint text should be concise yet descriptive, offering examples of what users might actually be searching for or advice on what they might actually want. Try keywords like ‘latest news’ ‘deactivate account’ or ‘search for items and brands’.

 And don’t forget to write in the language your users use, so it’s consistent with their way of thinking and your brand voice.

5. Fine-tune your facet and filter options

When users are on a quest to find something specific, having a comprehensive set of facets and intuitive filter options is like handing them a map to the prize. It helps them narrow down their search quickly and efficiently, making the journey feel less like a wild goose chase and more like a guided tour. 

Website categories, filters, and facets help give users a more efficient experience — especially when your site contains hundreds of options. 

Think of categories as your go-to menus. They group products or content in a way that makes it easier for users to find what they’re after. Whether it’s ‘Men’s Clothing’ or ‘Women’s Accessories’, these categories guide users through the site effortlessly. 

Filters then let users zero in on specific traits, like price, size, color, and so on. And facets take this up a notch by letting users mix and match across different attributes, offering a truly tailored experience. When you bring the three together, you give users complete control over their search accuracy, and usually boost conversion rates in the process.

It’s also important to design these filters in a way that feels accessible. Users should be able to glance at the options and intuitively know how to interact with them. Maybe you could incorporate sliders for price ranges or checkboxes for categories, encouraging a more natural and interactive experience. 

Plus, don’t forget to listen to your audience! Keep an eye on your analytics to see what facets users are engaging with most. Regularly updating and refining these options can make a world of difference in giving the best possible user experience.

6. Keep an eye on results stats

When users run a search, they usually want immediate feedback on how well their query performed. This is where results stats come into play. 

Showing metrics like the number of items found or average ratings can help users gauge the relevance of the content presented to them, and either dive into exploring the offering, or refining their search. 

Consider including sorting options alongside result stats, which allow users to prioritize findings based on their preferences — be it by relevance, date, or popularity. This helps them refine the offering, which is all the more important when their search brings up hundreds of options. 

7. Offer predictive query and autocomplete suggestions

When users start typing their query, offering suggestions based on popular searches or their previous activity steers them towards useful results without them needing to complete their input. This saves time and reduces cognitive load (since users might not always know the exact terms to use).

To elevate the user experience even more, use algorithms that analyze user behavior, trending topics, and site categories. E.g., when a user searches for “sea,” suggest relevant options like “seafood recipes,” “seasonal fish,” or “seaside vacations.” By examining past queries, you can accurately predict what users might want and offer a real-time, dynamic dropdown of choices as they type. 

This interactive approach not only helps users swiftly find information but also encourages exploration of related topics they may not have thought of initially.

8. Hop on trending searches

Imagine logging in and immediately seeing what’s hot right now. Trending searches not only help users discover popular content but also create a sense of community by showcasing what others are engaging with. When users see a list of trending topics, it piques their curiosity, inviting them to jump on the bandwagon or explore new areas of interest.

But how do you make this feature even cooler? By personalizing the trending searches based on individual user preferences and location. 

If someone frequently searches for healthy recipes, seeing trending searches like “kale salads” or “vegan meal prep” makes it relatable and relevant. It’s all about tapping into the current pulse of your audience and making them feel connected to the wider community on your platform.

Integrating social sharing options can really up the effect. When users see something trending that resonates with them, they’ll likely want to share it with their friends, creating an organic buzz. Don’t forget to keep the options fresh — what’s trending today might not be tomorrow, so regularly updating this feature is key to keeping your users coming back for more. 

9. Give comprehensive results with unified index

Imagine you’re searching for a new recipe, and instead of getting a jumbled mess of unrelated links, you’re greeted with a neatly organized set of results that cover all the bases — videos, articles, blogs, TikTok videos, and social media posts — all unified in one place. Sounds appealing?

This is where a unified index comes into play. By aggregating content from various sources, you can give users a smorgasbord of options tailored to their interests. This feature enriches the user experience, making it easier to explore different formats and styles of content.

Personalization can elevate this further. If a user frequently interacts with certain types of dishes or cuisines, the system should know how to prioritize those results. It’s all about providing that seamless experience where every click feels intuitive and satisfying. 

10. Offer alternative suggestions for empty state results

When users type something in and get “zero results”, offering alternative suggestions can hugely improve their experience. 

One approach is to have a bank of commonly misspelled words and phrases and intelligently suggest what they may be trying to find. You can also use a personalized content recommendation system that analyzes a user’s previous interactions, preferences, and behaviors. 

By understanding what users have engaged with before, you can recommend related content that reflects their interests, increasing the likelihood of continued exploration.

It’s also a good idea to categorize content into thematic groups. If a search for “vegan dessert” returns no results, consider suggesting a general category like “vegan recipes” or ‘desserts from around the world.” This method broadens the scope of potential content but also encourages users to explore categories they might not have initially considered.

Utilizing user-generated content is another effective strategy. Highlight popular posts or contributions from other users related to the search topic to create a sense of community involvement and spark interest.

11. Create tabs for different types of search results

Adding tabs to represent various data objects can make results clearer. E.g. If a search query offers results across products and articles, separate tabs allow users to swiftly filter through those categories without scrolling endlessly through a mixed list. 

Each tab should be clearly labeled (e.g., “Products,” “Articles,” “Accounts”) to simplify navigation. This helps users locate their desired information quickly, while giving them a visual cue that organizes results in a way that’s easy to digest, which lowers cognitive load. Good news for your visitors’ patience. 

12. Display totals of matches, and use highlighting

Giving users a total match count from their query adds handy context regarding the breadth and depth of available content. For example, displaying a message like “Showing 15 results for “running shoes'” helps users understand the relevance and scale of information available. It can also help manage user expectations — if they see a higher number of results, they might be more inclined to refine their search.

To further boost clarity, highlight search hits within the displayed text. Use bolding or color variations to make key terms stand out, making sure they catch the user’s eye instantly. This helps users spot what they need at a glance, making the overall search experience quicker and easier.

13. Think about pagination

In cases with hundreds of search results, careful pagination can help you avoid overwhelming your visitors. Show a set number of results per page (e.g., 10 or 20), so users can navigate through their findings at a comfortable pace. 

This structured approach helps users focus better. And include clear navigation buttons like”Next,” “Previous,” and numbered pages to help them explore with ease. 

14. Use header categories in dropdowns

When filtering search results, dropdown menus with categorized headers can make things simpler. Incorporate categories like “Price Range,” “Rating,” “Date Published,” or “Popularity” within the options. This structure helps users quickly find what they want according to their preferences.

15. Allow scrolling in the search dropdown

This can massively improve usability, especially when dealing with a large volume of results. This feature lets users quickly sift through options without needing to close and reopen the dropdown, which can disrupt their workflow. 

By allowing users to scroll through a lengthy list, you give them a more fluid and intuitive way to navigate their search results. Consider incorporating visual cues, like a scrollbar to indicate that more options are available — or use indicators to highlight the currently selected item. 

Adding a scrollbar or touch-friendly swipe gestures in responsive designs can give users a seamless way to access all potential matches and improve their overall experience, making your app feel more user-friendly.

16. Don’t forget hotkey instructions for faster access

Incorporating hotkey instructions within the initial results display gives a more integrated and efficient user experience. 

For example, indicating that users can press “Ctrl + 1” to access the first result or “Tab” to cycle through options provides clear guidance, allowing for speedy navigation across search results and app functionalities. This speeds up the interaction process while catering to users who prefer keyboard shortcuts over mouse clicks.

17. Show loading feedback to indicate that the computer is processing

Giving visual feedback during loading times helps lower frustration because users can see things are happening, even if the results aren’t there yet. Consider adding a spinner or message like “Loading your results…” to show the system is actively processing the query. 

Common search UX mistakes to avoid 

When designing search functionalities, there are several common UX mistakes that can detract from user experience and engagement.

Bad result quality

Not all search results are accurate or useful. Ineffective algorithms or bad indexing practices are usually to blame. To fix this, regularly review search terms and results to ensure relevance and quality. Using natural language processing can help the system understand user intents better and give better results.

Timing misfires and not enough UI Feedback

Users expect instant results/feedback when they initiate a search. Delays can make users frustrated. Be sure to give real-time indicators, like stats, loading spinners or text showing that the search is processing, to keep users informed. Consider incorporating progressive loading techniques that show results incrementally as they become available rather than making users wait for everything to load.

Discoverability is sorely lacking

Search features need to be easily findable. If users struggle to locate that important little box, they won’t be able to initiate a search, which means they’re less likely to engage and convert. It’s essential you give a clear and prominently placed search entry point combined with contextual help or prompts that articulate its usability.

Representing matches

Presentation matters. If the results are cluttered or not segmented properly, users might feel overwhelmed. To improve clarity, use clear headings, filters to sort results, and thumbnail images where relevant. Categorizing results as well as giving brief descriptions can also help users distinguish between different options properly.

Precious little feedback

Not only should the system inform users about their search results — it should also guide them in refining or expanding their query. Incorporating features like “Related Searches” or “Suggestions Based on Your Search History” can enrich the user’s experience and help them find what they want better.

Search vs. navigation

It’s important to find the balance between search and navigation. Users should be able to switch between searching for content and browsing categories or menus seamlessly. While a solid search function is a must, making sure pathways exist for users to navigate content without full reliance on search can create a more holistic user experience.

How diagramming tools can turbocharge your search UX efforts 

When it comes to improving your site’s search UX, diagramming tools can simplify the process. With Cacoo, you can visually map out the user journey to work out how users use the site and navigate search features. Then create flowcharts and wireframes that pinpoint potential pain points and places for improvement. 

It’s not just about having a beautiful interface, though. It’s about clarity in the user experience. By collaborating with team members in real-time, you can brainstorm and refine your ideas, keeping everyone on the same page wherever they’re located. 

So, whether you’re designing advanced search filters or creating smarter find-search experiences, using Cacoo can help bring your vision to life in a way that makes yours — and your users’ — lives easier. Try it for free today!