Search is one of the most important functionalities in an eCommerce website or the eCommerce sector in general, as it enables customers or users to find products and services quickly and efficiently.
To get an idea, according to a Forrester study, 43% of online site managers say that search technology is the most important function on an eCommerce website.
In this context, eCommerce search technology has evolved significantly in recent years, incorporating more and more capabilities, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) to improve the user experience and thus increase conversion rates and sales.
We will explore some of the most popular eCommerce search technologies, including Algolia, Klevu, Coveo and Yext, and discuss the AI functionalities they offer. Then, we’ll discuss the benefits of ChatGPT in eCommerce and how it could impact the future of search technology.
More on the future of digital commerce: Ecommerce and Web 3.0 changes and challenges.
What is eCommerce search technology?
eCommerce search technology refers to the set of technical tools and applications used to enhance the search function on an eCommerce website or digital business. These tools include:
- Search algorithms
- Search filters
- Autocomplete
- Suggestions of related products
- Customization options and more.
In general, eCommerce search technology aims to improve the user experience by enabling them to quickly find the products they are looking for, even if they don’t know exactly what terms to use in the search.
This is achieved by incorporating AI and machine learning techniques that enable search engines to better understand user intent and deliver more relevant and personalized results.
More about technologies to improve eCommerce performance: Meet Contentful Agile Ecommerce and CommerceTools: what they are, what they are for, advantages and benefits.
Some of the most popular search engines for eCommerce
These are the most popular specialized eCommerce search platforms on the market:
Algolia 
Algolia is a high-speed, highly relevant search engine that specializes in digital commerce.
It offers a number of AI functionalities, such as the ability to understand and predict user intentions a bit more and offer relevant search suggestions in real time.
In addition, Algolia also has the ability to analyze user search behavior to continuously improve the relevance of results.
Klevu 
This is another eCommerce search engine that uses AI techniques to improve the user experience.
One of the most interesting features of Klevu is its ability to provide search results in multiple languages and to understand searches based on synonyms and jargons.
In addition, Klevu also uses machine learning to analyze user search behavior and improve the relevance of results.
Coveo
Coveo is a business intelligence search engine that has expanded into eCommerce in recent years.
It offers a wide range of AI functionalities, including semantic search, multi-language search and real-time personalization of results.
Coveo also uses machine learning and deep learning techniques to analyze user behavior and improve relevance with highly personalized results.
Yext
Is an enterprise data management platform that also offers eCommerce search services.
Yext offers a number of AI functionalities, such as the ability to understand user intent and deliver relevant search results in real time.
AI capabilities of specialized search engines for digital commerce
AI is transforming many ways of doing business, including digital commerce.
AI is shaping the way eCommerce search engines work, providing a more personalized and relevant user experience, which has an almost immediate impact on metrics such as conversion, marketing effectiveness and sales.
Some of the functionalities currently in use include:
Voice search
Speech recognition and natural language processing capabilities allow users to perform eCommerce searches through voice commands instead of typing keywords.
A feature that results in convenience for the user, as well as increased accessibility for people who require special attention.
Content personalization
Search engines can tailor SERP results to users’ interests and preferences through machine learning, based on the user’s shopping and browsing history.
This functionality is key as the right results are essential to improve the user experience and ensure a purchase.
Semantic search
Search engines can understand the meaning behind user queries and display convenient or relevant results even if the exact keywords are not used.
Predictive analytics
Artificial intelligence capabilities can predict user queries or search intentions and deliver relevant results before the search is even completed.
Hence the importance of enabling these search engine technologies as a competitive advantage for e-commerce in constant innovation, in the face of an increasingly demanding digital user.
Let’s talk now about an artificial intelligence tool that is providing excellent results in marketing and e-commerce.
ChatGPT in eCommerce, some of its benefits 
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence tool developed by OpenIA that enables natural communication between people and machines through chatbots. In the context of eCommerce, ChatGPT offers some interesting advantages, such as:
- Customer service: chatbots in ChatGPT can be used to answer common questions and help users find the products they are looking for.
- Personalization: ChatGPT can tailor answers and recommendations to users’ interests and preferences.
- Automation: ChatGPT can handle tasks such as order management and shipment tracking, reducing the workload for customer service staff.
- Improved user experience: By offering more natural and personalized communication, ChatGPT can improve the eCommerce user experience and increase conversion rates.
How ChatGPT can impact the eCommerce universe? More on the topic here.
Impact of ChatGPT on search technologies.
ChatGPT and other AI-powered chatbots will have a huge impact on the way people search for products and services online.
Instead of having to navigate through a website to find what they are looking for, users could interact with a chatbot and receive personalized recommendations, in a near-perfect match and in real time.
This could significantly improve the user experience and increase conversion rates for eCommerce sites.
In addition, the natural language processing technology used in ChatGPT could help improve semantic search and content personalization in eCommerce search engines.
The ability to understand users’ natural language could enable search engines to display more relevant and personalized results.
Want to improve your ecommerce?
NU Logic is a company specialized in technology and digital strategies for eCommerce, including services for online business, cloud computing and digital marketing.
We offer customized solutions for our clients based on their specific needs and objectives, using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and specialized search engines.
If you are looking to improve the user experience and increase sales on your eCommerce site, contact us for more information!