5 Tactics to Improve Product Discovery

Shoppers expect smooth guidance to the products they want. But all too often, they encounter overwhelming catalogs, confusing filters, and irrelevant recommendations.

Seeing potential customers browse a site only to leave without purchasing is the bane of a modern retailer’s existence. Many eCommerce businesses overlook the heart of the problem: the product discovery factor. When shoppers can’t find what they are looking for, they frustrate themselves. Even the smallest frictions will lead to lost revenue, not because the products are not great but because customers simply can’t discover them easily.

Shoppers expect smooth guidance to the products they want. But all too often, they encounter overwhelming catalogs, confusing filters, and irrelevant recommendations. The result? No purchases and cart abandonments. The good news is that improving product discovery can transform these challenges into opportunities thanks to a few well-utilized strategies.

This blog post reveals 5 tactics to improve overall product discovery, honing in on specific ideas that will boost customer experiences. All retailers can create smooth, engaging, and highly effective shopping journeys - here’s how:

1. Optimize On-Site Search Functionality

An effective on-site search bar is a cornerstone of healthy product discovery. Customers often turn to the search function when they have specific items in mind, and a well-optimized search feature can make or break their shopping experience. An unresponsive search bar frustrates users, leading to cart abandonment or site exits, while a fully functional one keeps them engaged.

When search functionality is optimized, customers can navigate large inventories more easily, avoiding the overwhelming feeling that often comes with too many options. It makes customers feel the platform understands and matches their needs.

Some of the features you can implement are:

• Auto-Suggestions: Auto-suggestions act as a guide, helping customers refine their search as they type. Instead of typing out full queries, customers can select from intuitive suggestions, saving time and avoiding frustration. For example, if a shopper starts typing "black shoes," the search bar can suggest options like "black running shoes," "black dress shoes," or even highlight items currently on sale with similar names.
• Filters and Sorting Options: Advanced filtering and sorting options are essential for creating a more tailored product discovery journey. Customers often have specific criteria in mind, like budget, size, or brand, and these features allow them to narrow down their search results quickly.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP is a game-changer for on-site search functionality. If a user types “winter jackets under 150 dollars,” the system should understand and provide results within that price range. Also, NLP can handle spelling variations (e.g., “colour” vs. “color”) or typos like “sneekers” instead of “sneakers.”
• Predictive Search Insights: Predictive search insights take personalization to the next level by leveraging AI and zero-party data. Based on browsing history, purchase patterns, or even demographic details, the system can display products a customer is likely to want even before they finish the search query.

2. Evaluate Data for Personalized Recommendations

When they land on an eCommerce store, customers want to see recommendations that perfectly align with their needs, past purchases, and current interests. Leveraging data to create personalized experiences is a proven tactic for boosting product discovery, increasing engagement rates, and driving more conversions. 

Online businesses should analyze customer behavior to predict which products customers are likely to purchase next. This approach eliminates the guesswork for shoppers and makes the browsing experience on-point. For example, a customer who frequently buys fitness apparel can get recommendations for the latest running shoes or sportswear, increasing the chance of adding those items to their cart.

AI-Powered “Recommended for You” Sections

Artificial intelligence (AI) can analyze loads of customer data to deliver hyper-targeted recommendations. These algorithms continuously learn and adapt to user behavior, making the “Recommended for You” sections on the site always relevant. Such tailored suggestions boost cross-selling opportunities and make product discovery easier than before.

One example of the success of personalized recommendations is Amazon, whose recommendation engine generates over 35% of its total sales. With AI, Amazon tailors its suggestions to individual shoppers, making it easier for them to discover products they need but not have actively searched for. This approach has cemented Amazon’s dominance and set the gold standard for personalized eCommerce experiences.

3. Prioritize Mobile Usability

With mobile devices driving the majority of eCommerce traffic today, offering a smooth mobile shopping experience has become crucial for boosting conversions. Shoppers increasingly turn to their smartphones to browse, compare, and purchase products, which makes mobile usability an important element in improving product discovery. Mobile optimization also strengthens a brand's credibility, as customers are more likely to trust retailers who prioritize user experience on their preferred devices.

Key features to implement for better mobile usability are:

• Responsive Design for All Devices: Your eCommerce site should adjust perfectly to various screen sizes, offering an optimized experience across smartphones and tablets. This will keep product discovery consistent, improving ease of use and brand trust.
• Simplified Navigation and Thumb-Friendly Features: Design easy-to-tap buttons and simple menus for quick navigation. Features like product carousels and one-handed filters make product browsing faster and easier on mobile devices.
• Fast-Loading Pages to Reduce Bounce Rates: Optimize images and minimize code for quick mobile loading times. A mobile-optimized website that loads in under 2 seconds keeps users on track and prevents frustration.

4. Transform Every Page into a Product Discovery Experience

To maximize product discovery, every page on your website should contribute to guiding customers toward products they will love. The goal is to integrate discovery into every touchpoint of the customer journey, ensuring that no matter where they land, they are motivated to explore more. Here’s how to achieve it:
Product-Driven Content: Each page should feature relevant products that naturally complement the content. On a blog page, include product recommendations related to the topic or article to drive interest and engagement.

• Interactive Features: Add elements like quizzes, style guides, or comparison tables on various pages to make the browsing experience more engaging and tailored to individual preferences.
• Cross-Linking: Add internal links throughout product descriptions or content that direct visitors to similar products, making the discovery process continuous without any friction points.
• User-Generated Content and Reviews: Feature customer reviews, ratings, and photos on product pages. The social proof helps customers feel more confident in their decisions and can encourage them to explore more products on your site. User-generated content is here to add a layer of authenticity and relatability to product discovery and provide easier purchasing decisions.

5. Implement a Product Advisor

A Product Advisor is a digital sales assistant tailored to elevate the customer experience better than standard eCommerce tools. It offers step-by-step guidance, helping shoppers navigate product options and get personalized recommendations easily. If your customers are searching for a specific item or exploring some product possibilities, the Product Advisor narrows down choices based on individual preferences, needs, and past searches.

This combination of personalization and ease of use helps customers make better decisions and build trust with the brand, positioning your eCommerce store as a customer-centric destination for everyone. That’s the reason why you should consider a tool that recommends the perfect product every time in a data-compliant way.

Feel free to position the Product Advisor in any section of your website to offer on-point product recommendations at every step. If you prioritize engaging user experiences, additional coding and professional services are available for customization, allowing you to tailor your guided selling strategy exactly to your brand requirements. With Crobox, you can answer the who, what, where, and how of the product interactions - making customers feel understood and well-treated.

Improve your Product Discovery Plan 

As eCommerce becomes more saturated by the day, smooth product discovery is more important than ever for keeping shoppers engaged. Some tips:

• Prioritizing mobile optimization, with responsive designs and user-friendly features, ensures shoppers can easily browse and purchase on their preferred devices.
• Personalization remains a key driver of success, as enriched data allows tailored recommendations that build trust and boost cart sizes.
• Consider that every page of your online store should act as a discovery hub, guiding customers to the perfect-matching products. Implementing a Product Advisor is a game-changing strategy that combines personalization with experience design to significantly improve conversion rates.