Visitors who use the search box know what they want. They are often the most ready to buy, and the default WooCommerce search makes them wait for a full results page, sometimes with nothing useful on it.
What live search changes
Results appear while the customer types. After two or three letters, they see the product, its photo and its price, and click. No page to load, no dead end.
What a good search box shows
- A photo, so customers recognise the product at a glance.
- The price, and whether the product is in stock.
- The SKU for professionals who order by reference.
- Matching categories (“mugs”, “candles”).
- A “See all results” link for broad searches.
Where to put it
At the top of every page, wide enough to type comfortably, and on mobile at the top of the menu. A search box hidden behind an icon is used much less.
Watch what people search
Searches with no result tell you which words customers use, and sometimes which product you should add.
A good search is part of a good shopping experience.
Searchly shows products with images, prices and SKU while customers type, with keyboard navigation and no external service. Try it on the demo.
Frequently asked questions
Does live search slow down WooCommerce?
Not with a light endpoint and short results; Searchly also caches answers in the browser.
Can customers search by SKU?
Yes, Searchly searches product and variation SKUs.
Does it replace the theme search box?
It can replace the WooCommerce product search form, or be placed anywhere with a shortcode.