4.1.8 - How to Optimize Your Shopify On-Site Search (Difficulty: Advanced | Path: Scale)

How to Use Synonyms & Redirects

What is it?

This is a feature within Shopify's free 'Search & Discovery' app that lets you 'teach' your search bar to be smarter and better understand your customers' intent.

• Synonyms: You group words together that mean the same thing. For example, you can create a synonym group for `t-shirt`, `tee`, and `top`. Now, when a customer searches for 'graphic tee', your store will understand to show them all your 'graphic t-shirts' as well.
• Redirects: You create a rule that sends a specific search term directly to a page, *bypassing* the search results. For example, a search for 'returns' can instantly redirect the customer to your 'Return Policy' page.

Why is it important?

It directly reduces customer friction. You are anticipating your customer's language (including regional terms and misspellings) to give them the right answer, faster. This prevents the dreaded 'zero results' page, which is a major conversion killer.

How to Do It (A 10-Minute Task):

1. In your Shopify Admin, go to Apps > Search & Discovery.
2. In the app, click into 'Search' and find the 'Synonyms' tab. Click 'Create synonym group' and add your common terms (e.g., `backpack`, `rucksack`, `bag`).
3. Go to the 'Search redirects' tab. Click 'Add search redirect'. In 'Search query', type `returns`. In 'Redirect to', select your 'Return Policy' page from the list.

Quick Win

Create redirect rules right now for 'shipping', 'returns', 'contact', and 'size chart'. This is a fast, easy way to improve your customer experience.