If there’s one constant in the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, it’s making sure your customers can find exactly what they’re looking for—and easily. Most websites, in their quest for the holy grail of product discovery, have turned to filters. One recent survey found that 77% of online retailers polled used product filters—up from 63% the previous year and sure to keep rising.
But let’s face it: Filters are confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes straight-up wrong.
Research from the Baymard Institute reveals 57% of websites have “mediocre” or worse filtering. This often leads users to simply abandon their search and move on! And with their technical jargon and complex categories, filters can make you feel like you need a Ph.D. in whatever you’re buying. In fact, another Baymard Institute study found that a whopping 63% of reviewed websites leave industry-specific filters unexplained.
In response to the filter fiasco, many online shops have turned to a seemingly straightforward solution: adding extensive ‘How to Choose’ text pages. While well-intentioned, this approach corresponds to swapping a maze for a mountain of text. Shoppers are forced to leave the product catalog, digest a deluge of information, and then attempt to remember and apply this newfound knowledge as they navigate back to their shopping journey. This process isn’t just tough; it’s a mental marathon for customers. A mountain of text, no matter how well-written, lacks the interactive, personalized touch that modern consumers crave. This method, while it might seem like a step in the right direction, falls short of delivering an efficient and engaging shopping experience.
SO WHAT’S AN E-SHOP TO DO? WE’VE GOT SOME IDEAS...
Filters are, by their very nature, impersonal and technical. Fear not, dear reader! A beacon of hope is on the horizon: Outfindo’s mighty Product Guides! If you’re looking for a human touch in digital retail, look no further—we seamlessly blend expert guidance with the convenience of a digital interface.
How? It’s simple! Customers answer straightforward questions about the very thing they’re searching for, quickly giving them product recommendations and paving the way to their ideal purchase in no time.
You might be tempted to compare our Product Guides to run-of-the-mill chatbots. You might even think they’re dressed-up versions of our old friends, filters. But don’t just take our word for it—the numbers will show you the truth.
Our research shows that even the best web chatbots engage a mere 5% of users, and filters a modest 15%. Outfindo’s Product Guides, on the other hand, leave everyone in the dust: 36% of users were engaged in the bike product category, and an astonishing 58% in the ski product category. Talk about a sweet deal!
Think you’re doing just fine without us? Perhaps. But who wouldn’t want more converted customers and a revenue boost? Take Ski a Bike Centrum Radotín, for example: Even though 40% of their customers were already using the site’s filters, the addition of Outfindo’s Product Guide gave them a leg up. After implementation, overall guided customers skyrocketed to 58%, with 30% still using filters and a cool 28% opting for the Product Guide. What’s not to like? Satisfied customers are good for business!
When compared to tried-and-true filters, Outfindo’s Product Guides reveal their real magic: a remarkable threefold increase in conversion rates on average! That’s because it’s not just about making sales; it’s about making the right sales. That’s how you get a surge in customer satisfaction.
Outfindo’s Product Guide isn’t just a tool—it’s a turbo booster that propels businesses to unprecedented growth, capable of boosting revenue by a staggering 30%.
At Outfindo, we’ve meticulously crafted a solution that brings together customer-centricity and cutting-edge technology. Enhanced AI with profound customer insights and enriched product data makes for a virtual sales assistant that not only knows your products inside out but also understands your customers.
If your website’s filters are doing a decent job, we’re happy for you! But adding our Product Guide can be the game changer you didn’t even know was possible. Are you ready for more?