Why Poor Search Costs Businesses £300 Billion Annually (And How To Fix It)

Is your website’s search function costing you customers? You’re not alone in this challenge, and the financial impact might be larger than you realise.

Poor search experiences cost businesses a staggering £300 billion annually in the US alone. When users can’t find what they’re looking for, 52% abandon their entire purchase and head straight to competitors. That’s not just a missed sale; it’s a customer relationship that never gets the chance to develop.

I recently wrote about this critical issue for Great State, exploring how modern AI-powered search technology can transform these painful user experiences into engaging, conversion-driving interactions.

Here’s what effective search can deliver:

• Nearly doubled conversion rates for users who successfully find what they’re seeking
• Reduced cart abandonment through intelligent, contextual search results
• Enhanced user engagement via personalised search experiences that understand intent
• Comprehensive analytics that reveal user behaviour patterns and content gaps
• Advanced filtering options that let users refine results by date, category, author, and industry-specific criteria

The article explores the fundamental differences between traditional keyword-matching search and Sitecore’s AI-powered approach. Traditional search often feels like a frustrating treasure hunt, whilst Sitecore Search uses natural language processing to understand context and intent, delivering relevant results in milliseconds.

The technology goes beyond basic search functionality. It combines behavioural signals with advanced algorithms to predict what users actually want, not just what they’ve typed. For instance, when someone searches for “EV cover,” the system understands they’re likely looking for electric vehicle insurance, not a car cover, based on their browsing history and context.

The piece also covers the analytical side: how search data reveals popular terms, underperforming queries, and user journey patterns that help optimise both content strategy and user experience.

Ready to transform your search experience? The full article breaks down the technology, provides real-world examples, and explains how to leverage search analytics for continuous improvement.

Read the complete guide to enhancing engagement with Sitecore Search