Fix on-site search with AI

The problem

Shoppers who search usually have high intent, yet many store searches fail on synonyms ("trainers" vs "sneakers"), misspellings or natural language ("gift for dad under £50"), returning nothing or the wrong products.

How AI helps

AI search understands intent, synonyms and typos, ranks results using behaviour and stock, and gives merchandisers rules to boost new lines or bury out-of-stocks. Many also power collection pages and recommendations.

How to roll it out

1. 1

   Export your top searches and zero-result searches from analytics.

2. 2

   Install an AI search tool and add UK-specific synonyms (jumper/sweater, nappies/diapers).

3. 3

   Set merchandising rules for launches, margin and stock.

4. 4

   Review zero-result and low-click searches weekly and fix them.

5. 5

   Compare search conversion and revenue per search before and after.

Rough cost

Entry points among these tools: cheapest flat monthly plan: Searchanise at $16/month; annual: Bloomreach $60K+/year. Free plans: Algolia, Searchanise. Quote-only: Klevu, Nosto.

Tool	Lowest published plan	Free plan
Algolia	Free plan	Yes
Klevu	See pricing	–
Searchanise	$16/month	Yes
Boost Commerce	See pricing	–
NNosto	See pricing	–
Bloomreach	$60K+/year	No

Only prices published on vendor sites (checked 2026-10-20). Entry plans rarely cover full usage: AI features are often priced per resolution, credit or seat. Prices may display in USD outside the UK.