Foundation · 2 min
What you need to know
What should you show?
For a misspelled search, you might offer the correctly spelled version and a link to the matching category. Do not pretend that a different product is the exact item requested.
What can a zero-result query reveal?
Repeated searches for the same term may mean you have a product that uses a different name, lack a useful synonym, or do not carry that product. Check inventory and search records before adding a synonym or new item.
How should you review failures?
Track the query, number of searches, filters applied, and whether an item that ought to match exists. Separate “no matching product” from “matching product not searchable”; they require different fixes.
A simple check to try
Search for three known failures. Check the message, spelling help, alternatives and whether the original words remain available for editing.
Foundation · 2 min
Frequently asked questions
Should every no-result page show alternatives?
Only when the alternatives are relevant and clearly labeled. Give shoppers a route back to categories or the search box.
Where do I change the no-results page?
Use the verified search guide for supported messages and suggestions, then repeat the failed query on the published store.