Choosing the Right Search & Discovery Solution: Shopify Native and Klevu Explained

When it comes to ecommerce product discovery, finding the right search solution for your business is crucial. Shopify’s native search and third-party platforms like Klevu each offer unique capabilities tailored to different store sizes and needs.

A recent IMRG study conducted with Klevu reveals the powerful impact of site search on conversion rates. The findings show that users who engage with site search convert at nearly double the rate of general visitors, achieving an impressive 23% add-to-basket rate compared to the 13% average. This data underscores that site search users are highly intent-driven, with a strong likelihood of completing their purchase.

In this post, we’ll explore when Shopify’s native search is a great fit and the additional benefits your business can gain from using Klevu.

When Does Shopify Native Search Work Well?

Shopify’s native search has evolved significantly over time and works well for stores with simpler product catalogs. For example, Creed Fragrances, despite being a large brand, uses Shopify’s search because their catalog has only around 40 products for men and women, and customers typically search for specific fragrance names.

For stores with limited SKUs or straightforward product lines, Shopify’s native search provides an efficient and user-friendly solution that integrates seamlessly into the platform.

As the name suggests, app extensions are supposed to “extend” the out-of-the-box basic functionalities offered by the platform. For a quick overview, here’s how Klevu extends Shopify’s functionalities:

For a complete breakdown of features in Klevu and Shopify Native Search, download the full brochure.

When to Consider a Third-Party Tool?

You have a large or complex product catalog

If your store has a large catalog, sells complex products, or requires advanced features like personalization and search management, a third-party tool like Klevu can be beneficial. 

Third-party solutions, especially the niche players with a deep understanding of product discovery, such as Klevu, offer better control, deeper insights, and enhanced accuracy to ensure customers always find what they’re looking for quickly and easily.

Leveraging AI and advanced natural language processing (NLP), Klevu handles complex, multi-word queries and long-tail search phrases with precision. It also includes robust features for managing synonyms and automatically enriching search results.

“Klevu can solve challenges for merchants of all sizes—whether you’re a small team needing automation or a large brand managing complex inventories,” said Pete Robertshaw, Head of Consultancy at Space48, highlighting the importance of investing in the right tool for you.

Your use Klaviyo for CRM or marketing automation

Shopify’s integration with Klaviyo typically involves sharing basic customer behavior data, like abandoned cart notifications and order history. Klevu’s platform provides deeper insights into search behavior, such as real-time customer intent, product affinities, and interaction patterns. This allows merchants to create more precise and personalized email campaigns in Klaviyo, ensuring higher engagement and conversion rates based on detailed customer journeys across search and product discovery.

Key Learnings & Stats:

• Error Handling & Accurate Search Results: Klevu’s natural language processing (NLP) is designed to handle complex queries and deliver the most accurate and relevant results, ensuring that even slight errors or nuanced phrases don’t lead to missed revenue opportunities.
• Better Conversion Rates: Merchants using Shopify and Klevu saw up to a 64% increase in conversion rates for recommended products.
• Enhanced Merchandising Control: Advanced Klevu features like dynamic boosting and rule-based pinning help optimize large catalogs. Visual merchandising, including for multiple markets, brings joy to merchandising teams.
• Centralized Merchandising Site-Wide: Merchants using the whole suite of Klevu AI solutions including Search, Product Recommendations, and Category Merchandising, benefit from enhanced conversions site-wide.
• Personalization: Klevu offers 1:1 personalization, as well as seamless integration with Klaviyo to drive targeted, personalized recommendations, boosting engagement.

Final Thoughts

Shopify’s native search works well for smaller stores with simpler needs, while Klevu’s advanced AI-powered tools provide a robust solution for businesses seeking more control, personalization, and accuracy. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, understanding the tools at your disposal will help you deliver a better shopping experience for your customers.

Download the brochure for a detailed look at how both platforms can support your ecommerce goals.