Search Box

How many products does it take

[fashezee]

Is there an average amount of products a site should have prior to
considering integrating a search box?

[DrDoc]

It depends on the structure of the Web site... how it is organized. It also depends on how many clicks it takes for the user to find what they want. If the number of clicks would be decreased by implementing a search box -- then do it :)

[tedster]

We had several good threads on this topic a while ago. This one is particularly thorough and alos links out to others:

Site Search - how to make it a total asset [webmasterworld.com]

My own view continues to be that the Information Architecture and Navigation should be the primary way that people can move through a site -- and when Site Search can be implemented well and as an ADJUNCT to a well structured site, then do it.

In eCommerce sites, I've often suspected that I see more items per sale when Site Search is de-emphasized. I should make the time to do a study on that some day.

Of course, if you're offering 100,000's of items, then search must play into the picture. But not necessarily at 1,000 or 2,000.

[fashezee]

Navigation should be the primary way that people can move through a site

I agree. However, without having done any extensive research,
I would assume that some people like to type what the are looking for or have
that option. I pitch product search to clients with over atleast 100 products.

Do you find that a search box for novice internet users can provide
some sense of credibility to the site? Having a search box while your competitor
doesn't might be an advantage, no?

[DrDoc]

In any case, if/when you offer some form of search functionality, result relevance is key

[lorax]

>> In eCommerce sites, I've often suspected that I see more items per sale when Site Search is de-emphasized.

I'm not sure I agree with this Tedster. I think it has to do with the shopper's preferences at the time. If I'm in browse mode then yes - I'll use navigation and just soak it all up. But if I know what I want and I'm in a hurry - get me to the product fast and the fastest way is typically the search.