Filters Are Your Customers’ Best Friend

Searching for products in an online store catalogue should be convenient and ergonomic. Its main task is to make it easier for potential customers to find the products they need.

Filters are a special tool that allows you to search for products by certain criteria. The filter narrows down the search for the desired product for the buyer, based on the selected characteristics which are needed by the customer. Filters also save customers time by showing the target product, not all categories.

The filter system will be different for each type of store. It all depends on the products presented in the catalogues. The filters should correspond to the quality and operational features of the products.

Here is a list of basic filters that can be found in most online stores or marketplaces:

• a price filter (the buyer can easily set the price "fork" and see the products they can afford);

• the category filter is the simplest and most important sorting of product items;

• filtering by brand is a mandatory parameter for marketplaces and large stores;

• dimensionality (everything seems to be clear here);

• colour palette;

• characteristics — the buyer will be able to choose the product according to weight, dimensions, type of material, and so on;

• performance properties help to clarify the purchase of a product (e.g. seasonality of clothing or type of use of a device).

Remember that your store may have different filters. For example, if you specialize in PCs and components, you can add filters for "CPU and motherboard socket compatibility" and so on.

The optimal location for the filter system is on the left side of the site below the search bar or catalogue.

There are no specific restrictions on the location of the filter system. You can also place it at the top of the site, if it is consistent with the overall concept and intention of the designers. The main thing is that the product filtering system should be convenient to use.

Do I need to update the filter system? Yes, you do. Sooner or later, new items will appear in your store. The user should definitely see them in the general catalogue after applying filters.

The main thing is to place the filters correctly in accordance with the characteristics and features of the products.

Filters are an indispensable assistant for your customer. They help customers find the product or service they are interested in quickly and correctly. If you set up filter systems correctly, your website becomes customer-centric, which will help you increase conversions.