How to Add a Search Bar to Your Shopify Store

Introduction

After spending just one week running a Shopify store, users can realize that “Customers do not like wasting time.” They want to find the right product quickly. The search bar is not just a feature, it is a discovery engine. This is the place where a powerful search bar becomes a direct revenue booster.It helps customers to locate the actual product they want with minimum effort.

Why Add a Search Bar to Your Shopify Store

Adding a search bar to your Shopify store is essential because

• Faster product discovery-customers find what they want instantly.
• Higher conversions-help visitors who use search to be more likely to buy.
• Reduced bounce rate-creates fewer frustrations.
• Customer insights-search queries and scalability.

By reading this article, you will learn how to add a search bar to your Shopify store. Users can choose the approach that best fits their business size, customer range, and growth goals.

Options that are available to Add a Search Bar to Shopify Store

• Add advanced search using the Shopify Search and Discovery app
• Add a powerful search app for maximum performance
• Manually add a search bar to your Shopify theme using the coding method

Let’s explore each option in detail.

OPTION 1: ADD ADVANCED SEARCH USING SHOPIFY SEARCH AND DISCOVERY APP

An official Search and Discovery App provided by Shopify, which is completely free. It enhances the store’s default search without requiring any coding or paid tools.

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Key features of Shopify search and discovery include:

• Custom product filters,
• AI-driven search suggestions,
• keyword synonyms,
• personalized product recommendations,
• merchandising and ranking rules,
• improved keyword relevance.

How to install and use Shopify search and discovery

1. Open the Shopify App Store
2. Search for Shopify Search and Discovery
3. Click Add App
4. Once installed, open the app from your admin panel.

Customize:

• Product filters
• Search synonyms
• Recommendations
• Merchandising rules

With these, the store’s search experience can be improved.

OPTION 2: ADD A POWERFUL SEARCH APP FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE

If the store is large, like Amazon or Flipkart, then this will be the right choice. These apps offer AI-powered search, lightning-fast indexing, and deep customization to handle large product catalogues and diverse customer behaviour.

There are a few Shopify search apps, which provide features like instant search results, autocomplete and predictive search, spelling correction and typo tolerance, multi-language support, advanced filters and faceted navigation.

The Shopify search apps are,

• ExpertRec Smart Search Bar
• Searchanise
• Boost search and discovery
• Algolia-powered search solutions

HOW TO INSTALL ANY SHOPIFY SEARCH APP

1. Go to the Shopify App Store
2. Choose your preferred search app
3. Click Install
4. Allow theme permissions
5. Open the app dashboard.
6. Customize search behaviour, filters, and UI

Everything once configured, the app automatically integrates with the theme.

OPTION 3: MANUALLY ADD A SEARCH BAR TO YOUR SHOPIFY THEME USING THE CODING METHOD

If a user wants complete control over the search UI and behaviour, they can manually add a search bar using Shopify’s built-in search functionality.

This is best suited for developers or store owners comfortable with Liquid and CSS.

STEPS TO ADD A SEARCH BAR VIA CODE

<form action="/search" method="get" class="search-form">
<input type="text" name="q" placeholder="Search products..." />
<button type="submit">Search</button>
</form>

Save the file and customize styling with CSS if needed.

This creates a functional search bar.

RECOMMENDED SOLUTION: IMPLEMENTING EXPERTREC SMART SEARCH BAR

Among a lot of solutions available, ExpertRec AI search stands out for its performance, flexibility, and more features without complex development.

OFFERINGS OF EXPERTREC SEARCH

ExpertRec enhances search and discovery with AI-powered filters and intelligent recommendations that transform search into sales.

AI-powered capabilities of ExpertRec include

• Voice search
• Image-based product search
• ChatGPT-assisted conversational search
• Personalized product recommendations
• Product bundles and merchandising rules.

Analytics and tracking features include:

• Advanced search analytics
• Popular queries tracking
• No results searches
• GA4 integrations
• Variant-level performance insights

Installation link – https://apps.shopify.com/expertrec-smart-search-bar

OPTIMIZE THE SEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR BETTER CONVERSIONS

• Ensure fast and relevant search results
• Use AI-powered recommendations
• Enable smart autocomplete and typo correction
• Offers clear filters and sorting options
• Support voice and visual search

MEASURE AND IMPROVE SHOPIFY SEARCH PERFORMANCE

• Search usage rate
• Top search queries
• No result searches
• Conversion rate from search

Implementing an effective Shopify search bar can completely transform your store.

By implementing a small search bar part in your store, you have an exceptional insight that you’ve never imagined. The investment is on a small part, but the revenue is far ahead.

FAQs

Does Shopify have a built-in search bar?

Shopify themes already include a basic search bar.

Can I add a search bar without coding?

Yes, users can add search using Shopify Search and Discovery app or search apps.

Which option is best for large Shopify stores?

For large stores, powerful AI-powered search apps are the best option.