Legacy Ecommerce Search Is Dead, and It’s Costing You Sales

Search is at the heart of ecommerce. When customers type in a query, they expect to find what they want instantly, and if they don’t, they leave. Research shows that 80% of consumers abandon websites due to ineffective search experiences, and 79% are more likely to purchase when search results are on target. Legacy search engines have powered online stores for years, but they struggle to deliver the kind of intelligent, personalized experiences that modern consumers expect.

That’s where Marqo comes in: an AI-powered search engine built for ecommerce. Marqo isn’t just smarter; it’s designed to truly understand your customers and what they’re looking for, often better than they know themselves. By analyzing real-time shopping behaviors (what customers click on, purchase, and even linger on), Marqo creates a highly personalized shopping experience that keeps people coming back.

In this article, we explore why Marqo is redefining ecommerce search, how it outperforms legacy solutions, and why you should be using it.

Smarter Search, Higher Conversion

Marqo’s AI search is built to drive conversions. It doesn’t just match words in a query to product descriptions, it learns from what your customers do. By analyzing click-stream data, purchase patterns, and browsing behavior, Marqo delivers search results that feel tailored to each shopper. Whether they’re searching for something specific or just browsing, Marqo ensures they find what they’re looking for, often before they even know what they want.

1. More Than Just Keywords

Most search engines rely on matching keywords to product descriptions. That might work for simple searches, but it falls apart when customers:

• Use synonyms or make typos (e.g., “running shoes” vs. “sneakers”)
• Search with vague ideas (e.g., “something cozy for winter”)
• Expect personalized recommendations

Marqo goes beyond basic keyword matching. It uses advanced AI to understand what shoppers actually mean, even if they don’t type it perfectly. This means fewer frustrating searches and more "that’s exactly what I was looking for" moments.

2. Optimized for Revenue

Marqo isn’t just about helping shoppers find products, it’s about helping you sell more. By analyzing what people are buying, clicking on, and adding to their carts, Marqo adjusts search results in real-time to show products that are more likely to convert. For example:

• Drive Conversions: Highlighting products customers are most likely to buy.
• Engage Shoppers: Showcasing options based on browsing history and preferences.
• Personalize Results: Creating unique experiences that keep shoppers engaged and spending more.

Plus, Marqo prevents "decision fatigue" by mixing in variety, so your customers aren’t overwhelmed by seeing the same options over and over.

3. Personalized Experiences Without the Hassle

Marqo’s AI isn’t just smart; it’s adaptable. Unlike old-fashioned search systems that rely on generic settings, Marqo learns from your store and your customers. It fine-tunes its understanding based on:

• Your product catalog: So it knows exactly what you sell.
• Your customers: So it shows the products they’re most interested in.
• Your brand’s style: So it delivers results that feel on-brand and relevant.

The result? Shoppers feel like the search bar understands their queries, making it easier to find what they want, and making them more likely to buy.

4. Visual & Text Search That Feels Effortless

Traditional search platforms limit users to text-based queries, creating friction in the shopping experience. Marqo's multimodal search capabilities break down these barriers, enabling more intuitive and natural product discovery.

Imagine a customer looking for the perfect pair of sneakers. With Marqo, the search becomes seamless:

• Understanding What Customers Really Want: When someone searches for "comfortable running shoes with good arch support for flat feet," the system grasps the full meaning of the request, not just the words.
• Finding the Perfect Match: If a shopper says, "red Nike sneakers like the ones LeBron wore in his last commercial," the search doesn’t just look at keywords, it finds products that actually match the look and feel.
• Personalized Suggestions: The system goes beyond the exact words to understand the customer’s style and preferences, offering recommendations that truly resonate.

This capability is game-changing for ecommerce where visual search matters.

5. Quick Setup, Faster Results

Switching to Marqo doesn’t mean months of downtime or complicated setups. With its simple API and managed cloud solution, Marqo integrates with your store quickly and starts improving search results in no time. This means:

• Fast Setup: No need to manage servers or hire extra help.
• Quick ROI: Start seeing results in as little as four weeks.
• Seamless Integration: Works with your existing platforms and catalogs.

A retailer switching to Marqo can launch a pilot, test results, and measure ROI—all within a month.

Why Choose Marqo?

Legacy search platforms are outdated. They’re rigid, unreliable, and deliver too many irrelevant results. Marqo changes the game by creating a personalized, intuitive search experience that drives sales and keeps customers coming back. With smarter AI, better recommendations, and real-time adaptability, Marqo doesn’t just help your customers find what they’re looking for, it helps your business grow.

Book a Demo

Book a demo and upgrade your search with Marqo today.