That thing covering half your screen

When someone searches on your mobile site, what happens? They tap the search bar. The keyboard pops up. And suddenly, half the screen is gone. Now here is the problem most stores do not think about: what is visible in that remaining half?

Usually it is your search suggestions. Popular terms. Categories. Maybe some autocomplete options. What is not visible? Products. The customer has to scroll before seeing a single product. And scrolling while typing on mobile is awkward. Many people do not bother.

This is why mobile search optimization is not the same as desktop search optimization.

On desktop, you have room for everything.​
Show the search terms, show the categories, show six product suggestions. It all fits.

On mobile, you have to choose.
​And the choice matters more than you think.

Here is what works better.

Prioritize search terms and categories over product images on mobile. Guide people to results pages rather than trying to show products in the dropdown.

Why? Because someone typing on mobile wants to get to products fast. They are not browsing the dropdown. They want to type, tap, and see results.

The autocomplete should help them articulate their query. Not distract them with tiny product images they can barely see.

Test your mobile search right now. Open your phone. Tap the search bar. Look at what is visible above the keyboard.

If you cannot see anything useful without scrolling, you have a mobile keyboard problem.

And if you need any help, just let me know.

Philip Wallage — BTNG.studio​
I find what's confusing your customers. And fix it.
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