Zero-Result Handling

Zero-results handling is what the search does when nothing matches. Good systems recover with suggestions, relaxations, and helpful links.

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What is Zero-Results Handling?

Zero-results handling is a playbook of UI + logic used when a query returns no results. It offers spelling fixes, synonyms, relaxed filters, category links, and contact/help options.

How It Works (quick)

Detect: 0 hits after hard filters.
Rescue: Show Did You Mean, relax steps, or related categories.
Guide: Display popular searches and FAQ/help for intent drift.
Log: Store the query for content/synonym backlogs.

Why It Matters in E-commerce

Prevents dead ends; recovers revenue and improves satisfaction.
Reveals catalog or synonym gaps.

Best Practices

Make recovery visible and undoable; keep original query link.
Protect brand/SKU precision; don’t over-relax silently.
Track ZRR by category/locale; fix top offenders monthly.

Summary

Turn “no results” into helpful next steps, not a dead end.