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.
