Continuing our series on search functionality in PrestaShop, today we’ll discuss the "Alias" in Search Settings. We’ll cover what it is, how it works in search, and why it’s important to fill it out.
What is an "Alias"?
In PrestaShop, an alias is a synonym or alternative spelling for search queries related to your products. In the Search Settings section, you can set aliases for various words that your customers might use. This allows the PrestaShop search system to understand and process queries more effectively, providing users with relevant results.
How does an alias work in search?
When a user enters a query on your site, PrestaShop compares it with the alias database. If a match is found, the system replaces the alias with the main word or phrase and uses it for the search. This is particularly useful if customers often make typos or use alternative names for products.
Why fill out aliases?
Filling out aliases is important for several reasons:
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Improving user experience: Aliases help users find the products they need quickly, even if they make spelling errors or use slang.
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Increasing conversion rates: When users can easily find the products they need, the likelihood of a purchase increases, leading to higher sales and customer loyalty.
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Reducing bounce rate: If users can't find the products they need, they are likely to leave the site. Properly configured aliases help reduce this rate by providing accurate search results.
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Supporting multilingualism: If your store targets an international market, aliases can include translations and transliterations, making search convenient for users with different language preferences.
How to set up aliases in PrestaShop
Setting up aliases in PrestaShop is simple. Here’s how:
- In the PrestaShop admin panel, select "Shop Parameters."
- In the "Search" section, click on it.
- Go to the "Aliases" tab.
- Click the "Add new alias" button.
- Enter the alias in the "Alias" field and the main word or phrase in the "Result" field.
- Save the changes.
Examples of using aliases
- Typos: If the query "iphone" often appears as "iphne," create an alias "iphne" for "iphone."
- Synonyms: For the word "laptop," you can create aliases "notebook" and "portable computer."
- Transliterations: For an international store, create aliases for different languages. For example, for "shirt," add aliases "рубашка" and "camisa."
Conclusion
Using aliases correctly in PrestaShop search settings is a powerful tool to enhance user satisfaction and improve your online store’s performance. Set up aliases to allow your customers to find the products they need easily and quickly, even if they make spelling errors or use synonyms. An efficient search is key to success in e-commerce.
