AI Search
AI
AI
AI Search uses AI to match queries with information. It can power an online store's search function or a search service that generates answers.
A conventional search function often matches words in a query with words in documents or product data. AI Search can also recognise meaning. For example, a store might match 'shoes for a rainy walk' with products using attributes such as waterproofing and intended use.
AI Search is an umbrella term. Some applications only improve results, for example through synonyms or better ranking. Others use semantic search: searching by meaning. Others use a language model to compose an answer from retrieved information. Not every AI search feature therefore includes chat or generated answers.
Searching your own store differs from being visible in AI search services that use information from the web. The former means improving your search function and product data. The latter means publishing clear, accessible and well-supported information on your website.
Tip
Test with the words your customers use, including misspellings and queries with no suitable product. AI cannot reliably compensate for missing or incorrect product data.
Related terms
- RecommendationsRecommendations suggest products or content that may suit you. In an online store, they can appear as alternatives or complementary items.
- GEOGEO stands for generative engine optimization: working on the chance that AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity name your company on their own in an answer.
- LLMAn LLM (Large Language Model) is an AI model that learns language patterns from large amounts of data to process and generate text. It works with tokens: pieces of text.