Search Audit Checklist

1. Search entrance

• Is the search bar clearly visible on desktop and mobile?
• Is it clear what visitors can look for?
• Does search remain accessible from important pages?

2. Autocomplete

• Do suggestions appear quickly?
• Are terms, categories and products visually distinguishable?
• Are false or irrelevant suggestions visible?

3. Relevance

• Test the twenty most important search terms.
• Test brand names, SKUs and typos.
• Test natural and descriptive questions.

4. Filters

• Do filters connect to real product choices?
• Are impossible filtering options hidden?
• Are active filters easy to remove?

5. Zero-result searches

• What key terms do not produce results?
• Are spelling, synonyms and product data checked?
• Will the visitor receive useful alternatives?

6. Mobile

• Can autocomplete be operated with one hand?
• Does the filter interface work without hiding the results?
• Do product cards remain scannable?

7. Analytics

• Do you measure search volume and zero-result searches?
• Measure your product clicks and CTR?
• Can you link search to conversion?

8. Improvement cycle

• Is there an owner for search optimization?
• Are changes being recorded?
• Is the effect measured again after changes?