Exact product demand
Give well-known identifiers and product names strong lexical priority.
Exact matches →Comparison
Semantic Search versus Keyword Search.
Keyword search excels at exact words, codes and brands. Semantic Search can help when meaning, context, or alternative formulations are more important than literal overlap.
PartSemantic SearchKeyword Search
SKU/Model numberNot the primary strengthVery suitable
Natural languageCan bring contextDepending on word overlap
PredictabilityRequires evaluation and guardrailsOften more direct
RecallCan find wider relevant matchesMay lack relevant variants
PracticalCombine where it helpsPreserving as a strong foundation
Query mix determines the balance
Technical catalogues and inspiration-oriented shops have different needs.
Descriptive intention
Use semantics for questions in which properties or application are central.
Semantic matching →Hybrid retrieval
Combine lexical and semantic without losing strong exact routes.
Hybrid retrieval →Analytics
Segment query types to determine the right balance empirically.
Query segments →Use your own query mix as a decision base.
The best approach depends on how customers actually search.