Collect the matching inputs.
Track a submitted-search event with a session ID. Decide whether selecting an autocomplete suggestion counts, and apply that choice consistently.
← All ecommerce KPIs
Product discovery · Search usageSite search usage rate.
Site search usage rate.
See how shoppers choose to explore.
Site search usage rate is the percentage of store sessions in which a shopper submits at least one internal search.
Start with your numbers.
Search usage calculator
01 / The definitionWhat is
What is
site search usage rate?
Site search usage rate is the percentage of store sessions in which a shopper submits at least one internal search.
Higher usage can mean search is helpful or navigation is difficult. Pair usage with successful product discovery and purchases.
02 / The measurementA clear formula.
A clear formula.
A useful comparison.
Search usage =Sessions with a submitted search ÷ Eligible store sessions × 100
Read the result in context.
Segment device, landing-page type and catalog category. A small specialist catalog may naturally need less search than a broad assortment.
Document the comparison.
Keep the reporting dates, population, exclusions and calculation with every result. Show underlying counts as well as the average or rate, so a small sample does not look more conclusive than it is.
Illustrative example
From inputs to insight.
- Sessions with a submitted search
- 2,000
- Eligible store sessions
- 10,000
- Search usage
- 20%
20% of sessions used site search. Opening the search box alone does not count here.
Try your numbers ↑03 / Industry benchmarksContext first.
Context first.
Targets second.
Segment device, landing-page type and catalog category. A small specialist catalog may naturally need less search than a broad assortment.
We have not verified a public industry benchmark that matches the exact definition used on this page. A precise-looking generic range would hide important differences between businesses.
Build your own benchmark
Start with a comparable baseline.
01
Match the population.
Choose the category, channel or customer cohort you can compare consistently.
02
Let the data mature.
Use complete periods and allow the purchase, attribution or returns window in your definition to close.
03
Test a specific opportunity.
Set a target from your economics and observed variation. Keep conversion and contribution in view.
04 / Clerk customer evidenceReal stories.
Real stories.
Clear measurement limits.
We have not verified a published Clerk customer case with a quantified site search usage rate result matching this page’s definition.
What would count as useful evidence?
A case reporting sessions with a submitted search and eligible store sessions, with the time window and comparison method. General revenue growth or a related engagement metric does not establish this result.
Customer stories describe individual implementations. They are not industry benchmarks, guarantees or standardized causal tests.
05 / Put it into practice
See how shoppers choose to explore.
Make search easy to find and support the words customers actually use, including product attributes and synonyms.
06 / Common questionsA little more
A little more
clarity.
How do I calculate site search usage rate?
Sessions with a submitted search ÷ Eligible store sessions × 100. 20% of sessions used site search. Opening the search box alone does not count here.
What should I check before comparing results?
Higher usage can mean search is helpful or navigation is difficult. Pair usage with successful product discovery and purchases.
What is a good site search usage rate?
Segment device, landing-page type and catalog category. A small specialist catalog may naturally need less search than a broad assortment.
Does a higher attributed result prove incremental growth?
No. Attribution connects an interaction with an outcome under a reporting rule. To estimate what a change added, compare randomly assigned treatment and control groups using the same eligible population and a predefined measurement window.
Keep learning
Connect the numbers.
Your next opportunityMake product discovery
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work harder for your store.
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