How To Fix Product Discovery Issue In A BigCommerce Store: Unlock Faster, Easier Shopping Journeys

Shoppers today make lightning-fast decisions; some studies show the human attention span is now shorter than a goldfish. That means even the smallest discovery friction can send customers packing. 

Knowing how to fix product discovery issue in a BigCommerce store can turn frustration into seamless shopping, reduce bounce rates, and unlock faster, more confident buying journeys.

In this article, we will: 

• Fix BigCommerce discovery issues with 7 proven steps
• Use industry-specific strategies that drive conversions
• Avoid common mistakes that hurt BigCommerce sales

Fix BigCommerce Product Discovery Issues: 7 Proven Steps to Boost Sales

When customers can't find what they're looking for, they leave, taking potential sales with them. Poor product discovery is one of the biggest conversion killers for BigCommerce stores, but the good news is that most issues can be fixed quickly with the right approach.

Here's your complete roadmap to transform how customers discover and interact with your products:

1. Upgrade On-Site Search

Your search function is the fastest route customers take to find products. A broken or inadequate search feature can instantly frustrate visitors and drive them to competitors.

• Enable BigCommerce's advanced search settings in Store Setup > Search
• Install third-party apps like Searchanise, Algolia, or Klevu for AI-driven search intelligence, though it's important to understand why BigCommerce costs increase as you add more functionality
• Configure search synonyms to catch alternative product names and slang terms
• Set up autocomplete and autocorrect features to help customers find products faster
• Add visual search capabilities for fashion and home décor stores

Pro Tip: Track your zero-result searches in BigCommerce Analytics; these reveal exactly what customers want but can't find, giving you direct insight into inventory gaps or search configuration issues.

2. Fix Product Categorization & Navigation

Logical organization helps customers naturally flow through your store. Confusing navigation creates decision paralysis and increases bounce rates significantly.

• Build a 3-level maximum category hierarchy (Main > Sub > Specific)
• Implement mega menus for stores with 50+ products across multiple categories
• Add breadcrumb navigation to help customers understand their location
• Use descriptive category names instead of internal jargon or brand codes
• Create collection pages for seasonal items, trending products, or special offers

Studies show that stores with clear navigation structures see up to 25% higher conversion rates. Test your navigation by asking someone unfamiliar with your products to find specific items; their struggle points reveal exactly where improvements are needed.

3. Implement Smart Filters & Faceted Navigation

Filters transform browsing from overwhelming to effortless. Without proper filtering, customers abandon searches when faced with hundreds of unsorted results.

• Add filters for price ranges, sizes, colors, brands, and availability
• Install Boost Product Filter or similar BigCommerce-compatible apps
• Optimize filter URLs to avoid duplicate content issues that hurt SEO
• Group related filters together (all size options in one section)
• Enable multiple filter selections so customers can refine searches progressively

Example: A clothing store should allow customers to select "Dresses" + "Size Medium" + "Under $50" + "Red" simultaneously. Each filter should narrow results without breaking the others.

4. Improve Product Data & Metadata

Rich, accurate product information helps both customers and search engines understand what you're selling. Incomplete product data is a major discovery roadblock.

• Write keyword-rich product titles that include brand, type, and key features
• Create detailed product descriptions using natural language that customers actually search for
• Add comprehensive alt text for images describing products specifically
• Implement schema markup to help search engines display rich product snippets
• Use consistent naming conventions across similar product variations

Pro Tip: Include customer search terms in your product descriptions. If customers search for "comfy office chair," but your title says "ergonomic task seating," you're missing connections.

5. Personalize Product Discovery

Smart recommendations turn single purchases into multiple-item orders by showing relevant products at the right moments.

• Integrate recommendation engines like Clerk.io, Nosto, or Klevu
• Display "Recently Viewed" products on every page to remind browsing customers
• Show "Customers Also Bought" suggestions on product and cart pages
• Use behavioral data to reorder search results based on popularity and conversion rates
• Create personalized homepage sections for returning customers

Personalized product recommendations can increase average order values by 10-30% because they surface products customers might not have discovered through traditional browsing.

6. Optimize for Mobile UX

Over 60% of e-commerce traffic comes from mobile devices, but many BigCommerce stores still prioritize desktop experiences at mobile's expense, often requiring custom design modifications to truly optimize mobile discovery.

• Simplify navigation menus with collapsible sections for small screens
• Make search bars prominent and easily accessible on mobile homepages
• Ensure filter options work smoothly with touch interfaces
• Test page load speeds on actual mobile networks, not just WiFi
• Use large, tappable buttons for important navigation elements

Mobile Test: Complete a purchase on your store using only your smartphone on a 4G connection. Every friction point you encounter costs you mobile sales.

7. Monitor and Improve Continuously

Product discovery optimization isn't a one-time fix; it requires ongoing attention and adjustment based on actual customer behavior.

• Track search analytics in BigCommerce to identify popular and failed queries
• Monitor Google Analytics behavior flow to find where customers exit your site
• Run A/B tests on category layouts, filter positions, and search result displays
• Review customer feedback and support tickets for discovery-related complaints
• Update product data and categories regularly as inventory changes

Set up monthly reviews of your search analytics and customer journey data. Small, data-driven tweaks often produce bigger results than major overhauls.

Quick Implementation Timeline: Start with search upgrades and navigation fixes (Week 1), add filtering and mobile optimization (Week 2), then implement personalization and analytics tracking (Week 3-4). Most stores see measurable improvements within 30 days of implementing these changes.

Tailor Product Discovery by Industry: Proven Strategies That Convert

While the foundational discovery strategies work across all BigCommerce stores, maximizing conversions requires industry-specific customization. A fashion shopper browsing by color and style has completely different needs than a B2B buyer searching by technical specifications.

Here's how to layer industry-focused optimizations on top of your core discovery foundation:

Fashion & Apparel

Customers browse visually and care about fit, style, and trends above all else. They often can't articulate exactly what they want, but know it when they see it.

Essential Discovery Features:

• Visual search and filtering by color, pattern, and style
• Size and fit guides integrated into product filtering
• "Shop the Look" collections and outfit suggestions
• Trend-based categories that update seasonally
• Recently viewed styling suggestions

BigCommerce Implementation: Use apps like Searchanise for visual filtering and create custom fields for detailed size information that feeds into smart filters.

Electronics & Technology

Tech buyers are specification-driven and need detailed comparisons before purchasing. They search using technical terms and expect precise compatibility information.

Essential Discovery Features:

• Advanced specification filtering (RAM, storage, processor, etc.)
• Compatibility checker tools for accessories and components
• Comparison tables for similar products
• Expert vs. beginner navigation paths
• Price-performance filtering options

Pro Tip: Create specification-based landing pages that group products by use case rather than just brand or category.

Home & Garden

Shoppers think in terms of rooms, projects, and seasons. They often need multiple related items and browse by visual inspiration rather than specific product names.

Essential Discovery Features:

• Room-based categories (Kitchen, Bathroom, Outdoor)
• Project collections (Small Space Solutions, Spring Refresh)
• Seasonal navigation that changes automatically
• Style filtering (Modern, Rustic, Minimalist)
• Bundle suggestions for complete room solutions

Implementation Focus: Use collection pages heavily and create seasonal navigation menus that highlight timely products.

Health & Beauty

Personal care shoppers need ingredient transparency and products that match their specific skin type, concerns, or lifestyle preferences.

Essential Discovery Features:

• Ingredient filtering with allergen alerts
• Skin type categorization and personalized recommendations
• Concern-based browsing (Anti-aging, Acne, Sensitive Skin)
• Clean beauty and certification filters
• Routine builders that suggest complementary products

BigCommerce Strategy: Use custom product fields for detailed ingredient lists and create quiz-based product finders using apps like ReConvert.

B2B & Wholesale

Business buyers need efficiency, bulk pricing, and account-specific catalogs. They often know exactly what they want and need quick reordering capabilities.

Essential Discovery Features:

• Account-specific pricing and product visibility
• Bulk order capabilities with quantity-based pricing
• Quick reorder functionality for repeat purchases
• Industry-specific categories and technical specifications
• Contract pricing integration with discovery

Key Difference: B2B discovery should prioritize speed and efficiency over visual appeal, with prominent search bars and SKU-based quick order options.

Start with the two most important features for your industry, test their impact on conversion rates, then gradually add more sophisticated discovery options based on customer feedback and analytics data.

Stop These BigCommerce Discovery Mistakes: Boost Conversions Instantly

Even perfectly implemented discovery features can backfire spectacularly if you fall into these common traps. Many BigCommerce store owners unknowingly sabotage their own conversion rates by making these critical mistakes.

Spotting and fixing these issues can often provide faster results than adding new features:

Over-Categorization Creates Decision Paralysis

More categories don't mean better organization. When customers face 20+ subcategories for a simple product search, they often abandon the site entirely rather than make a decision.

The Problem: Categories like "Men's > Shirts > Casual > Short Sleeve > Cotton > Blue" create analysis paralysis.

Quick Fix: Limit categories to 3 levels maximum and group similar options. Use filtering for detailed specifications instead of endless subcategories.

Mobile Navigation That Ignores Touch Users

Your desktop navigation might look beautiful, but if mobile users can't easily browse your products, you're losing 60%+ of potential sales.

The Problem: Dropdown menus that require precise tapping, hidden search bars, or filters that don't work on touch screens.

Quick Fix: Test your entire discovery process on an actual smartphone. If any step requires zooming or precise finger placement, it needs immediate attention.

Search Results That Miss the Mark

Searches that return 500 irrelevant results or zero results for common product names create instant frustration and drive customers to competitors.

The Problem: Searching "black dress" returns everything black or every dress, making results useless for decision-making.

Quick Fix: Configure search synonyms in BigCommerce and set up autocomplete suggestions that guide customers toward successful searches.

Broken or Useless Product Filters

Filters that don't actually narrow results, reset when combined, or show zero products available destroy the browsing experience and customer trust.

The Problem: Selecting "Medium" + "Blue" + "Under $50" shows no results even though those products exist individually.

Quick Fix: Test every filter combination manually and use apps like Boost Product Filter that handle complex filtering logic properly.

Missing Critical Product Information

Customers need specific details to make purchasing decisions. Incomplete product data forces them to look elsewhere, even if you have exactly what they want.

The Problem: Fashion items without size charts, electronics without specifications, or any product without clear images and descriptions.

Quick Fix: Create a product information checklist for your industry and ensure every item meets minimum data requirements before publishing.

Slow Loading During Discovery

When search results take more than 3 seconds to load or filters cause page freezing, customers immediately assume your entire site is unreliable.

The Problem: Heavy product images, unoptimized databases, or filter apps that haven't been configured properly for your catalog size.

Quick Fix: Use BigCommerce's built-in image optimization, limit product images to reasonable file sizes, and test search speed during peak traffic hours.

Run through your entire product discovery process monthly, timing each step and noting friction points. Small fixes often produce bigger conversion improvements than major feature additions.

Transform Browsing Into Seamless Buying Journeys

Fixing product discovery in BigCommerce isn’t just about improving search; it’s about removing every barrier between shoppers and the products they want. From smarter categorization and advanced filters to personalization and mobile optimization, each step builds a store where browsing feels natural and buying becomes effortless. 

But if your store has outgrown its current capabilities, Velt2’s BigCommerce to Shopify migration service can help you scale with confidence. With our expertise, you won’t just migrate; you’ll unlock a faster, smarter shopping experience designed to convert.