Use this article to turn a zero-result Smart Search into something useful: rewrite the message shoppers see when their search returns nothing, and — on the Cart & Merchandising package — surface a Rebuy Widget of product recommendations underneath it so shoppers have somewhere to go next. This article is part of the Smart Search Results Page documentation set — for a general introduction, see Smart Search Results Page: Overview.
Plan requirement: Customizing the no-results message text is available on all Smart Search plans. Surfacing a Rebuy Widget on the no-results page requires the Cart & Merchandising package.
Where to find the No Search Results settings
The No Search Results settings let you customize what shoppers see when a Smart Search Results Page search returns zero results. To open these settings, go to Smart Search → Results Page in your Rebuy admin to open the Configure Results Page editor. On the General Settings screen, under Layout Settings, open the Interaction Settings section and select No Search Results.
Why customizing the no-results page matters
Customizing the no-results page matters because a zero-result search is otherwise a dead end that most shoppers abandon. When a shopper searches for something and finds nothing, they have no clear next step, and most will leave. Customizing the no search results page turns that dead end into an opportunity by:
Giving you control over the messaging shoppers see, so it feels on-brand and helpful rather than generic.
Surfacing relevant product recommendations through a Rebuy Widget even when no direct search match exists, keeping shoppers engaged and moving toward a sale.
Reducing bounce risk on zero-result queries.
Customize the no-results message
The Display settings on the No Search Results screen let you customize the text message shown to shoppers when their Smart Search returns zero results. The No Search Results screen contains one Display setting. The following table describes that setting and what it controls:
Setting | Description |
No Results Title | The heading shown to shoppers when a search returns zero results. It supports the |
The default No Results Title message is: No results found for {term}. Check the spelling or use a different word or phrase.
Use the {term} variable to make the message feel personalized. For example: No results found for {term}. Try a different search or browse our top picks below. As you edit the text, the Results Page preview updates in real time to show your changes.
Show product recommendations on the no-results page
The Rebuy Widget settings let you display product recommendations below the no-results message on the Smart Search Results Page. This option is available to merchants on the Cart & Merchandising package only. If you do not see this option, or the widget dropdown is disabled and shows a "Requires Upgrade" popover with a 14-day trial option, your current Rebuy plan does not include the Cart & Merchandising package. The No Search Results screen contains two Rebuy Widget controls. The following table describes each control and what it does:
Setting | Description |
Widgets | A dropdown of all Rebuy Widgets in your account. Select a widget to display product recommendations below the no-results message. |
Create New Widget | A link that opens the Rebuy Widgets page in a new browser tab, so you can build a new widget to use here. For help building the widget you surface, see the How To Create A Complete The Look Widget documentation. |
When you select a widget, the Results Page preview updates in real time to show how the recommendations will appear on your storefront.
What happens if a configured widget is deleted?
If a widget that was previously selected for the No Search Results page is deleted from Rebuy, the selection is cleared automatically because the widget is no longer available. When this happens, two yellow warning banners appear to alert you: one on the No Search Results configuration screen itself, and one in the Results Page editor's left navigation, next to this setting, to draw your attention.
To resolve the warning banners, select a new widget from the Widgets dropdown. Choosing a new widget clears both banners and restores your No Search Results experience.
Frequently asked questions
Why don't I see the Rebuy Widget option on my Smart Search No Search Results page?
If the Rebuy Widget option is missing from your Smart Search No Search Results screen, or the widget dropdown is greyed out and shows a "Requires Upgrade" popover with a 14-day trial option, your Rebuy plan does not include the Cart & Merchandising package. Surfacing a Rebuy Widget on the no-results page requires that package. Customizing the no-results message text does not — the No Results Title field is available on all Smart Search plans. To add the package, start the 14-day trial from the popover or contact Rebuy Support through the messenger on this page.
Why isn't the No Search Results screen showing in my Results Page editor?
The No Search Results screen appears in the Smart Search Results Page editor only when your Smart Search uses lexical search mode. If you open Smart Search → Results Page → General Settings → Layout Settings → Interaction Settings and there is no No Search Results option, your store is not using lexical search mode. Contact Rebuy Support through the messenger on this page with your store details to confirm which search mode your store is on.