Most site operators continually fine-tune site search, Aberdeen says

59% of web site operators continually fine-tune their site search function to ensure that customers get relevant results, research and advisory firm Aberdeen Group Inc. says.

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In its February 2007 study, “Web Site Search: Revenue in the Results,” Aberdeen also found that 40% of respondents offer site-search users results from related searches as well as lists of related products, including those purchased by other shoppers; 38% derive customer analytics data from site search activity; and 31% personalize site search results based on the purchase histories of unique customers or segments of customers.

In addition, 54% of respondents said they optimize their site search engines to identify internal search keywords and other data that can be used to improve Internet search strategies. Among best-in-class web site operators, 82% align their site search and Internet search strategies, Aberdeen says.

Aberdeen surveyed more than 200 enterprises in retail, software, high-technology, online marketplaces and other industries between January and February.