Search engines showing suggestions based on trends, queries, or past behavior.
Ever type a few words into Google and have it guess exactly what you are going to search for? That is not magic; that is predictive search! For 15 years, I have seen how this powerful feature changes the way people find information, and it is a huge opportunity for your website. I am going to explain what is predictive search? and give you my best tips for how to use it to your advantage. Get ready to put your website in front of people before they even know they need it!
What is Predictive Search?
So, what is predictive search? It is the feature that suggests search terms as you type. It guesses what you want to find based on popular searches, your past search history, and your location. This feature saves me a ton of time because I do not have to type the full question, and it gives me ideas for related topics to search for.
For me, it is a way to see what people are really thinking. Instead of just looking at what they type, I can see what they are about to type. This gives me a big advantage. I can create content that is a perfect match for those early, in-the-moment searches, which helps my site get found first.
How Predictive Search Works
Predictive search works by using a bunch of smart data. When I start to type, Google looks at what other people have searched for starting with the same letters. It also looks at my location. If I type “best coffee,” it will suggest a coffee shop near me. It also uses my past search history to make the suggestions even smarter. This means my search results are unique to me.
I use this information to create content that answers these common, in-the-moment questions. For example, if I notice a lot of people are searching for “how to fix a leaky faucet,” I will create a guide for that. It is all about being a helpful guide and answering questions people have before they even finish asking.
Predictive Search on Different CMS Platforms
The core idea of predictive search is the same for every website. However, I use the tools on each CMS to help me create and optimize content that will be found in predictive searches.
WordPress
On WordPress, I use plugins like a good SEO tool to help me find long-tail keywords. I look for questions that are often suggested in predictive searches and then write a full blog post to answer them. I also make sure my site is super fast and easy to use on mobile phones. This is important because a lot of predictive searches happen on mobile.
Shopify
For a Shopify store, I use predictive search to create content that answers shopping-related questions. I look for common searches like “best sneakers for running” and write a blog post about it. I also make sure my product titles and descriptions are very clear and use the same words a person would type into a search bar.
Wix
Wix makes it simple to create content that is easy for search engines to understand. I use their blog feature to write articles that answer the simple, direct questions I see in predictive searches. I also make sure my site is well-organized with clear headings. This helps Google find the information it needs to show my site as a suggestion.
Webflow
With Webflow, I can design a website that is a perfect match for predictive search. I can create a custom content structure that makes it easy for users to find what they need. I also use the CMS to create content on topics that I see appearing as suggestions. This helps me get my website to the top of the search suggestions and makes my content look great at the same time.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, I have the most control over everything. I can work with a developer to build a system that is perfectly optimized for predictive search. I can create a special content type for “quick answers” and make sure my site’s code is clean and fast. This lets me get my content into the search suggestions with a lot of power and control.
Predictive Search in Various Industries
I apply the idea of predictive search in different ways depending on the industry and the audience.
Ecommerce
For an ecommerce store, I use predictive search to catch customers at the beginning of their shopping journey. I write content that answers things like “what is the best brand of running shoes?” or “how do I choose a coffee grinder?”. This helps me get my products in front of people who are still doing research.
Local Businesses
For a local business, I use predictive search to attract people who are in the area. I create content about things like “best coffee shops in my neighborhood” or “how to find a good plumber in my city.” This helps me get found by local people who are looking for a service or a place to go right now.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
For a SaaS company, I use predictive search to answer questions that a user might have before they sign up for my software. I create content that answers things like “how do I manage my projects?” or “what are the best tools for a small business?” This shows them that my software is the answer they are looking for.
Blogs
On a blog, I use predictive search to find new topics to write about. I look at the suggestions that come up in my niche and write full articles that answer those questions. This helps me stay ahead of the curve and create content that is fresh and helpful to my readers. It helps me find new readers and keep them coming back.
FAQ
What is Predictive Search?
Predictive search is a feature in search engines that guesses what a user is going to type and suggests search terms as they type. It uses a person’s location, history, and popular searches to provide these suggestions.
How is Predictive Search different from Autocomplete?
Predictive search and autocomplete are often used to mean the same thing. Autocomplete is the older term, and predictive search is a more modern, smarter version of it. Predictive search uses more information to give you better suggestions.
Why is Predictive Search important for my website?
Predictive search is important because it can get your website in front of a user before they even finish their search. It gives you a chance to be the first suggestion and can bring in a lot of new traffic. It is a key part of how people find information today.
How can I use Predictive Search for my website?
I use it by researching the suggested searches in my niche. I then create content that provides clear, helpful answers to those suggested questions. I also make sure my website is fast and easy to use on mobile devices, which helps me get found in these searches.
