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Search is a product

Zero-result pages, synonyms, aliases. The search box on this site earns its place by what it does for 'dropdown' — not by existing.

Intermediate1 min read (computed · recorded 8)updated 2026-09-12searchiaaliases

by Motif Editors

revised 2026-09-12First publication in bank-3 batch 4.

Key takeaways
  • The zero-result page is the feature; give it two exits.
  • Aliases map the reader's word to the catalog's word.
  • Body-text search is why 'bento' finds every bento brief.

The zero-result page is the product

Every search box eventually shows nothing. What happens then — nearest tags, the five most-copied items, a clear-filters exit — is the actual feature. A blank result area is a closed door with the site's logo on it.

Aliases are the dictionary you owe the reader

Nobody types 'sheet-menu' looking for a dropdown. The catalog's aliases field maps the reader's word to the catalog's word, and the harness keeps every alias pointing at a live component. A synonym list is content; maintain it like content.

Body-text search was added for prompts for the same reason: 'bento' should find every brief that renders one, not just the two whose titles say it.

Practise the lesson

Theory sticks when you ship it. These original Motif assets put this guide's lesson to work — open one and copy it into your own page.