API vs Plugin: which integration method is best for your site

Multisearch smart and fast search algorithm for sites can be installed using a plugin or API. Each method has its own advantages and features. In this article, we will go into the differences between the API and the plugin, which type of integration gives more opportunities, what sites cannot integrate smart search without the API, and how to install our search on your site without the help of programmers.

The awesome possibilities of API integration

API or Application Programming Interface is a programming interface through which one application can easily interact with another. Integration of Multisearch smart search via API is a get-request that returns the result in json-format as a list of product IDs, categories and other data. We recommend integration via the API since:

• your site style and the design of the search bar are preserved - no need to fiddle with redefining css styles and other subtleties;

• it is possible to add products to the cart from the results page - no extra clicks, the path to purchase is shortened to a minimum;

• you can track conversions in your Google Analytics - all data and reports at a glance;

• the product feed is updating faster, less information needs to be transferred in an XML document - you save time and get results in less time;

What Multisearch functionality can only be implemented using the API?

• search auto-complete of 4 types - continuation of search queries, categories, brands, top products will tell your customers what they need;

• auto-complete management - add the necessary hints yourself and set their priority. Already in the search bar, the functionality will help to take into account the seasonality of goods and promotional positions;

• dynamic filters - dynamic display of filters by categories, tags, brands, price and other parameters for a specific request and without reference to the catalog;

• direct transitions to categories, brands, filters - improves the visibility of pages in search engines for your important queries, increases traffic to your site.

To connect smart search via API, you need to send us a full product list in XML or YML format. After that, we send API documentation for customization on your side.

Installation via plugin: quickly and without the help of programmers

If you don't have the ability to integrate smart search via an API, there is a good alternative - a plugin. This method is significantly inferior to the API in terms of its capabilities, but ideal for:

• small online stores that do not need to connect additional functionality;

• sites with a small number of pages and a small assortment of products;

• companies without a full-time web programmer.

Integration using the plugin is easier and faster, but it's worth to know about the following nuances:

• to preserve the look of the search on your site, you need to change the line design by overriding css styles 

• in order to get good results, you need to specify more information in the download.

The plugin connection process via Google Tag Manager takes 15-20 minutes. You don't need programming knowledge to understand the integration instructions. If in the future you need to reconnect smart search via the API, please contact our technical support manager. The specialist will tell you in detail about the method of integration through the API and what needs to be done.

Answers to frequently asked questions about integration:

Are there any restrictions on the number of requests for products?

There is no limit on the number of requests, whichever way Multisearch is connected.

What is the speed of the response?

The response speed is only 50-150 milliseconds.

Is there any functionality that can only be connected via a plugin?

No, but each integration method has its own trick.

What functionality can be connected both via the API and the plugin?

• Product Popularity — relevance which calculates sales and views based on analytic data. With it, you can display popular products on the first positions by the corresponding request;

• Regionalisation, this is a lifesaver for network companies. The functionality takes into account the location of the user and shows him the items available in this region, with an up-to-date description, price, availability of a discount, etc.

• Assignment of specific product IDs to a specific search query, including the serial number of the product in the search results - for a specific search query, specific products will be displayed in the TOP of results in the order of the ID assignment;

• Recommended products when the result is “nothing found” - if there are no products found for the search query, the user will see similar products by color, size, type or other characteristics. In the search results, you can display products of the same brand or of the same type;

• Search by characteristics - the smart search takes into account the characteristics of the product and instantly displays the relevant positions in the results. Multisearch accurately finds products by range values, numeric values ​​and their abbreviations, properties and other characteristics.

• History of requests - site visitors see search queries that they have made previously, this puts them on the right track and can shorten the path to ordering;

Both plugin users and clients using the API also have access to our analytics and “not found requests” reports - where you will find valuable information with which you can replenish the assortment with popular new products and stay ahead of the competition.

Let's summarize:

• API integration is more efficient, and its capabilities are wider, but the connection process requires more time and the involvement of an IT specialist;

• The plugin is installed quickly, and everyone can figure out how to connect it, but many useful search tips will not be available.

If you find it difficult to decide what type of integration is better for you, fill out the form under the article or leave a request. Our team will contact you, help you choose the type of connection, and inform you about Multisearch payment plans.

By the way, there is good news. Smart and fast search capabilities can be tried out on your company's website for free for 14 days. This will help you evaluate the advantages of the smart search, see the system in operation and make sure that the service delivers on its promises.