How to Write Effective Product Queries for Better Recommendations

The quality of the recommendations you receive from Shopilot largely depends on how well you describe what you're looking for. In this guide, we'll show you how to craft effective product queries that will help our AI understand your needs and deliver the most relevant recommendations.

Be Specific About Your Needs

The more specific you are about what you need, the better our AI can match you with appropriate products. Consider including:

Intended use: Is this for home, professional use, travel, etc.?
Key features: What capabilities or specifications are essential?
Preferences: Any brand preferences, design aesthetics, or specific materials?
Constraints: Budget limitations, size restrictions, or compatibility requirements?

Example:

Instead of:

"I need a new laptop"

Try:

"I need a lightweight laptop under $1000 for college with good battery life (8+ hours) and enough power for occasional video editing. Prefer 14-inch screen and at least 16GB RAM."

Include Your Deal-Breakers

Let our AI know what would make a product unsuitable for you. This helps eliminate inappropriate options from your recommendations.

For example:

"I'm looking for noise-cancelling headphones that are comfortable for long periods. I have a small head so they shouldn't be too bulky, and I want them to be wireless. I absolutely need them to work with Android devices, and they must have at least 20 hours of battery life."

Specify Your Budget Range

Always include your price range. This helps our AI filter out products that don't match your financial constraints. It's often helpful to provide a range rather than a strict limit.

Example:

"My budget is between $300-$400, but I could stretch to $450 for the right product."

Mention Your Level of Expertise

Your experience level with a product category can help our AI tailor recommendations accordingly.

Example:

"I'm a beginner photographer looking for my first DSLR camera."

Or:

"I'm an experienced home cook upgrading my kitchen knives."

Prioritize Your Requirements

Let the AI know which features are most important to you by indicating priorities.

Example:

"I'm looking for a smartphone with an excellent camera (most important), good battery life, and decent performance for social media and email. I don't play games on my phone."

Use Natural Language

Shopilot's AI is designed to understand natural language, so write your query as if you were explaining your needs to a knowledgeable friend. Don't worry about using technical terminology unless it's relevant to your requirements.

Sample Effective Queries

Here are some examples of well-crafted queries:

For a Coffee Maker:

"I need a programmable coffee maker that makes at least 10 cups, has a thermal carafe (not glass), and allows me to adjust brew strength. My budget is $100-$150. I have limited counter space in my kitchen (about 12 inches width available)."
For Headphones:

"Looking for wireless over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation for my daily commute (about 1 hour each way). Need comfortable ear cushions as I'll wear them for extended periods. Battery life should be at least 20 hours. Budget is up to $300, and I use an iPhone so good Apple integration is a plus."
For a Fitness Tracker:

"I need a waterproof fitness tracker that can monitor heart rate, sleep, and various exercises including swimming. Battery should last at least 5 days, and I prefer something with a minimalist design that doesn't look too sporty for office wear. Budget is $150 maximum."

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Being too vague: "I need a good TV" doesn't give our AI much to work with.
Focusing only on price: "I want the cheapest laptop" may lead to recommendations that don't meet your actual needs.
Omitting deal-breakers: If something is absolutely necessary, be sure to mention it.
Contradictory requirements: Be realistic about what's possible within your constraints (e.g., "professional-grade camera under $200").

By following these guidelines, you'll help Shopilot's AI understand exactly what you're looking for, resulting in better, more personalized product recommendations. Happy shopping!