Facets

Facets, also referred to as filters, allow users to refine large product sets within an online store. In Miva Merchant, facets utilize existing product data—such as categories, custom fields, or attributes—to help customers quickly narrow down search results or product listings.

How Facets are Used in Miva

Facets are dynamic filtering tools that enable shoppers to select from various product attributes, like color, size, or price range. As the user applies filters, Miva automatically updates the displayed product list to show only the items matching those criteria.

Key Benefits of Facets

Enhanced Product Discoverability: By allowing users to filter items based on specific attributes, facets help shoppers locate desired products with greater efficiency.

Improved User Experience: Facets reduce the cognitive load associated with large catalogs, enabling customers to quickly narrow their options, resulting in a smoother shopping experience.

Streamlined Browsing: Facets help structure broad categories, enabling users to drill down into subcategories or product variations with minimal navigation.

Facets Best Practices for Best Results

Before creating facets, it is critical to ensure that your product data is properly configured and standardized.

Product Custom Fields

Use Custom Fields to store specialized product information, such as “Material” or “Style.” Navigate to Catalog → Custom Fields in the Miva admin panel to create or edit these fields. Ensure each product has accurate and consistent values for any fields you plan to use as facets.

Product Attributes

If your products have variations (e.g., size, color), configure them through Attributes. These attributes can be leveraged as filterable facets, provided they are set up consistently across your products.

Categories and Subcategories

Your category hierarchy can also serve as a facet. For instance, if your top-level category is “Men’s Clothing,” subcategories such as “Shirts” or “Pants” can be used as filters.

Data Consistency

Maintain consistent naming conventions. For example, use a single descriptor for colors (e.g., “Red” instead of “RED,” “red,” or “Crimson”) to avoid duplicate facet options.

Setting Up Facets in the Miva Admin

To begin, click Setttings>Modules and find the box for the Standard Facets module. Inside the box, click Install.

Once the module is installed, three standard facets are created: Price, Category and Attributes.

You can add additional facets through the use of a Custom Field that is set as a facet.

For information on working with Custom Fields, visit the Custom Fields document.

After you have created your Facets, you will manage them under Facet Rules.

Facets Help Your Customers Find Your Products

Facets in Miva Merchant enable customers to filter products by a variety of attributes, enhancing discoverability and providing a streamlined shopping experience. Proper planning and maintenance—particularly regarding consistent product data and regular indexing—will ensure that facets remain accurate and useful. By carefully selecting which facets to offer, standardizing product data, and testing the user experience, you can significantly improve both usability and conversion rates in your online store.