In a recent Business Bloomer Club Slack thread, the topic of tracking WooCommerce website search terms sparked an insightful discussion.
One member shared how they used to completely ignore search data in Google Analytics, but after setting up a simple weekly report, they discovered a stream of great product ideas based on what users were actively searching for.
While Google Analytics 4 (GA4) might be the default for many, it turns out it’s not always the best option—especially for WooCommerce.
Instead, developers and store owners shared smarter, more tailored ways to log and use search data directly within WordPress. From Ajax listeners to plugins, the possibilities for capturing valuable customer intent are impressive.
If you’re not yet keeping track of your WooCommerce search terms, this post will give you practical ideas to start today. You might be surprised by what your visitors are telling you—without saying a word.
GA4 Isn’t Enough for WooCommerce Search
One of the first realizations shared was that GA4 doesn’t provide useful insights for WooCommerce search tracking. Even when configured properly, it often misses key user behaviors or buries them under layers of events and filters.
A few developers mentioned that they still use GA4 for email reports, but mostly out of habit or for clients who are familiar with it.
Log Searches With an Ajax Listener
A more WooCommerce-specific approach involves setting up a custom Ajax listener that records each search query as it happens.
One user shared they log all site searches into the WordPress database and then send themselves an email summary every Monday morning.
This method keeps everything in-house, avoids the complexity of GA4, and gives you full control over the data.
Use a Plugin for Automation
Others in the conversation mentioned using tools like FiboSearch or Doofinder, which both offer more sophisticated search tracking and reporting features. These plugins can log searches, generate automated insights, and even suggest products to users based on behavior.
Another participant built their own plugin—Active Analytics—after struggling with GA4. It became so effective at capturing on-site searches that they turned it into a commercial product.
Why Search Data Matters
WooCommerce searches are a direct reflection of what your customers want. If people are consistently searching for something you don’t offer, that’s an opportunity.
If they search for existing products using unexpected terms, you might uncover better naming or tagging strategies.
You can also spot trends, gaps in navigation, and new content ideas by simply reviewing what people type into your search bar.
Conclusion
If you’re running a WooCommerce store and haven’t tapped into your site search data yet, you’re missing out on a powerful source of business insight.
Whether you roll your own logging system or install a dedicated plugin, tracking what users search for can help guide your product strategy, content creation, and even SEO.
