Search as a Service:
Elevating Brands with Smarter Search
4 min read
When it comes to search functionality in CMS platforms like Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) or WordPress, the out-of-the-box query search often falls short. While these default options provide basic content retrieval, they struggle with relevance, scalability, and user experience. That’s where Search as a Service (SaaS) comes in, transforming site search from a simple lookup tool into a strategic advantage for B2B brands.
The Power of Search as a Service
Search as a Service leverages external platforms to deliver highly relevant, fast, and scalable search experiences. Instead of relying on database queries that return exact matches, SaaS solutions use advanced ranking algorithms, AI-driven relevance tuning, and analytics to surface the most meaningful results. The benefits include:
- Speed & Scalability – Managed search solutions handle high query volumes without performance dips.
- Relevance & Ranking – AI-driven ranking ensures that the most useful content appears first.
- Customisation – Fine-tune search behaviour to match user needs without hacking CMS query logic.
- Better UX – Features like autocomplete, typo tolerance, and filters improve discoverability.
- Analytics & Insights – Understand user behaviour and optimise content strategy accordingly.
“A strong search experience supports content discovery, enabling brands to position themselves as thought leaders and trusted subject matter experts.”
For B2B brands, these advantages translate into more than just technical improvements. A strong search experience supports content discovery, enabling brands to position themselves as thought leaders and trusted subject matter experts. In our experience, when potential clients can quickly find relevant whitepapers, case studies, and insights, they’re more likely to see a brand as the authority in its field.
Choosing the Right Search Provider:
Algolia vs Typesense
At Asante Media, we work with two leading search providers: Algolia and Typesense. While both offer powerful search capabilities, the best choice depends on specific business needs.
Algolia: The Best Choice for Large-Scale, Dynamic Search
Best for: Large enterprises, e-commerce, and content-heavy websites.
- Ultra-fast indexing – Algolia is optimised for frequent content updates, making it ideal for dynamic sites.
- Advanced AI-powered search – Personalisation, synonyms, and relevance tuning create a tailored experience.
- Multi-language support – Built-in language processing improves results across different regions.
- Robust API ecosystem – Seamless integrations with various platforms, including AEM and WordPress.
- Enterprise-level scalability – Handles millions of queries with low latency.
If your brand requires sophisticated, AI-driven search capabilities and global scalability, Algolia is the go-to solution.
Typesense: The Lightweight, Developer-Friendly Alternative
Best for: Mid-sized businesses, performance-focused teams, and cost-conscious implementations.
- Open-source and self-hostable – Offers more flexibility and control over infrastructure.
- Lightning-fast response times – Built with an in-memory search engine for low-latency queries.
- Typo tolerance and search ranking customisation – Ensures users get the right results, even with minor errors.
- Simplified deployment – A straightforward API makes integration quick and efficient.
- Lower cost vs Algolia – Ideal for businesses that need powerful search without the SaaS pricing model.
Typesense is a great fit for brands looking for high-performance search without the complexities of an enterprise-grade SaaS platform.
Future-Proof Your Search Strategy
Search isn’t just a tool—it’s a crucial part of how users engage with your content. Whether you need an enterprise-scale search with AI-driven relevance or a lightweight, fast alternative, we can help you integrate the right solution for your needs.
Want to elevate your brand’s search experience? Get in touch with us today and let’s discuss how Algolia or Typesense can transform your content discovery.
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