Relevance Sorting on Shutterstock

Today I am sharing the translation of another news article from the Shutterstock photo bank, which will discuss the enhanced usability of the image search for users, who come to the photo bank for purchasing images, through the implementation of relevance-based sorting. At the same time, it will also be useful for the authors of the photo bank to know about the launch of this feature.

When we conducted a survey among our subscribers about what else they would like from Shutterstock, many subscribers of the photo bank responded that they would like a tool to better find the right image. The suggestion has been taken into account!

This week, we want to introduce you to an innovation in the search system of Shutterstock. We present to you a new sorting option code-named Relevant.

Our search system essentially has one goal – to help photo bank customers find the most suitable image according to the keywords you provide. With each passing day, our search system is becoming smarter and smarter!

Now, when customers work with the search on the photo bank, they see four buttons, each of which activates a different filter for sorting search results: New, Popular, Relevant, and Random.

Everything seems simple and clear.

Now, here are some of the most common questions and answers regarding how the new sorting method will benefit the authors of the photo bank:

Will relevance sorting now work as the default sorting option?

No, it is simply a new option in addition to the existing sorting options, so everything continues to work as before. In the future, we may change the default sorting option, but this will only happen if there is demand from photo bank customers.

How does relevance sorting work?

We have structured the relevance sorting system in such a way that customers can get the most accurate and relevant search results of images in the photo bank. The sorting system is designed to improve itself over time.

Of course, we plan to enhance it based on the feedback we receive from users. We make adjustments so that the search results may vary from day to day and from user to user.

What is the difference between sorting images by popularity and by relevance?

Sorting by popularity is quite straightforward and directly depends on the number of downloads of the image. In contrast, relevance sorting has a more complex algorithm that takes into account a combination of many different factors.

What is the conclusion for the authors of the photo bank?

Relevance sorting will have a greater effect for images with correctly and carefully selected keywords. The launch of relevance sorting will lead to an increase in the number of image downloads in the photo bank, thereby benefiting authors who are very attentive and meticulous in selecting keywords for their images.

Where else can I read about how to choose keywords correctly?

Here are some links to useful articles about keywords:
Correct choice of keywords for editorial images
Keywords and sales: the importance of correct selection
Correct choice of keywords. Part 2
New tool from Shutterstock “Keyword Trends”
Proper selection of keywords for attribution

Author: Shutterbuzz
Link to the original: http://buzz.shutterstock.com/shutterstock-new-search-order