·3 min read
MVP Search Functionality: When and How
Search is often overbuilt in MVPs. Here is when you actually need it and how to implement it simply.
Do You Need Search Yet?
- •Under 50 items? Filtering is enough
- •Under 200 items? Simple text filter works
- •200+ items? Consider basic search
- •1000+ items? Full-text search needed
Simple Search Options
| Method | Complexity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Client-side filter | Low | Small datasets, instant results |
| SQL LIKE query | Low | Database already set up |
| PostgreSQL full-text | Medium | Free, good enough for most |
| Algolia | Medium | Fast, great UX, paid |
| Meilisearch | Medium | Self-hosted, open source |
MVP Search Features
- •Basic text matching
- •Search in key fields only
- •Simple relevance sorting
- •Debounced input
What to Skip for MVP
- •Fuzzy matching and typo tolerance
- •Faceted search and filters
- •Search analytics
- •Autocomplete suggestions
- •Synonyms handling
Quick Implementation
Start with PostgreSQL full-text search if using Supabase. It is free and handles most MVP needs. Move to Algolia when UX matters more.
The best MVP search is no search. Design your information architecture so users can browse and filter first.