Customized search result ranking based on user groups

A computer-implemented method performed by one or more processors for customizing search results, the method comprising:

• receiving a search query at a search engine;
• identifying a user group for a user associated with the search query, the user group identified from among a plurality of user groups distinguished based on an item listing classification option for an item listing classification, wherein the user group is formed based on members having a common preference for the item listing classification option for the item listing classification;
• applying a group search ranker based on the user group, the group search ranker ranking item listings within a set of item listings to provide a ranked set of item listings, wherein the group search ranker ranks the item listings based on the item listing classification option associated with the user group;
• and
• providing the ranked set of item listings as search results for the search query.

A search system for customizing search results, the system comprising:

• one or more processors;
• and
• one or more computer storage media storing computer-useable instructions that, when used by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:
• receive a search query at a search engine;
• identify a user group for a user associated with the search query, the user group identified from among a plurality of user groups distinguished based on an item listing classification option for an item listing classification, wherein the user group is formed based on members having a common preference for the item listing classification option for the item listing classification;
• apply a group search ranker based on the user group, the group search ranker ranking item listings within a set of item listings to provide a ranked set of item listings, wherein the group search ranker ranks the item listings based on the item listing classification option of the user group;
• and
• provide the ranked set of item listings as search results for the search query.