Over the years, technology has continued to influence our way of life. One of the standout innovations in recent times is voice search. What was once a futuristic concept found mainly in sci-fi movies has now seamlessly been woven into our daily routines.
It's hard to find someone today who doesn't frequently interact with voice systems at home or use virtual assistants on their smartphones. What's been even more intriguing is the transformative effect of voice search on online shopping habits.
Through voice search, online retailers can now engage better with their customers, streamlining the online journey all the way from product discovery to checkout. And when done right, voice technology can improve the entire online shopping experience.
What Exactly is Voice Commerce?
Voice commerce, often referred to as voice-activated shopping, allows users to shop online using voice commands. This format relies on voice-enabled gadgets, from smart speakers like Alexa or Google Home to mobile assistants like Siri and even website chatbots.
Voice commerce has a dual perspective - from the consumer's viewpoint and the retailer's.
For shoppers, voice search technology can provide a smoother, more intuitive shopping experience, doing away with the hassle of typing or sifting through endless product listings. On the retailer side, it involves optimizing eCommerce platforms so that they can be easily searched and navigated by speech-to-text technology.
How Does Voice Technology Work in eCommerce Operations?
For voice commerce technology to work effectively, several critical elements are essential. These elements contain natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and voice recognition tools.
Here's a breakdown of the core components of voice search technology and their collaborative functions:
- Voice Command Input: It all starts when a user gives verbal instructions to a smart device. This could range from "help me order my favorite laundry detergent" to "top up my printer supplies."
- Speech-to-Text Translation: Once a voice command is issued, it captures this audio instruction and converts it into text using advanced voice recognition.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): With the command now in text form, the NLP process comes into the picture. They allow computers to easily understand and respond to various language nuances. For example, it can determine if "apple" in your request refers to the fruit or the tech giant.
- System Execution: After figuring out exactly what you want, the system will search extensive databases to find what you're looking for. If you have a specific eCommerce website in mind, it will navigate you there and can even complete a transaction process from start to finish.
Photo: Voice Technology | Photo by Canva
What are the Benefits of Using Voice Search in eCommerce?
Businesses looking to integrate voice search technology into their eCommerce operations can gain several advantages:
Enhanced Customer Experience
Voice search streamlines the shopping process by enabling users to vocalize their product searches, eliminating the need for a keyboard. This approach not only makes searching faster but is also helps online shoppers with mobility challenges or visual limitations.
This is why eCommerce businesses adopting voice search can offer a more useful and inclusive experience for all their customers. Working with a dedicated customer service agency can help businesses utilize these types of technologies to greatly improve their customer acquisition and retention strategies.
Expanded Reach
Many shoppers find it challenging to recall specific product codes or brand names when shopping online. This can make locating items quite tedious, especially when relying solely on manual search methods. Voice search technology, however, allows users to vocalize their needs, and the system takes it from there.
Even if shoppers aren't entirely sure of what they're looking for, the technology can provide suggestions based on past searches and browsing patterns. This broadens a business's product visibility and captures a more diverse audience. Plus, it reduces the likelihood of shoppers abandoning their search out of frustration.
Voice search for input box of form search – Opencart eCommerce – free extension
Increased Sales
For organizations looking for more effective ways to find new customers, voice search is a great option. Unlike traditional search methods, voice search allows for more specific and conversational queries, which can lead to higher conversion rates.
No different than a customer browsing through products in a physical store, voice search allows users to have an interactive experience with the product they are looking for. Creating a more personalized and curated shopping experience for users is one of the key ways voice search technology can increase sales for eCommerce businesses.
And because voice search provides a more effortless and convenient way of shopping, it can also lead to higher customer satisfaction and longer-term brand loyalty.
Photo: Voice Search | Photo by Canva
Competitive Advantage
Even though voice search technology isn't new, many businesses haven't yet adopted it. This creates a golden opportunity for businesses wanting an edge in their industry.
Even if the products or services your brand offers are similar to other businesses or maybe even more costly, implementing voice search technology as part of your eCommerce software development process can set your business apart and create a unique selling point.
This allows you to protect your margins while also attracting new customers who are looking for a more convenient and efficient shopping experience.
Future-Proofing Your Business
New trends come and go when it comes to technology. However, voice search is not just a passing fad. It's predicted that soon, most search queries online will be done through voice commands. No different than how mobile optimization became a crucial factor for businesses in recent years, voice search is quickly becoming just as important.
By incorporating voice search technology into your business now, you are future-proofing your brand and ensuring that it remains relevant and competitive in the rapidly changing digital era we live in.
Let Voice Search Technology Drive Your Business Forward
Voice search technology is increasingly becoming a staple in our daily lives, and eCommerce businesses that leverage this tool can quickly start to outpace their competitors.
By enhancing the accessibility of your products or services through voice search, you can boost customer engagement and brand loyalty while paving the way for greater business success.
