The Future of Retail: How Voice-Enabled Shopping is Changing Web Development

Hey Google! What’s the price of the iPhone 15 Pro Max?" Or maybe "Alexa, any discounts on groceries at Walmart?"

Indeed, we find ourselves at the forefront of a new commerce era—conversational commerce—a pivotal advancement in the retail landscape. It promises consumers speed, convenience, and personalized assistance, marking a transformative period in the retail space.

Voice commerce emerges as a game-changer, a trend marketers can ill afford to overlook, as it holds the potential to unlock lucrative opportunities.

Personalized assistance, once considered a luxury, now forms the bedrock of modern advertising. Voice search enables easy review of purchases, offering a streamlined alternative to the time-consuming process of typing feedback.

Accessibility spans many devices—smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, speakers, TV remotes, car navigation, and smartwatches.

The 'shop-on-the-go' multitasking approach, coupled with artificial intelligence and machine learning, positions voice search as a time-efficient and intelligent means of 'smart shopping' for brands.

Major players in the industry, such as Johnnie Walker, Nestle (GoodNes), Domino’s (Dom), and KFC (Launch/Start KFC), have embraced this evolution by incorporating unique voice search features to establish their distinctive online presence. Notably, big brands in metropolitan areas often pioneer these novel concepts.

Regardless of whether it's Android or iOS, customers globally are accessing diverse products and services. Voice recognition must be extended to comprehend regional languages, presenting brands with limitless possibilities to elevate customer experience and tap into a broader market base. Brands must focus on integrating voice technology seamlessly into routine activities, empowering customers, and driving engagement.

Voice ordering promises to enchant the future consumer experience, offering unparalleled reach and engagement. As consumers already embrace online shopping via smartphones, the added convenience of 'voice ordering' further cements this shift.

Apple’s Siri, Google’s Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Samsung Bixby, and Microsoft Cortana are pivotal in reshaping how consumers interact with the Internet. The smartphone, the primary gateway to the Internet, demands marketers' adaptation for improved sales, brand awareness, and engagement. The shift from screen-centric experiences to conversational user experiences has become inevitable.

Surprisingly, 72% of people admit to performing a voice search through a digital assistant. However, opinions among marketers diverge on the future trajectory of 'voice' technology—is it an impending revolution, or is it just overhyped?

The enchantment of voice shopping lies in its convenience, especially in scenarios such as re-ordering consumable goods, where smart speakers, typically found in or near kitchens, come into play.

Since its inception in 2011 with the introduction of Siri on the iPhone, voice technology has evolved significantly. Continuous efforts to enhance voice recognition quality and identify different voices have propelled the voice assistant industry forward.

In an era where companies aim to simplify online shopping, voice commerce is a convenient alternative to traditional input methods using a keyboard and mouse.

Voice-assisted purchases resonate particularly well with millennials, providing a seamless experience for searching and ordering products while engaged in household activities. As we navigate this evolving landscape, one thing is clear—voice commerce is not just a trend but a transformative force shaping the future of retail.

Related Blog: Elevate Your Business with Voice Search Optimization

What Is Voice Commerce?

Voice commerce, a.k.a voice-activated commerce, encompasses a sophisticated blend of tools and systems designed to empower online shoppers to interact with and purchase goods or services using vocal commands instead of traditional keyboards or touchscreens.

This innovative approach leverages the power of conversational eCommerce platforms or customized websites, creating a more engaging, human-like shopping experience for consumers.

Popular voice-activated technologies that champion this evolution are embedded in smart speaker systems. Giants in this area include Microsoft with its voice assistant Cortana, Amazon’s Alexa, and Apple's ever-familiar Siri. These systems enable users to ask questions and interact seamlessly with the technology, including product discovery and purchasing processes.

Voice commerce isn’t restricted merely to purchasing goods; it is a holistic approach that integrates every facet of a customer’s shopping experience. To illustrate, a shopper’s interaction with a voice assistant could be as follows:

• Inquiry: “Alexa, why should I get an air purifier?”

• Recommendation: “Alexa, can you suggest the top-rated air purifiers?”

• Discovery: “Alexa, list the retailers that stock air purifiers.”

• Research: “Alexa, tell me about the features of the Xyz air purifier.”

• Transaction: “Alexa, add the Xyz air purifier to my shopping cart.”

Voice technologies offer a variety of functionalities to users. They can dive deep into product catalogs, pose nuanced queries, verify product ratings, check stock availability, finalize purchases, and submit product testimonials—all with simple voice commands.

Ultimately, this creates a more streamlined, immersive, and hands-free shopping experience, elevating user satisfaction beyond traditional online shopping formats.

Okay, Siri, How Does Voice Commerce Work?

Voice ordering operates through voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Siri, Microsoft Cortana, and Google Assistant. These technologies utilize natural language processing (NLP) software to understand what a customer says and initiate an action.

NLP is a form of artificial intelligence (AI) that learns as it analyzes data. For instance, with AI-enabled voice technology, a smart speaker or voice ordering system can learn a customer's preferences by analyzing past orders and search history. The technology can then make recommendations and facilitate easy voice reordering.

In reality, various types of voice commerce trends define precisely how voice commerce functions. In the case of customer usage, it entirely depends on their requirements. Here, we will discuss some of those needs.

Read Also: The Power of AI in Digital Marketing: Strategies for Success

1. You want a Virtual Voice Assistant Device:

   This may include smartphones or voice-controlled devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home.

2. You want to Activate a device simply by giving a command:

   You can give a command for every function. However, that device must recognize that the user gives a specific command. So, you need to address all commands to your virtual assistant. For example, if you use an iPhone, you should give a command starting with "Hey Siri."

3. You want to use an Action Word:

   Simply giving the voice assistant device a command won't suffice. You must use an action word or a verb in your command. For example, "Hey Siri, order XYZ." This will enable Siri to complete your request.

4. Be Mindful of Your Tones:

   You might not have expected this, but it is the most crucial aspect of dealing with voice search technology. When giving commands to your assistant device, it is recommended that you speak clearly and in the right tone. The technology assistant will only provide output based on what it recognizes as input from your command.

The proliferation of digital voice assistants is anticipated to reach 8 billion active units by the close of 2023, a substantial increase compared to the 2019 figures. In the swiftly evolving landscape of eCommerce trends, voice commands are gaining considerable traction.

As an online business proprietor, it is imperative not to overlook this trend, especially considering that 20% of Google searches are now initiated through voice queries. Given this context, the question arises: Is embracing the voice shopping market trend worth it? Let's delve into the advantages of optimizing your website or app for voice search queries.

1. Elevated Customer Experience Through Personalized Online Shopping

   The voice search feature ensures users experience a personalized shopping journey from the outset. Voice-enabled solutions enrich the shopping experience by providing tailored recommendations based on individual preferences.

   For instance, a person utilizing AmazonFresh for daily shopping through Alexa can benefit from an Alexa skill that suggests items aligned with their dietary preferences.

   Digital assistants have revolutionized eCommerce, introducing innovative solutions such as Sephora's virtual artist, which identifies customers' skin tone and facial features to recommend suitable products, and H&M's virtual stylist, offering personalized outfit suggestions.

2. Augment Brand Awareness Through Seamless Shopping

   When consumers purchase from a particular brand, they seek a connection with the company, aspiring for its products or services to integrate seamlessly into their daily lives. Voice-activated assistants emerge as invaluable assets, particularly for businesses targeting the younger generation, known for their swift adoption of new technologies.

   The voice search capability aids in identifying shopping behaviors and habits, enabling voice assistants to swiftly assist consumers, ensuring they don't overlook any items, and providing apt recommendations for a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience.

3. Enhance SEO Strategies

   Consumer needs and shopping behaviors always change in the dynamic market. Refining keywords and optimizing search engine strategies to match current online searches is essential to keep up.

   Although Google doesn't disclose specific data on keywords for voice SEO, conducting in-depth keyword research and including long-tail keywords can help users associate your online business with their queries. Additionally, it's highly recommended to have strong local SEO to attract new customers, regardless of the voice search device used.

4. Streamline Collection of Customer Reviews

   Voice search users can effortlessly share feedback, rendering the reviews more meaningful and authentic. Virtual assistants are designed to ask specific questions and ratings. As consumers utilize their voice, the review process becomes expedited and more convenient, eliminating the need for typing and login procedures.

5. Time-Efficient Shopping

   Typing speed averages 30 to 35 words per minute, while voice search processing can handle almost 100 words per minute. The adoption of voice search encourages users to communicate swiftly, leading to more timely results.

   This approach seamlessly resonates with users, allowing them to shop while multitasking in cleaning, cooking, or driving activities.

How to Prepare Your eCommerce Website for Voice Search

We firmly believe in the promising future of voice commerce, a trend set to transform the online shopping landscape. In an era where interacting with mobile devices and smart speakers is the norm, people are increasingly seeking rapid results to meet their online shopping needs. How can you effectively ready your eCommerce website for the age of voice search?

• Site Speed Optimization:

  Ensuring a swift mobile page loading time is critical for Google rankings and customer satisfaction. If your website takes more than 3 seconds to load, the voice search app may struggle to retrieve the complete information. For comprehensive insights into optimizing website speed and understanding its significance, delve into our blog.

• Schema Markups:

  Search engines rely on schema markups (structured data) to comprehend the content on your website. Employing structured data provides a competitive advantage and enhances keyword rankings. It's essential to note that schema markups are tailored for search engines and the search bar, remaining invisible to your website's visitors.

• Search Queries:

  Voice search queries closely mimic natural language, with approximately 70% of Google Assistant queries expressed conversationally. In contrast to typed searches focusing on keywords, voice searches tend to be more natural and conversational. Integrating long-tail keywords into your voice search optimization strategy is highly recommended.

• Local Listings:

  Ensure your company boasts a comprehensive local business listing, encompassing a Google Business profile and visibility across online directories. Voice assistants prioritize online listings over displaying results for local businesses.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page:

  Establishing an FAQ page is a straightforward yet effective method to incorporate natural language into your content. Aligning your writing with the conversational tone users adopt in voice searches establishes a connection between voice search users and the content on your website.

  Elevate your website by seamlessly incorporating main keywords within a natural language context.

• Optimize for Featured Snippets:

  Featured snippets are highlighted content displayed by search engines to address user queries. These snippets offer insights into your website's content, elevating your website to the top of search results to address specific generic questions effectively. This strategy enhances organic traffic and broadens your customer base.

How Will Voice Ordering Impact E-commerce in the Future?

As more individuals embrace voice ordering, its usage is poised to increase. New technologies also advance voice interactions, making them more sophisticated, secure, and convenient. For instance, by leveraging ChatGPT, e-commerce businesses can enhance the user experience by providing personalized interactions and shopping suggestions.

Several brands, including our client, Next Level Apparel, utilize chat features seamlessly integrating with voice to elevate the overall customer experience.

Furthermore, technology is fortifying the security of voice systems and simplifying integration with e-commerce platforms. Presently, merchants can integrate with tools like Blutag Alexa Notifications, facilitating the creation of customized Alexa Skills. This empowers customers to place orders through your website using a voice ordering system.

Feast Your Eyes on Case Studies of Voice Search in Online Shopping!

Numerous retail brands are enhancing their business strategies by integrating voice search features. Below are four prominent brands that have successfully established their unique online presence.

1. Burger King

   When it comes to innovation, Burger King stands out. The phrase "OK, Google, what is the Whopper burger?" garnered attention when featured in a 15-second television spot. Despite the inability to differentiate between consumers' voices and television audio, Google Home devices began informing listeners about Burger King's Whopper burger.

   This unconventional approach proved successful, and the campaign gained widespread popularity, showcasing the company's adeptness at leveraging voice search technology.

2. Domino’s

   Domino’s Pizza introduced a voice assistant feature named Dom, designed to automate pizza orders over the phone for a convenient and swift customer experience. Dom not only takes orders from users but also checks their order status. This initiative aligns with Domino’s strategy to transition to 100% digital operations soon.

3. Nestlé

   In 2017, this global brand launched its GoodNes Alexa skill, providing a visual voice browsing experience for customers who enjoy cooking. The Alexa device assists customers in enhancing their culinary skills with voice and visual guidance. GoodNes offers a visual guide that runs on Safari or Chrome on both desktop and mobile devices.

4. Patrón Tequila

   The tequila brand collaborates with various virtual assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Google voice search devices, to deliver Patron Cocktail Lab recipes, how-to videos, tips, and recommendations to their target audience through expert bartenders via voice activation.

   Patrón has even introduced its AI-enabled chatbot known as Bot-tender. This tool suggests cocktail recipes and ideas to customers on social media messengers like Twitter and Facebook.

Final Thoughts:

In a nutshell, the future of online buying is shaped by v-commerce, which has a massive impact on people's shopping. It's not just about making things easier and more enjoyable for shoppers; v-commerce is being compared to a giant wave transforming how we buy things online.

Many businesses have started using voice shopping to enhance their services. This technology allows customers to converse with their shopping cart and express their needs without clicking or typing. Voice shopping is transforming the shopping experience in shops, restaurants, and grocery delivery services, making it effortless for customers to receive what they want.

What if businesses could communicate directly with customers and instantly comprehend their requirements?

A more personal connection between a business and its customers is possible through voice shopping. It's similar to having an amiable conversation with a shopkeeper, but online. This approach can give businesses a competitive edge over their rivals who do not use it.

It's like having a genial conversation that only leads to finding the right product!

As the use of voice commands continues to rise in the digital world, businesses must be aware and take action. The message is straightforward: they must adopt the trend of voice-based shopping and prepare for a future where customers will use their voices to buy products and services instead of relying on their fingers.

Voice ordering is becoming progressively user-friendly and popular. As voice-activated systems and AI-enabled software for processing voice data advance, voice interactions will become even more streamlined.

You can seamlessly incorporate voice ordering into your e-commerce shopping experience today. You can allow customers to order your products using just their voice by integrating with voice tools, incorporating chatbot capabilities, leveraging Alexa Skills, and implementing creative e-commerce customizations.

Establishing an online presence is straightforward, but developing a high-quality, optimized eCommerce website without compromising quality, functionality, and design demands dedication and effort. Regardless of your business's scale or status, staying informed about eCommerce trends and finding the right partner for implementation is vital.

Contact us today to explore how the web development experts at jaymehta.co can assist you in harnessing the power of voice technology for your eStore.

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