Discover the power of voice commerce and how it’s changing the ecommerce landscape
As technology evolves, businesses must stay updated with the latest trends to maintain a competitive edge. One such trend transforming the ecommerce landscape is Voice Commerce, also known as V-Commerce. This powerful tool offers customers a convenient and interactive shopping experience, making it a must-have feature for online retailers. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of voice commerce, its importance, and how you can use it to stay ahead of your competition.
How Do You Use Voice Commerce?
Voice commerce is the process of using voice commands to search, browse, and purchase products online. It’s facilitated through voice-enabled devices like smartphones, smart speakers, and smart home appliances. Integrating voice commerce into your online store typically involves the following steps:
- Choose a voice assistant platform (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri)
- Research available plugins and tools for your ecommerce platform
- Install and configure the chosen plugin
- Create custom voice commands and intents
- Optimise product data for voice search
- Test and refine the voice commerce experience
By following these steps, you can offer your customers a seamless, hands-free shopping experience that sets your online store apart from the competition.
Which Retailers Use Voice Commerce?
Many retailers are beginning to embrace voice commerce to provide a more engaging shopping experience. Some notable examples include:
- Amazon: As the pioneer of voice commerce with its Alexa voice assistant, Amazon offers customers the ability to search for products, add items to their cart, and make purchases using voice commands.
- Walmart: In partnership with Google Assistant, Walmart enables its customers to create shopping lists, check item availability, and even place orders for in-store pickup or delivery using voice commands.
- Domino’s Pizza: Through its voice ordering system, Domino’s allows customers to place orders using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other voice-enabled devices.
- Officeworks: The Australian office supplies retailer, Officeworks, has integrated voice commerce using Google Assistant. Customers can ask Google Assistant for product information, check stock availability, or find the nearest Officeworks store using voice commands.
- AGL Energy: One of Australia’s leading energy companies, AGL Energy, has developed an Amazon Alexa skill that allows customers to access their account information, check their energy usage, and receive energy-saving tips using voice commands.
- NAB (National Australia Bank): NAB has developed voice-activated services for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling customers to access various banking services, such as checking account balances, receiving financial tips, and locating nearby ATMs using voice commands.
- Village Cinemas: Australian cinema chain Village Cinemas has developed an Amazon Alexa skill that allows customers to search for movie sessions, get information on upcoming films, and even make bookings using voice commands.
These examples showcase how retailers are capitalising on the potential of voice commerce to cater to their customers’ needs and preferences.
What is the Importance of Voice Commerce?
Voice commerce is essential for businesses in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world for several reasons:
- Convenience: Voice commerce offers a hands-free, effortless shopping experience, particularly appealing to busy customers or those with accessibility challenges.
- Personalisation: Voice assistants can remember user preferences and make personalised recommendations based on previous interactions, leading to a more tailored shopping experience.
- Customer engagement: The conversational nature of voice commerce fosters a deeper connection with customers, making them feel heard and understood.
- Competitive advantage: By embracing voice commerce, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and differentiate themselves from competitors who have yet to adopt this technology.
What Are the Two Drivers of Voice-Based Ecommerce?
Two primary factors are driving the growth of voice-based ecommerce:
a) The widespread adoption of voice-enabled devices: The popularity of voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri has led to a surge in voice-enabled devices, including smart speakers, smartphones, and home appliances. As more consumers become familiar with and reliant on voice technology, the demand for voice-enabled shopping experiences increases.
b) Advancements in AI and NLP: Artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) technologies have improved significantly in recent years. These advancements enable voice assistants to understand and respond to user commands more accurately and efficiently, making voice commerce a more viable and reliable option for online shopping.
Voice commerce is an ecommerce trend poised to reshape how consumers shop online. By embracing this technology and integrating it into your online
