Thanks to voice eCommerce, more consumers are using voice assistants to shop.
Ecommerce companies are in a unique position. They must appeal to consumer demands and apply the latest technology to their business model. That’s because the eCommerce market must evolve to match the demands of the modern person.
In 2023 and the future, one of the biggest tech-centric eCommerce trends is the rise of voice eCommerce.
With more consumers using voice assistants, users favor voice eCommerce (often called V-Commerce) compared to traditional shopping methods. Between 2021 and 2023, V-Commerce grew by 321.74%, and that spike is predicted to increase in the future.
But what is V-Commerce? And how can businesses use it in their marketing and advertising strategies? Here’s how and why you should use V-Commerce.
Overview of V-Commerce
Voice eCommerce (V-Commerce) is the act of ordering products digitally via voice–usually by speaking to a digital assistant. This is especially popular among Alexa users since Amazon owns the voice assistant.
Let’s say you’re in the bathroom and realize you need more hand soap. All you need to do is say, “Alexa, order more hand soap.” Alexa will look into your Amazon order history to find the exact one you want or will suggest additional hand soaps.
Why Add Voice Ecommerce to Your Strategy
70% of consumers are already using voice eCommerce instead of shopping online or going to brick-and-mortar stores. But this isn’t the only reason you should add voice eCommerce to your strategy.
Convenience
Why go to the store or even walk to your desktop when you can order products using your voice? That’s why convenience is the main reason consumers use voice eCommerce–and why businesses should add it to their strategy.
Thanks to voice assistants, shopping is easier than ever. Since speaking is faster than typing, buyers can order what they need or want in a matter of seconds.
If sellers streamline the buying experience and tailor their products for voice search, consumers will be more likely to purchase from their stores.
Rise of Digital Assistants
Digital assistants are everywhere–so much so that 36.6% of Americans use one. If you use an iPhone, you’re likely familiar with Siri. Samsung users can use Bixby, a similar voice assistant. Alexa is a popular voice assistant, but so is Google Home.
No matter what your assistant is called, this tech has one thing in common: they’re all voice-activated devices that can help you shop, control your home, answer questions, call loved ones, set reminders, and more.
Nowadays, users have no reason to tap. Whether on their phone or at home, voice assistants are everywhere and can assist users in any way they need to. Users ask questions or pose a command, and their voice assistant responds.
Nearly all major retailers offer some type of voice shopping benefit. Amazon’s competitor Walmart also introduced Walmart Voice. This tool is powered by Siri, so iPhone users can shop at Walmart with voice alone.
More Personalization
Very few pieces of tech know users better than voice assistants. After all, they’re answering questions, searching queries on Google, and helping users find local spots. Therefore, creating a voice eCommerce strategy is a simple way to create more personalization.
How can voice eCommerce improve personalization? Referring to the previous example, Alexa recommended hand soap to the user based on their purchase history. Alexa will note what you like to buy, from which brands, and at general price points.
These factors will improve the buying experience for customers, saving time and enhancing personalization.
How to Optimize Your eCommerce Site for Voice Search
After reading this guide, eCommerce owners may think Alexa and other voice assistants will do all the hard work for them. However, brands must still optimize their store and product listings for voice search for eCommerce and advertising to generate the best results.
Write Product Descriptions the Way They’re Spoken
Voice search has changed the way we approach all content creation, ad copy, and product descriptions are no different. To attract more attention from shoppers, brands must tap into voice search in eCommerce. And this tech is looking for product descriptions optimized for voice.
The best way to do this is to write product descriptions how they would be spoken. This means your product descriptions should have more of a conversational quality than an educational one.
That said, conversational product descriptions are longer than normal and write more like a narrative. At the same time, they should remain on-topic with your products and brand.
Semantics Over Keywords
All skilled eCommerce writers know the power of SEO. Previously, keywords were what generated results. Now, writers need to craft product descriptions and video descriptions with semantics to rank in voice search eCommerce queries.
Why do semantics dominate keywords in voice search? Since semantics adds meaning to what we say, this approach will resonate more in spoken form than when reading the content. The key is to add value and let that be your main selling driver.
Plus, using semantics in product descriptions and titles will target the buyer’s context rather than the exact queries they’re entering. This will make your contact sound more human and will better attract both voice devices and buyers.
Answer Questions
While many voice assistant users may be completing actions, others want their questions answered. To better meet voice shoppers’ needs, you can answer questions related to your brand or products in your description.
For example, a user may be planning to attend their first wedding and be unsure what dress to buy. They may ask their voice assistant, such as “What’s the best dress to wear to a wedding?” or, “Can you list me some wedding dress ideas?”
By answering these questions, you not only trigger keywords but also synonyms that may be in the user’s query.
Since users may pose questions in different ways, answering the “who, what, when, where, and why” of a query will make your content more valuable, and you’ll have an easier time converting buyers.
Where Is Voice Ecommerce Most Effective?
While many brands are implementing voice into their strategy, there are two marketplaces that eCommerce companies should prioritize.
Amazon
It should be no surprise that Amazon is number one for voice in eCommerce. Its voice assistant, Alexa, has a 66% market share in the US, making it one of the most popular devices in the country.
Since Amazon owns Alexa, this device can assist your customers in the buying process. It can create shopping lists and even purchase products directly.
Alexa can access your past purchase history and list and recommend products based on buying behaviors.
Walmart
As stated previously, Walmart Voice links to Siri and Google Assistant. This way, you can add items to your Walmart shopping cart by speaking to your voice assistant of choice.
Like Alexa, Walmart Voice can also access your past purchase history.
Add Voice Ecommerce to Your Strategy
Voice eCommerce is becoming a necessary strategy for online stores. With more users shopping online, especially on Amazon and Walmart, eCommerce companies must make the buying process easier for these consumers.
But there are other ways to increase sales and expedite business growth. With our Accelerator plan, you’ll access a dedicated team who will unlock your full potential on Amazon and other eCommerce marketplaces.
We do this by improving your marketing and advertising efforts, optimizing your store with OTT ads and more. Click here to learn more about our services.
Author
Stephanie Jensen has been writing e-commerce content for seven years, and her copy has helped numerous stores rank on Amazon. Follow her on LinkedIn for more insight into freelance writing and creating high-quality content.
