Let’s be real: Voice assistants aren’t just for setting reminders or asking about the weather anymore. These days, “Alexa, order more coffee” or “Hey Google, where can I get sneakers nearby?” are totally normal things people say, and they actually expect a helpful answer.
If you’re a business owner, you might be wondering: How do I get in on this voice commerce trend without hiring a team of tech wizards or drowning in complicated jargon? Good news: It’s way simpler than you think. Let’s break it down, minus the headache.
So, What’s Voice Commerce Anyway?
In plain English, voice commerce (a.k.a. v-commerce) is just shopping by talking. Instead of clicking around a website, your customers use their voice to buy what they want. No screens. No typing. Just, “Hey Siri, buy more dish soap,” and it’s done.
And this isn’t some far-off future, the stats say nearly half of U.S. shoppers have already tried it, and that number is shooting up everywhere.
Voice Selling, As Simple as Talking to a Friend
Good news: You don’t have to be a tech genius. The biggest voice assistants, Alexa, Siri, and Google, do most of the heavy lifting.
Here’s the easiest way to get started:
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List Your Stuff Where They’re Listening: If you sell on Amazon or Walmart, your products are pretty much already “voice ready.” People can ask their assistant, place an order, and boom, you make a sale.
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Tweak Your Product Descriptions: Voice assistants love simple, conversational language. Think about how your customer would actually ask for your product out loud. Make your descriptions sound natural, answer common questions, and use full phrases like “best gluten-free pancake mix” instead of awkward keyword piles.
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Be a Local Hero: Got a physical store? Google My Business is your best friend. Optimizing your listing helps when people say things like, “Hey Google, bakery near me.”
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Don’t Stress About Fancy Apps: Unless you have a huge catalog or want to build something custom (like subscriptions or reorder alerts), you can probably skip building a whole Alexa Skill or Google Action at first. Most businesses see great results just by focusing on being visible in voice searches.
Real Tips From Real People (Not Robots)
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Highlight Your Everyday Top Sellers: People use voice for stuff they buy all the time, think coffee, household cleaners, snacks. Make sure your essentials are easy to find and sound good spoken out loud.
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Keep It Conversational: Imagine someone standing in their kitchen and saying, “Alexa, order dog food.” Write your product copy so that it feels natural when spoken.
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Rock Your Ratings: Voice assistants prefer recommending products that are highly rated and ship fast. Keep your reviews glowing and your orders speedy.
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Test It Yourself: Seriously, try ordering your own products using your phone or smart speaker. What happens? Tweak your listings until the process feels smooth and effortless.
And a Few Things You Can Ignore
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Don’t Overthink It: No need to invent wild new technology.
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Don’t Assume Voice is Just for “Techies”: Voice shopping is universal. Busy parents, seniors, folks who hate typing, pretty much everyone likes simple, hands-free shopping.
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Don’t Talk Like a Robot: Use real human language. If you wouldn’t say it, don’t write it.
Bottom Line
Voice commerce isn’t scary or complicated, it’s just a super convenient way for customers to shop. Start simple, focus on clear and conversational listings, and let Alexa, Siri, and Google help you do the rest.
Ready to make your business the first thing people hear when they say, “Hey Alexa, order…”? Let’s chat! Our team will help you get discovered in voice searches and turn everyday conversations into sales.
Contact us today and let’s make your brand the talk of the smart speaker!