“Alexa, order my favourite moisturiser.”
“Siri, where can I buy running shoes near me?”

Voice commerce also known as vCommerce is transforming the way consumers interact with brands. Driven by the rise of smart speakers, AI voice assistants and mobile voice search, this hands-free shopping method is quickly becoming a cornerstone of the modern eCommerce experience.

In this post, we’ll explore the rise of voice commerce, the AI technologies powering it and how your eCommerce business can prepare for a future where search is spoken, not typed.

What is Voice Commerce?

Voice commerce refers to the use of voice commands via smart assistants or devices to search for, research and purchase products online. Popular AI powered voice assistants include:

– Amazon Alexa
– Google Assistant
– Apple Siri
– Microsoft Cortana
– Samsung Bixby
These assistants enable users to carry out tasks such as reordering items, checking prices and even completing full purchases without ever touching a screen.

Why Voice Commerce is Gaining Momentum

1. Convenience is King:
Shoppers can now search, compare, and buy products while cooking, driving or exercising. Voice commerce removes friction from the buying process, especially on mobile.

2. Growth of Smart Devices:
There are now more than 200 million smart speakers globally. With the rise of smart homes, voice is becoming a natural part of daily life.

3. The Next Generation of Shoppers:
Younger consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials are embracing voice search faster than any other group. They expect their shopping experience to be as conversational as the rest of their digital life.

The Role of AI in Voice Commerce

Voice commerce wouldn’t exist without Artificial Intelligence. AI powers:

1. Natural Language Processing (NLP):
This allows voice assistants to understand spoken language, detect context and deliver accurate results even with varied accents or phrasings.

2. Machine Learning:
Over time, AI learns a user’s shopping habits, preferences and patterns offering smarter suggestions and automating repeat purchases.

3. Personalisation:
Voice assistants can tailor recommendations, remember favourites and alert customers to deals or stock updates all through conversational cues.

Examples of Voice Commerce in Action

– Amazon Alexa reorders your last purchase of coffee filters with a simple voice command.
– Google Assistant suggests nearby stores when asked, “Where can I buy this locally?”
– Siri responds to “Find me black leather boots under £100” with web and app search results.
Voice commerce extends from home speakers to mobile apps, wearables, cars and Iot devices anywhere voice interfaces exist.

Optimising Your eCommerce Store for Voice Search

1. Use Conversational Keywords:
Voice searches are longer and more natural than typed ones. Instead of “men’s jackets UK”, someone might say, “Where can I buy affordable men’s winter jackets in the UK?”

Focus on:
– Long tail keywords
– Question based phrases (“how”, “where”, “best”)
– Natural sounding content

2. Optimise for Featured Snippets:
Many voice assistants pull answers from Google’s featured snippets. Structure your content to answer common questions clearly and concisely.

Use headers like:
– What is the best shampoo for oily hair?
– How to choose the right yoga mat?
– Where can I buy organic coffee beans online?

3. Improve Site Speed and Mobile UX:
Voice searches often lead to mobile click throughs. A slow loading or poorly optimised mobile site will hurt both conversions and rankings.

Ensure your site is:
– Fast (under 3 seconds load time)
– Mobile friendly
– Easy to navigate with clear CTAs

Voice Ordering Integrations

If you sell through platforms like Amazon or Google Shopping, your products may already be voice searchable. But there’s more you can do:
– Integrate with Alexa Skills or Google Actions for repeat ordering and product discovery
– Create branded voice experiences for customer support or FAQs
– Enable voice search in your mobile app or store using APIs

Voice Commerce and Accessibility

Voice commerce isn’t just a trend, it’s a tool for inclusion. Voice interfaces:
– Help visually impaired users shop independently
– Allow mobility impaired users to complete purchases without typing
– Enhance usability for elderly shoppers unfamiliar with typing or screen navigation
Brands that adopt voice tech are often seen as more innovative and customer centric.

Challenges and Considerations

1. Trust and Security:
Consumers may hesitate to complete purchases via voice due to concerns about privacy or accidental orders. Ensure clear security measures and opt-in confirmations.

2. Product Visuals:
Voice lacks visual confirmation. Some categories (like fashion) may still rely on images. Use voice commerce for replenishable, well known or low risk items.

3. Voice Commerce Isn’t One Size Fits All:
Not every product or audience will convert via voice yet. Start small, test use cases and expand based on customer adoption.

Voice Commerce Trends to Watch

– Voice Search Ads: Expect Google and Amazon to introduce more voice targeted advertising
– Voice Shopping Analytics: New tools are emerging to help brands track voice driven customer journeys
– Multimodal Experiences: Voice will increasingly combine with visual search and AR to offer immersive shopping

Final Thoughts

Voice commerce is not a passing trend, it’s a fundamental shift in how people search, shop and interact with brands. As voice assistants grow more intelligent and embedded in everyday life, your customers will expect voice enabled convenience from your store, too.

At eCommerceXpert, we help ambitious brands future proof their digital experiences whether that’s through AI, voice interfaces or emerging channels.

Ready to speak your customers’ language literally? Let’s voice enable your store.

To hands-free shopping and frictionless growth,
Myk Baxter
eCommerce Expert