Why businesses need a voice

Voice search is a speech recognition technology that translates a user’s spoken query into text, processes it, and transmits it to search robots, and then returns the results. Artificial intelligence functions are used to select the appropriate answers to a user’s query.

Usually, the software is activated by a phrase, for example, “Okay, Google…” Or by asking: “Siri, what’s the weather forecast for tomorrow?” Voice search works on a large number of devices and operating systems: Android, iOS, Windows, etc.

Setting up and using voice typing is very simple, so the number of people using this feature is increasing exponentially. According to statistics from Data Reportal, about 20% of people worldwide use voice search. The voice assistant market is expected to grow to almost $27 billion by 2030.

The technology has firmly established itself in everyday life. Developers aren't stopping there: Google's Hummingbird algorithm, for example, helps search engines better understand nonstandard queries, complex phrases, and slurred speech. As voice input capabilities expand, companies must adapt to the modern reality.

Voice search has become part of everyday life: with it, we quickly get answers to questions, build routes, find products, order a taxi. It is especially relevant for people who use a phone most of the time, not a computer. PAnDiKubiz company analyzes what voice search is and why it is needed for business.

Why voice queries are so popular
Firstly, people formulate questions more accurately orally than in writing, say experts at PAnDiKubiz marketing. The wording is more detailed, so search engines provide higher-quality results. People find it easier to communicate using words rather than expressing their thoughts in text.

Secondly, voice input is available not only when you are in close proximity to the device. You can quickly get the information you need even while driving or when your hands are busy. If a user is in a hurry, it is more convenient for them to say a few phrases by voice than to stop and type text.

In addition, voice search is convenient for people with impaired vision. There is no need to set up a huge keyboard on devices: voice assistants will answer any spoken request.

People who use voice search to find a service or an object near them. There is a peculiarity: for queries like "grocery store near me" devices will bring up only the stores closest to the user. Even if a little further there is a supermarket with low prices, a large assortment and a convenient location. Therefore, promotion in voice search will be useful for local businesses where location is important.

In particular:

• offline stores and services. If a person needs to buy a specific product or receive a service, the voice assistant will speed up the search process. Users do not need to go to the site, as they need information about contact details, addresses;
• cafes and restaurants. Especially in tourist areas. If a person needs a snack, then the choice will fall on the nearest establishment;
• delivery services. Speed is also important here. People need everything at once, so they are looking for someone who will quickly deliver restaurant food, groceries, parcels, etc.;
• taxis. To call a taxi, you only need contact information. Therefore, it is beneficial to get on the first page of search results;
• for online stores. Voice assistants can add products to the cart, make purchases, and recommend other products to customers based on their purchase history (for example, this is what Alexa from Amazon does). Speed and personalization captivate users.

In the following publications on the PAnDiKubiz blog, we will share tips on how to optimize a company's website for voice search.