Say It to Slay It: Voice Shopping Takes Over

A few years ago, while visiting my relative’s home in India, I saw something that stayed with me. His five-year-old daughter, who could barely read fluently, was confidently saying, “Alexa, play my favorite song.” Within seconds, the room filled with music. She then turned to her dad and said, “Can we ask Alexa to get me new crayons?”

That moment struck me. A five-year-old had already begun to use voice technology as naturally as adults use their smartphones. This wasn’t just a convenience—it was a behavioral shift. And as someone who’s been working in eCommerce for years, I realized this was a glimpse into the future of shopping.

Today, that future is here. Voice commerce has taken the lead in reshaping how consumers interact with online businesses. By 2025, voice commerce is projected to surpass $40 billion globally, with consumers embracing voice assistants for everything from replenishing essentials to discovering new products. For businesses, this isn’t just a trend; it’s a revolution.

So, how is voice commerce shaping the future of eCommerce, and what can you do to stay ahead? Let’s explore.

Why Voice Commerce Feels So Natural

Think about it. How often do we use our voices to express what we want? Whether it’s ordering food at a café, asking a friend for a recommendation, or chatting with a customer service representative, voice communication is second nature. Technology has simply caught up to this instinct.

At Ergode, we noticed this shift with one of our acquired brands, Red Cup Living. A customer review mentioned how convenient it was to reorder their favorite party cups through Alexa. This was a game-changer for us—it highlighted how essential it is to align our products with platforms like Amazon Echo, Google Home or Apple Homepod.

Voice commerce thrives on simplicity. No screens. No scrolling. Just a few words, and your shopping list is sorted.

How Voice Commerce is Changing the Game

1. The Role of Everyday Reordering

I’ll admit—most of my weekly essentials are ordered through voice commands. It’s just so convenient! Whether I’m restocking office supplies or grabbing my favorite protein bars, voice commerce makes it effortless. At Ergode, we’ve noticed this trend firsthand through our brand, US Tech. Customers love the simplicity of saying, “Add a shoe organizer to my cart,” and having it done in seconds.

Voice commerce works exceptionally well for repeat purchases and consumables. It removes the friction of searching, browsing, and clicking—a critical advantage in today’s fast-paced world.

2. Trusting AI Recommendations

Here’s where it gets interesting. Voice assistants don’t give shoppers ten options; they give one or two. This means brands must fight for that top spot. When we onboarded our beloved Wristy Buddy, a teething toy brand, we focused on building trust through detailed product descriptions and consistent positive reviews. These factors play a huge role in how voice assistants recommend products.

3. Redefining Search Behaviour

Voice commerce isn’t about typing “best coffee maker.” It’s about asking, “Which coffee maker grinds beans and brews quickly?” The difference is conversational. Businesses need to optimize for this new form of search by using natural, question-based language.

Challenges Worth Tackling

1. No Visuals, No Problem

One of the first concerns I hear about voice commerce is the lack of visuals. After all, many people rely on images when choosing products. This is why detailed, descriptive listings are so important. If your product solves a problem, make that clear in the first sentence.

2. Privacy and Trust

Even as voice commerce grows, privacy concerns remain a hurdle. Customers want reassurance that their data is secure. At Ergode, we’ve made it a point to partner with platforms that prioritize user privacy, building confidence in the process.

Adapting Your Business for Voice Commerce

Voice commerce isn’t just about being listed on platforms like Amazon Alexa. It’s about designing your business to fit seamlessly into this new ecosystem. Here’s how we’ve done it at Ergode:

1. Optimizing for Conversational SEO:
   When setting up product listings for our brand Shalin India, we used phrases like “best handmade gifts from India” instead of simple keywords. This helped align with the way people speak to voice assistants.
2. Focusing on Repeat Purchases:
   Products that are frequently reordered, such as consumables or everyday essentials, perform exceptionally well in voice commerce. Voice commands make reordering hassle-free for customers, helping brands build loyalty.
3. Collaborating with Platforms:
   Work closely with voice commerce platforms to understand how products are ranked. Optimize listings and ratings to improve visibility and become a top recommendation for relevant queries.

Closing Thoughts: A Conversation About the Future

When I reflect on my relative’s daughter asking Alexa for crayons, it’s clear how deeply voice technology is ingrained in our lives. As business leaders, we can either see this as a challenge or an opportunity to adapt and innovate.

Voice commerce is more than a trend—it’s a shift in how we connect with customers. It’s about making their lives easier, one spoken word at a time. At Ergode, we’ve embraced this evolution, and I believe it’s just the beginning of something much bigger.

So, the question is: How is your business preparing to say it to slay it?

Regards,
Rupesh S