Voice-Search Optimization and Your Business

In case you needed a new acronym to add to your repertoire, I present to you VSO. If you don’t already know what this stands for, you will soon, as will the rest of the world. VSO or Voice-Search Optimization is taking the world by storm. It is likely that you already own and use this technology; Think of Alexa, Google Home, Siri, and Bixby, to name a few. As technological change continues to make our lives easier, though sometimes a bit more complex, this new technology allows users to simply speak commands rather than typing on a keyboard or screen. How much easier can it get? While this may be an exciting new feature on your mobile device or an unexpected gift from an in-law, the implications of VSO are widespread, ranging from everyday life to the realm of business; even privacy concerns. So, what does VSO have to do with your business? The answer is – an awful lot. The next question is – are you ready for it?

From a business standpoint, VSO provides a whole new world of opportunity for those looking to capitalize on an emerging market. There is a wide-open field for startups to run in many directions with this multifaceted technology. Take shopping for an example. Currently, 37% Millennials report that they usually shop by voice. For businesses, this capability is attractive to consumers, so to latch on early could give your business an edge on the competition. Another big-time market is in homebuilding and construction. With Amazon going all in with its Alexa VSO, many home-building companies will be able to get their piece of the pie by constructing Amazon-connected homes capable of integrating technologies like voice-operated lighting, garage doors, security, digital assistants, and more. At the end of the day, if you are a business owner, you want to be thinking about optimizing voice-search for your business, being that it is becoming the primary method for searching and finding goods and services.

Now let us take a look at how VSO affect your personal business. With the ease of access which comes with VSO technology, there are also looming security concerns. Whether or not these deter you from fully integrating into a VSO lifestyle, it is important to be mindful of the risks. These technologies do record conversations, they are listening for commands after all. It would be a good practice to learn about the implications of such technology before diving in with your clothes on. However, the pros with VSO may prove to greatly outweigh the cons. Think of a perfectly hands-free interface in your car, increasing road safety, and the gains from inherent multitasking capabilities; Or the benefits of having your own personal assistant, capable of managing your busy life. Ultimately, this new technology is exciting and opens many doors for both your personal and professional business.

Source:

https://www.inc.com/magazine/201906/amy-webb/voice-search-optimization-alexa-smart-speaker-retail-shopping.html