Picture this: You are hurrying to get ready for work, so instead of using your phone to check the weather, set a reminder, or buy groceries, you just say, “Hey Alexa, add milk to my shopping list.” Your request is fulfilled in only a few seconds. This is not science fiction; it is the present reality in India.
Voice marketing, a relatively new marketing tactic, is sweeping India, changing the way businesses engage with customers across all product categories.
India’s Voice Boom: What’s Driving It?
India has always had a diverse range of languages and dialects, and speech technology is well-suited to bridging the gap between technology and vernacular communication. With over 700 million smartphone users and a growing reliance on virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, voice technology is gaining traction.
According to a recent KPMG research, 72% of Indian internet users prefer content in their native language, and voice assistants flawlessly fulfil this requirement. The simplicity of speaking rather than typing, particularly in non-English-speaking regions, has transformed how consumers search for products, get information, and engage with brands.
How Voice Marketing is Changing Consumer Behaviour
From Typing to Talking: Typing lengthy inquiry or browsing through complex menus will soon become outdated. For example, urban millennials ask their smart speakers for restaurant recommendations, whereas rural consumers use voice search to find local services in their regional language.
Personalised and Instantaneous:Voice technology provides a personalized touch. When a user asks “What’s the best shampoo for dry hair?” A voice assistant provides personalized responses. Brands that participate in this ecosystem have a competitive advantage by reaching customers when they are looking for solutions.
Simplifying Commerce: Voice commerce (v-commerce) is the latest buzzword. Amazon and other retailers have already taken advantage of this with voice-enabled shopping. For example, an Indian consumer can reorder household items by saying, “Alexa, order atta (flour).” This step makes shopping easier and natural.
Real Examples of Voice Marketing in Action
Tata Motors’ Voice-Activated Test Drives: Tata Motors has launched a campaign in which users may arrange test drives through Alexa or Google Assistant. This not only shortened the client journey, but also showcased the brand’s innovative approach to connecting with tech-savvy consumers.
Nestlé’s Recipe Skill on Alexa: Nestlé India introduced a voice skill to engage homemakers and food enthusiasts by offering recipes based on the items you already have at home. A simple order, “Alexa, ask Nestlé for a recipe with paneer,” generates a fascinating engaging experience.
Cadbury Celebrations’ Regional Campaign: Cadbury used voice search to promote their Diwali promotion, allowing buyers to query Google Assistant for personalized gift ideas. This worked particularly well in rural markets, where vernacular search is becoming increasingly common.
What Does This Mean for Marketers?
Speak Their Language: With consumers becoming more reliant on speech, firms must enhance their digital presence for voice search. This means focusing on conversational keywords and creating content that follows natural speech patterns.
Vernacular First: Regional language marketing is no longer optional, but rather a must. Companies who invest in vernacular speech abilities will gain access to vast, hitherto untapped customer bases in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Interactive Brand Engagement: Voice assistants are not just tools; they are buddies. Brands must go beyond revenue to create experiences. The possibilities for engaging games, useful recommendations, and voice-exclusive deals are endless.
The Future Speaks ‘Voice’
As India’s interest in speech technology grows, voice marketing will become the cornerstone of customer engagement. It’s more than just following the crowd; it’s about staying relevant in a world where people say more, type less, and expect instant results.
Brands have a clear message: the future is voice-first. So, the next time you’re brainstorming a marketing strategy, consider, “What would Alexa say?”
What are your thoughts on the emergence of voice marketing in India? Have you used voice search or a voice assistant recently?
