It is official: we’re living in such a fast paced era, that often the technology develops faster than people get used to it. Voice Search is a shining example of the statement above: it’s something that has been available (and reasonably functional) in smartphones for a few years now. But it’s something that just now people are actually embracing – and according to some studies people are already using it full force, with some recent statistics suggesting it currently accounts for nearly half of all searches – or more, depending on the demographics. Between 2013 and 2014 the use of voice search seems to have nearly doubled! There is a strong rising trend of get used to the technology and overcoming the mental barrier of talking with a phone (most prevalent in older users).
Why people tend to use Voice Search
Simply put, it’s all about efficiency and style. The biggest reasons people claim to rely on voice search is either because “it’s cool” and “it’s the future”, but also because “it’s safer” and “helps increase efficiency” as well as because it “helps with multi-tasking”. Of course, one of the biggest reasons is because voice recognition technology performs very well these days, especially if the audio is clear (which is simple to ensure provided you talk through a headset). Those are all good reasons, when you consider it! In a way, it does equate to having a personal assistant always ready to help you get things done like a futuristic high-tech champion.
We’re just getting used to chatting with machines
Truth of the matter is: the technology has been ready for a few years, but users clearly weren’t. It’s just one of those features that people just didn’t get used to right away, probably because it felt a bit odd. Once more people start using it though, human instinct kicks in and everyone quickly adapts by repetition. You see someone talking to their phone, and suddenly it no longer feels as awkward doing the same.
Clever ways to capitalise on the voice search trend
As people get in the habit of turning to their smartphones and computers for clear, concise answers for everyday questions, this implies there will be an increased demand for this type of content in the future. In order to adapt to voice search, marketers will have to look for ways to deliver just that. It can be as simple as getting in the habit of conciseness, as opposed to teasing readers to keep reading until they find the answer they’re looking for. The trend suggests you should place the straight answer up front, then elaborate on it; by doing so, people will find your content by voice searching – and the value you deliver (coupled with a good call to action) should prompt more people to actually read through. So where is this taking us? Clearly, to a future where voicing commands to a machine feels just as natural as typing. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if within 5 to 10 years, voice becomes the default mode of searching the Internet. This will allow people to work and think even more fluidly, and somehow it’s starting to feel as though the future is now clearly past.
