You don’t even realise it, but the way we shop has already changed. While brands obsess over social media strategies, ad spending, and UI tweaks, the most disruptive shift in e-commerce is happening right under their noses, and it has nothing to do with screens.
Voice commerce, the ability to buy products using nothing but spoken commands, is transforming online shopping at a speed most businesses aren’t ready for. Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri aren’t just handling weather updates anymore. They’re curating shopping lists, making purchases, and even recommending better deals.
If your e-commerce site isn’t optimised for voice search, you’re about to become invisible in a multi-billion-dollar industry. Let’s fix that.
The Hidden Side of Voice Commerce (That No One Talks About)
Marketers love to say "optimise for long-tail keywords" and "focus on conversational phrases" when it comes to voice search. But that’s entry-level advice. Here’s what no one tells you:
1. Voice Search Users Skip Browsing Altogether
With traditional search, users scan multiple results, compare options, and make decisions based on visuals. With voice commerce, they’re asking one question, getting one answer, and making a purchase instantly.
This means:
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If you’re not in position zero (the featured result), you don’t exist.
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The traditional SEO approach of ranking in the top five is useless for voice.
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Users don’t see your beautiful product images or branding; the AI assistant makes the choice for them.
2. Brand Loyalty Is Dying in Voice Search
Consumers who normally swear by their favourite brands are letting voice assistants decide for them.
Example:
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A customer used to buy “Nike running shoes” from a website.
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With voice search, they now say: “Buy the best running shoes under £100.”
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The AI selects whichever brand ranks highest for that query.
If you don’t optimise for this purchase-driven voice intent, you’ll lose customers who previously searched for you directly.
3. AI Assistants Are the New Gatekeepers of Search
Google and Amazon aren’t just answering voice queries; they’re deciding who gets the sale.
They prioritise:
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Products with strong structured data.
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Listings with high conversion rates: AI favours results that historically lead to purchases.
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Retailers with fast delivery: Amazon prioritises Prime-eligible items in voice searches.
So, if you’re still treating voice optimisation as just an SEO add-on, you’re already behind.
How to Fully Optimise Your E-Commerce Store for Voice Commerce
Now that you see how deep the voice commerce shift goes let’s make your store voice-search ready.
1. Get Your Products into Position Zero
The first and only result that voice assistants read aloud comes from position zero (the featured snippet). Here’s how to win it:
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Answer queries in 30 words or less. Voice assistants favour concise, direct answers.
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Use structured data markups like FAQ schema and product schema so Google fully understands your content.
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Phrase content in a natural Q&A format. Instead of “Best Running Shoes 2025,” optimise for:
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“What are the best running shoes for beginners?”
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“Which running shoes are best for long distances?”
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Google prioritises results that mimic how people actually talk.
2. Structure Product Pages for Voice Queries
Most e-commerce sites aren’t built for voice.
Your product pages should:
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Feature conversational product descriptions. Instead of a robotic, keyword-heavy description, write it like an assistant would say it:
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Bad: “Men’s black running shoes, durable, lightweight, great for all surfaces.”
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Good: “Looking for lightweight running shoes that work on any surface? These black trainers are durable, breathable, and built for comfort.”
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Include an FAQ section with natural language questions. AI prioritises pages that directly answer user queries.
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Use bullet points for quick answers. AI prefers structured content that’s easy to extract.
3. Optimise for “Near Me” and Local Voice Search
Voice searches are three times more likely to be local than text searches. If you sell physical products or operate in multiple locations, optimise for location-based queries:
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Claim and optimise your Google My Business listing.
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Use phrases like “Where can I buy [product] near me?” on your site.
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Offer same-day or fast delivery; Google prioritises businesses that offer speed.
Amazon and Google prioritise convenience. If you can deliver faster than competitors, you win more voice search sales.
4. Get Your Products into Amazon’s Buy Box
For Amazon voice searches, the Buy Box winner gets the sale.
To win it:
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Keep prices competitive: Amazon prefers the lowest price among trusted sellers.
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Ensure fast shipping: Prime-eligible products get priority.
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Maintain high customer ratings: Products with 4.5 stars and up are favoured.
If your products aren’t Amazon’s top pick, they won’t be recommended for voice purchases.
5. Focus on Conversational Commerce
Voice commerce isn’t just about being found; it’s about engaging users conversationally.
Enable chatbots and voice assistants on your site so users can:
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Ask questions about your products.
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Get tailored recommendations.
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Complete purchases without clicking through multiple pages.
The goal is zero friction. If a customer has to stop and manually search, you’ve lost them.
The Future of Voice Commerce
Voice search is moving beyond basic purchases. Soon, AI assistants will:
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Auto-order products based on usage patterns. Your fridge will order milk before you even realise you’re out.
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Compare prices in real time. Google Assistant will scan multiple retailers and auto-select the cheapest option.
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Customise recommendations based on past behaviour. Voice assistants will remember what you like and refine search results accordingly.
Brands that don’t adapt now will find themselves completely removed from the shopping journey.
Voice Search Is a Goldmine - If You’re Ready
Voice commerce isn’t the future; it’s already happening. If you’re still treating voice search as an afterthought, you’re handing your customers to competitors who understand its power. The e-commerce game has changed. Adapt now, or get left behind.
Want a voice-search-ready e-commerce strategy that drives sales? Visit Our Studio, and let’s optimise your business for the future.