Everyone dreads having to call customer service. It often involves long wait times, being transferred between multiple representatives, and dealing with general frustration. But what if there was a way to avoid all of that? Voice API is providing just that.
Voice API is a technology that allows customers to interact with businesses through voice commands. This means that instead of having to wait on hold or fill out a form online, you can simply ask a question and get an answer immediately. Voice API is already being used by some of the largest companies in the world, including Google, Amazon, and Facebook, and is already present in many of our homes in the shape of voice-controlled smart speakers. And it’s only going to become more popular in the coming years with the speech-to-text market forecast expected to reach over $3,036 million by 2027.
Often, customers would prefer to speak to a human representative when they have an issue. But this is not always possible, especially if the customer service line is busy or the wait time is long. Voice API can be used in these cases to provide an automated response to customer inquiries. This not only saves the customer time but also reduces the strain on agents.
One of the most common applications of Voice API is in automated phone systems, also known as IVR (Interactive Voice Response). IVR systems are used by businesses to route customer calls to the appropriate department or representative. They can also be used to provide automated responses to common questions.
There's a convenience factor that comes with Voice API. Customers can get the information they need without having to search through a website, wait on hold, or type out a question to a representative that may not even speak their language. This is especially valuable for customers who are on the go and need hands-free assistance due to visual impairment or other disabilities.
Another advantage of Voice API is that it can be used to support multiple languages. This is helpful for businesses that receive calls from around the world or have customers that speak different languages. By using Voice API, businesses can ensure that their customers always receive a localized experience. In the middle-east, for example, most people speak Arabic as their first language - yet many businesses only offer English support. This creates a frustrating experience for the customer and may cause them to take their business elsewhere.
Arguing with a bot for a customer service representative is no one's idea of a good time. Voice API can help to reduce customer frustration by providing an automated way to answer common questions through WhatsApp or Facebook messenger. This not only saves the customer time but also reduces the strain on customer service representatives.
Another great use for Voice API is call recording. This can be used to record customer service calls for quality assurance or training purposes. It can also be used to provide a recording of the conversation in case something needs to be followed up at a later date.
It’s also possible to generate real-time text-to-speech for customer service or announcement purposes. This can be used to provide information about promotions, new products, or changes in store hours and can be done without the need for a human representative or professional voice actor.
Although Voice API has many benefits, it's important to use the features with careful consideration to avoid some potential drawbacks. Many people still highly value the personal touch that comes with speaking to a human representative, so over-reliance on automated technology such as voice API can be a turn-off for some customers. Customers with a complaint or a complex query, for example, will likely prefer to speak to someone who can empathize with their situation. Automation in this situation may not get the desired results.
Using a Voice API in the right context (such as for automated phone systems or customer service inquiries) can be a great way to improve the customer experience. However, it's important to consider the potential limitations before implementing Voice API into your business.
Voice API is a powerful tool that can be used to improve the customer experience. When used in the right context, it can provide a more convenient and personalized experience for customers and can be a great asset to your business by handling many routine tasks and allowing customer service staff to concentrate on more complex customer requirements.