Retailers to invest in machine learning and voice search

washing machine warQueryClick’s new CMO Performance Report 2018, has found a significant number of retailers plan to invest in technology including machine learning and voice search to spruce up their digital marketing campaigns.

The report, which includes a survey of over 150 Chief Marketing Officers for UK consumer brands found that 66 percent of CMOs for large retail brands have plans to invest in machine learning to enhance their digital marketing strategies within the next year.

The survey also found that over half of retailers will invest in voice search technology within the next 12 months. By 2019, the voice recognition market is predicted to be a $601 million industry, and its value is set to accelerate even further as research predict half of all searches will be voice searches by 2020.

Overall, 75 percent  of CMOs said their brand will change its SEO strategy to ensure it appears in voice-led search results. Of those, 43 percent said they would do this within the next year.  And 32 percent said they would make the changes in a year

Only three percent of brands surveyed have already adapted their SEO strategies to ensure their brand appears in voice-led search results, despite consumers already making 50 billion voice searches per month today.

Another growing trend, the study found that retailers will continue to invest in influencer marketing to promote their brand and products. 63 percent of CMOs for large retailers said they will be investing in influencer marketing within the next 12 months. This follows reports that influencer marketing grew by 198 percent  in 2017.