Imagine, you sitting on the corner sipping a hot cup of tea as your phone automatically makes those endless sales on your behalf. Sounds too good to be true? Well not anymore – Google has just launched AI-powered “Ask For Me” to make business calls and the earliest access has been given to auto repairs and nail salons in the US! Let’s get into what this new feature is, how it works and what it can do for your business?
What is “Ask for me”?
“Ask for me” is a tool designed to automate phone calls to local businesses on behalf of users. This feature, currently in pilot testing for auto repair shops and nail salons in the U.S., marks a pivotal moment in how consumers interact with service providers—and how businesses manage incoming inquiries. This is a significant leap forwardby Google in integrating AI into everyday business workflows by catering to a task that most of the companies have to manage everyday.
Also Read: Perplexity AI Mobile Assistant
How “Ask For Me” Works?
Available through Google Search Labs, “Ask For Me” allows users to request price quotes or schedule appointments by simply entering a query like “oil change near me” or “nail salons nearby.” With this feature, AI can
- Call businesses on behalf of the user, leveraging technology similar to Google Duplex (previously used for restaurant reservations).
- Summarize results, compiling quotes and availability into a single, easy-to-review interface.
- Saves time, eliminating the need for users to manually call multiple businesses.
If you are in the USA and wish to try it, here is how you can:
- Step 1: Opt in using the landing page. Here is how it looks:
- Step 2: Click on the Toggle button to activate the “Try it out button”. After clicking on “Try it out”, you will get a list of queries like:
- You can also manually enter queries like “Gas stations near me” or “nail parlours near me” and then locate the “Ask For Me” feature. Once done, you’ll see a “Get started” button. Click on it, add more details about your required service.
- Once done, Google will call businesses on your behalf, set up appointments and save you money by combining various services!
Pilot Program Focus: Auto Repairs & Nail Salons
In the initial phase, Google has rolled out the program to auto repair shops and nail salons—sectors known for high call volume and repetitive inquiries. By automating these interactions, Google aims to help these businesses with:
- Reducing user effort in comparing quotes.
- Streamlining appointment scheduling.
- Freeing up business staff to focus on core tasks rather than repetitive calls.
Maintaining Privacy & Transparency
Google emphasizes user and business control:
- Business Opt-Out: Companies can decline automated calls.
- Data Monitoring: AI interactions are reviewed by human teams to ensure quality.
- Disclosure: Recipients of automated calls are informed of the AI’s role, maintaining transparency.
How can this Help your Business?
While Google’s “Ask For Me” is currently in a pilot phase and specific costs for its use are not publicly disclosed, businesses should consider the following potential implications associated with AI phone assistant technologies:
Lowered Customer Service Costs
AI-powered call handling can reduce the need for human staff to answer routine inquiries, leading to up to a 90% reduction in customer service staffing costs.
Regional SEO Benefits
While “Ask For Me” itself may not have a direct cost, integrating it with a strong local SEO strategy can enhance online visibility. Local SEO services typically range from $400 to $2,500 per month for small businesses, depending on the scope of services. Investing in local SEO can improve search rankings and attract more customers, providing a strong return on investment.
Cost Savings from enhanced Sales
AI tools like “Ask For Me” can improve sales conversion rates through 24/7 availability and efficient handling of customer inquiries, potentially leading to faster ROI realization within 3-6 months.
Advanced Operational Efficiency
By automating calls for quotes and appointments, businesses can save time and resources, allowing staff to focus on more complex tasks. This improved efficiency can lead to faster service delivery and potentially increased revenue.
Cost of Integration and Customization
While “Ask For Me” may not require significant integration costs initially, businesses should be aware that advanced AI solutions often involve costs for customization and integration with existing systems, which can range from $5,000 to $30,000 or more.
Data Analysis on Interactions
Google monitors interactions for quality, which may provide businesses with valuable data insights at no additional cost. However, businesses using other AI tools may incur costs for advanced analytics dashboards, typically ranging from $20 to $60 per month.
What’s Next?
If this experiment by Google turns successful, then “Ask For Me” could expand to industries like healthcare, home services, or hospitality. This expansion can further blur the lines between human and AI-driven customer service, potentially reshaping call centre dynamics.
To know more about the feature checkout Google Update!
End Note
“Ask For Me” by Google is a great step toward AI-driven automation in local commerce. By easing the tasks like price comparisons and appointment booking, the tool can help to reshape consumer expectations while challenging businesses to adapt. As the pilot progresses, marketers and business owners can start to monitor its impact on customer engagement and operational efficiency before taking the final calls on complete integration into the program.
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Anu Madan has 5+ years of experience in content creation and management. Having worked as a content creator, reviewer, and manager, she has created several courses and blogs. Currently, she working on creating and strategizing the content curation and design around Generative AI and other upcoming technology.
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