How does Predictive API work?
Predictive API is an Application Programming Interface or API. That’s a piece of software that lets different applications talk to each other and share data.
It’s usually embedded in your website forms. As your customer starts typing their address, the API uses predictive text and auto-complete functions to suggest possible address matches. They don’t need to complete their full address but simply choose from the “Do you mean this address?” suggestions.
And it does that quickly and seamlessly. You get their details, and they can get on with their day.
Want to see it in action? Try the predictive address verification demo.
Why use Predictive API?
Let’s take a closer look at why you should use an address verification service like Predictive API.
Quick form entry = less drop-off
If your customer only has to type a few characters and then select their address from a list, they’re much more likely to finish than if they have to fill out several individual fields.
Easier entry leads to more sales leads, more customer engagement and less drop-offs on your site.
Greater accuracy
Mistakes are common when entering addresses. It’s easy to make typos, especially on smaller devices (hello fat fingers!). And if your customers are unfamiliar with the location, they may make mistakes with the address, such as entering ‘street’ instead of ‘road’ or typing an incorrect suburb.
Predictive API handles that with what we call ‘fuzzy matching’. It’s smart enough to make accurate predictions of what the customer actually means. So, you end up with correct information and a more satisfied customer.
Trusted data
If you’re collecting addresses for lead generation, customers entering a made-up address makes your data worthless. How useful is an incorrect address? Are they even a real customer? Can you trust the lead at all?
Having to enter a real address means you can have a higher degree of trust in your data.
Here’s how Predictive API is used
A range of industries use Predictive API for varying reasons. Here are just a few examples:
- Telecommunications. Telcos often need a customer’s address as the first step to seeing which services are available. The faster the process, the more likely they’ll complete the enquiry.
- Education. Taking enrolments for a school or registrations for a training centre requires fast, accurate address collection. Predictive API makes the process easy.
- Service and sales. Delivering services and goods to the correct address is vital for customer satisfaction. Letting customers easily choose their address without the danger of mistakes makes sense.
What you should consider before using an auto-complete address API
Unfortunately, not all address validation services are equal. There are a couple of things you should look out for when deciding.
Can you trust the data?
You need to know you can trust the addresses validated by your API. Geoscape’s API data comes from trusted state and territory governments, not crowd sourcing, so you can be sure the information is accurate and trustworthy.
How up to date is the data?
You not only need data that is accurate, it also needs to be current. In Australia, around 90,000 new addresses are created each quarter. Our API updates every day, so you always have the latest information.
Increase engagement with Geoscape’s Predictive API
Making it easy for your customers to enter their address on your website will reduce how many slip out of the sales funnel. An address validation service like Geoscape’s Predictive API, uses trusted, accurate, up-to-date data. This makes it easy for your customers and better for your business.
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Goverment
Retail and E-Commerce
Financial Services
Insurance
Telco
Real Estate
Utilities
