In recent years, voice search has emerged as a dominant force in the SEO world. With the rise of smart speakers, virtual assistants, and mobile devices, more and more people are turning to voice search as a convenient and efficient way to access information. This trend significantly impacts SEO strategies, as businesses and marketers must adapt to the changing search landscape to stay competitive.
So, what is voice search, and how is it different from traditional text-based search? How did it change the way people conduct online searches and what are the implications for SEO strategies?
We will answer all these questions in this blog and provide some helpful tips so you can be assured that your strategies are up-to-date and incorporate the latest techniques.
What is voice search?
Voice search is a smart technology that allows users to search the web using spoken language rather than typed text. Instead of typing in a query, users speak into their device, and the virtual assistant or smart speaker responds with a verbal or text written answer.
How did voice technology change search?
The shift to voice search is significant because it changes how people interact with search engines. Voice searches tend to be more conversational and natural-sounding than typed queries, often including long-tail keywords that reflect how people speak. For example, someone might type “best cheesecake in New York” into a search engine, but when using voice search they’re more likely to say something like, “Hey Siri, where can I find the best cheesecake in New York City?”
This change in the way people search has important implications for SEO strategies. So,
let’s check out some ways that voice search impacts the world of SEO.
How do you adapt your strategy for voice search and SEO?
Although often ignored, the growing importance of voice search in SEO is clearly evident. Rather than simply typing a search term into Google, more and more people are using their voice to interact with their devices and conduct online searches. With the impressive accuracy of these devices, it has become easier to speak than type when searching the net.
So, how do you adapt your SEO strategies for voice search? SEO experts recommend the following:
1. Optimize for featured snippets.
One of the key ways that businesses can optimize their content for voice search is by aiming to earn featured snippets. Featured snippets are the boxes that appear at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs), providing a quick answer to the user’s query. Because virtual assistants often read out the featured snippet in response to a voice search, earning one of these coveted spots can significantly increase the visibility of a website.
Here’s how you can optimize for featured snippets:
- Prioritize creating content that answers frequently asked questions clearly and succinctly.
- Target long-tail keywords that reflect how people speak, and frame your answers in a conversational tone.
- Be sure to include content with subheadings as this helps search engines understand how the information is organized or put another way how your site is structured. When search engines understand how a site is structured, this increases the chances of a featured snippet.
- Include bulleted or numbered lists where appropriate to make it easier for users to scan the information and increase the likelihood of a featured snippet.
- Deliver a prompt and precise response to users’ queries.
2. Focus on local SEO.
Another significant impact of voice search on SEO strategies is the increasing importance of Local Search. Because voice search is often used on mobile devices by people on the go, businesses need a solid local SEO presence to rank highly on relevant search results pages.
For example, a user might ask their virtual assistant to “find a coffee shop near me,” and the assistant will rely on local search algorithms to provide a list of nearby options. Businesses that have invested in local SEO strategies will have a much better chance of showing up in local search results and attracting new customers.
Here are SOME quick tips you can implement into your Local SEO strategy.
- Focus on long-tail keywords. Voice searches often use longer phrases or questions instead of short keywords. Therefore, including long-tail keywords in your content can improve your chances of appearing in voice search results.
- Claim your Google My Business listing. Claiming and optimizing your listing can enhance your local SEO efforts and improve your likelihood of appearing in voice search results for queries related to your location.
- Use structured data markup. Adding structured data markup to your website can help search engines understand your content better and improve your chances of appearing in voice search results.
3. Create conversational content.
As mentioned earlier, voice searches are more conversational than traditional text-based searches. This means that businesses must create content that reflects how people speak and ask questions. This may involve using more natural language, that focuses on providing long-tail keywords, and direct, concise answers to common questions.
For example, if a business wants to optimize its website for voice search, it might create an FAQ section that addresses common questions and provides clear and concise answers. By creating content tailored to the needs and preferences of voice search users, businesses can increase their chances of ranking highly on relevant search results pages.
4. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly.
People rely on voice commands when their hands are busy, which is often the case when they are mobile. As such, it is crucial that a businesses’ website is optimized for mobile friendliness.
With mobile generating 54.4% of all website traffic, it’s essential to enhance loading speed and improve your site’s user experience. People using voice search demand quick answers and won’t wait for a slow-loading website. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and tested for optimal display before launching.
The Bottom Line
Voice search is becoming increasingly popular and is a trend that is here to stay. With the rise of mobile devices, people rely extensively on voice search to get the information they need quickly and conveniently.
To stay ahead of the competition, it’s important to immediately start engaging with voice search users. For instance, the number of people who use voice assistants is set to triple to 8 billion by 2023. This trend is expected to continue as the voice recognition technology evolves. Delaying action could mean losing out to your competitors.
Following the standard web optimization features can increase your chances of ranking higher in voice search results. Take advantage of long-tail keywords, optimize for mobile devices, enhance loading speed, improve the user experience, and create content that answers common questions.
Position your business for success with ADMS Today!
The SEO experts at Advanced Digital Media Services understand that voice search and SEO are more than just a growing trend, they’re a necessity. For businesses to remain competitive and relevant in the ever-evolving world of online search they must adapt and exploit the prevailing trends like voice search.
Contact ADMS’s SEO Weston, Fl team today to discuss how you can adeptly navigate the evolving SEO landscape and position your business for triumph in the era of voice search.
