Voice Search & Search Engine Optimization
Why You Need to Update Your Website Content for Voice Search.
These days, voice commanded searches are ever increasing with the rapid growth of ‘smart’ devices in consumer’s homes. So long are the days when voice required individuals to dial a number and state their queries. Now you are more likely to see devices like Google Home and Amazon Alexa popping up in homes across the world. In one study, 20% of adults in the US have smart devices in their home featuring a smart speaker.¹ More and more people across the world are noticing the ease of convenience that comes with voice search, especially in time-sensitive situations. And research only indicates that voice search will only further evolve and develop into a more sophisticated and useful tool.
In 2016 MindMeld’s report on Intelligent Voice Assistants Research Report identifies the top reasons for using voice command searches among consumer:
- 61% – Found it useful for when hands / vision occupied
- 30% – Provided faster results
- 24% – Some have difficulty typing on certain devices
- 22% – Because it’s fun
- 12% – Avoid confusing menus
- 1% – Other
This means that web professional need to start updating their website content for voice search. In order to stay ahead of the curve this means that websites also need to be geared towards how users would navigate a website verbally. Search Engine Optimization for Voice Search is just like regular SEO. However, there are few things that sets Voice Search apart from mobile and desktop types searches.
How Do I Get Ranked for Voice Search? Here are some tips and tricks on how to keep your content at the top of Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs).
Voice searches are conversational, and people don’t generally speak the way that they type. This means that instead of focusing on current buzzwords, you should be focusing on long tail keywords. These conversational words generally are framed around words such as, who, what when, why, how etc. Further advice to consider relates to content with multiple keywords has consistently proven to hold out better against competition. This also includes asking how you can keep the conversation going with a user and therefore leading them to relevant information elsewhere.
Showcase featured snippets, that provide users with fast and simple results. Additionally, this will also keep your content at the top of SERPs and giving your website higher visibility.
Keep speed in mind because search engine algorithms like Google’s prioritize websites that load faster. Although fast delivery also relates to the featured snippet that is shown in response to a user’s query. A featured snippet presents the most the relevant content at the top of search results creating a smoother experience. Keeping your information easy for search engines to locate is essential, especially in time-sensitive situations where information requires a higher urgency
Consider locality in how you craft your websites content for optimization. Mainly because people are frequently using voice-search on the go, and thereby searching for more localized content.² Context is everything, and therefore take into consideration the context that your website and services exist within and that will help you focus your Search Engine Optimization.
Ask yourself this, what is the value you are providing to your customers? Sometimes what it takes is a trip back to the basics. Users speak to their devices for a reason, and they are in search of an answer. Therefore, your priorities should be geared towards delivering utility, simplifying commerce and providing entertainment that only voice command can offer. Too much entertainment, can also divert attention away from a user’s intended goal and that’s not useful. Remember what value you provide to your users and what their needs are.
Take Advantage of FAQs are an easy way to include your long-tail search keywords into your sites content naturally. By Incorporating frequently asked question, you insert long-tail keywords into your content and avoid any awkward phrasing, benefiting both users and your SEO.
Why Chose Google?
Significantly, what has become predominant in the evolution of voice search engines is Google’s ability to stay on top. Google’s own Google Home and Google Home Mini have proven time and time again to provide the most relevant content fluidly to users. Whereas Microsoft and Apple’s tech tend to fetch results that are essentially social marketing quips, that don’t necessarily answer the command. What you should take away here is that it makes more sense to focus your Search Engine Optimization for Voice Search efforts towards Google as the primary search engine.
The bottom line? Keep It Simple. Information needs to be easy for an individual to comprehend, Grade 9 Reading Levels are the general recommendation that almost all public information is written in. By maintaining the content to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines regardless of type or voice search increases you SEO rankings. You can start to uncover how best to go about changing your voice search keywords by analyzing customer phone calls and testing various content in order to discover what works best! And remember, to incorporate long-tail and natural keywords in your meta data and web content, rather than just a single head term.
Taking these tips into consideration will help you stay up-to-date on the ever-changing trends in voice-search technologies. In case all this information seems a little daunting talk to us about how we can help improve your site’s voice search optimization. Here at Insiteful Solutions, our digital marketing agency helps Toronto businesses like yours. With extensive knowledge in SEO and PPC marketing founded in strong ROI, our experienced team can help your company reach the high standards that you have set for yourself.
