Voice search is spreading like wildfire. In fact, it’s so popular that experts refer to it as the new organic search. Furthermore, they predict that more than half of all searches will be voice searches by 2024.
In this digital era, you simply can’t ignore the latest technology trends. After all, you’re competing against billions of other online businesses.
The only way to stand out from the crowd is to meet and exceed customers’ expectations. What your customers want is convenience and performance. That’s where voice search optimisation comes in.
The Importance of Voice Search For SEO
Optimising for voice search will help you reach more of your audience online than optimising for text-based searches.
Many users will use them for routine tasks, looking up businesses and other keyword prompt commands.
To increase the chances of appearing for voice search queries, you need to look at strategies that will improve the overall presence of your SEO. This includes web page speed, mobile responsiveness and targeting more voice search keywords in your content strategy.
Why Voice Search Optimisation Matters
The average number of voice searches is one billion per month. Internet users love this feature because it’s simple and convenient. Since they can talk faster than they type, it makes sense to optimize your website for voice search. This will result in higher search engine rankings, greater online exposure, and more visibility on featured snippets.
Voice search optimization allows you to reach a wider audience and address their needs much faster than organic search. In 2016, about 60 percent of all searches were performed on mobile devices, and that number has increased ever since. The vast majority of mobile users prefer to use their voice to search instead of typing.
By optimising your website for voice search, you’ll get more traffic and lower bounce rates. Your customers will be able to find the information they need when they need it the most. In fact, over 41 percent of adults and 55 percent of teens used voice search more than twice a day back in 2014. These numbers are much higher today.
So what does it take to optimize your website for voice search? Do you need special software or strong IT skills? Not really. Simply follow these steps:
Use Conversational Keywords
Choose keywords that are conversational and mimic how people talk. In general, voice queries are longer compared to traditional search queries.
Let’s say you’re searching for a restaurant in Melbourne. When using voice search, would you use “Melbourne restaurant” or “Which restaurant is open now?”
“Melbourne restaurant” is computer language. The second option mimics real-life conversions, so it’s more suitable for voice search. Even though it doesn’t include the city’s name, it will still provide local results since your smartphone shows your location.
This brings us to the next point: local content.
Optimise for Local Search
More than 22 percent of voice searches are for local content. Therefore, your web pages, blog posts, meta data, and headlines need to appeal to local users.
Include your city’s name, street names, landmarks, and words like “near me” in your pages, meta description, and title tags. This will make it easier for local customers to find your content in search results when using voice search.
Remember to claim your Google My Business listing. This way, your website will show up in search results when people look for products and services related to your industry.
Create FAQ Pages
FAQ pages do more than just answer frequently asked questions about your company and its products. They also allow you to include relevant long-tail key phrases that look just like those your customers would use when using voice search.
Your FAQ page should include natural-sounding questions related to your products and services. For best results, group similar questions on the same page. Just think how people speak and what they would like to know – and then optimize your content accordingly.
Voice search isn’t just a buzzword or a passing fad. This trend is here to stay. Choose your keywords wisely, make your content scannable, and write with your customers in mind. Check your web traffic stats to see what people are searching for. Create relevant content that addresses their needs and provides value.
Continue To Improve Your Website For Voice Search Optimisation
Optimising your website for voice search shouldn’t be overlooked nor is it a one time fix. It needs to be continuously worked on.
By auditing and regularly optimising your website you will need to adapt to search trends, monitor your traffic, and stay competitive in search result pages. To increase the chances of your website appearing for relevant voice search queries you need to stay updated.
If you’re looking to dominate your online presence with voice search optimisation, get in touch with our team of SEO experts today. We’ll take a deep dive into your business goals and let you know exactly what’s required to drive better results.