Why type in your search when you can speak it instead? Voice search has emerged as a powerful tool reshaping the way we interact with search engines, and utilizing voice search is highly influential in digital marketing today.
Let’s dive into what voice search entails and our top strategies for optimizing for it.
“Hey Siri, what is voice search?”
Voice search enables users to perform searches using spoken commands rather than typing into a search engine.
So whenever you find yourself saying “Hey Siri,” “Hey Alexa,” or “Hey Google,” you’re engaging in voice search.
With the rise of virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, voice search has become increasingly prevalent, offering convenience and accessibility to users worldwide. The number of digital voice assistants in use worldwide is projected to reach 8.4 billion by 2024.
Embracing voice search technology is essential for businesses to meet the evolving needs of consumers and enhance their online visibility.
27% of global online users are using mobile voice search.
As if keeping up with all the social, website, podcast, and influencer marketing wasn’t enough, marketers are presented with another channel to optimize for. But trust us, this one’s worth it.
Optimizing for voice search is crucial for improving website rankings, increasing organic traffic, and enhancing user experience.
By understanding user intent and tailoring content to match what users are searching for, businesses can effectively leverage voice search to attract and engage their target audience.
With that said, how can marketers ensure they’re leveraging voice search?
A survey by BrightEdge found that 31% of marketers believe voice search is the most significant trend impacting their SEO strategy.
Let’s get to work. These five strategies are an effective place to start with updating your website to be voice search-optimized.
Conduct thorough keyword research to identify long-tail keywords and phrases commonly used in voice search queries. Focus on natural language and conversational keywords that reflect how users speak rather than type. Think human, not robot.
Optimize content to appear in featured snippets, which often serve as the source for voice search answers. Research by Backlinko indicates that featured snippets appear in 40.7% of voice search results. Structure content in a concise and informative format, answering common questions directly within the text. Just another reason to keep your digital content short and sweet.
Prioritize local optimization to capture voice search queries related to location-based searches. Claim and optimize your Google My Business listing, incorporate location-specific keywords, and ensure consistency across online directories.
Improve website performance and mobile usability to accommodate voice search users. Improve your page speed, use intuitive design, and enhance mobile usability to deliver a seamless experience across devices.
Tailor content to match the conversational tone and language used in voice search queries. Write in a clear, concise manner, addressing common questions and providing valuable insights that align with user intent. Again, think human, not robot.
As more people use voice search in their everyday lives, it’s a must for brands to keep in mind. Optimizing your website for voice search could very well be the way you boost awareness and generate more traffic for your business.
Looking to elevate your digital marketing and SEO strategy? Let Random guide you through the world of voice search optimization and beyond. Send us a message below.
