Before 2011 people had never heard of voice search, a voice assistant or even voice search optimization. When Siri was launched, people thought of it as a tool to make them laugh and manage their to-do lists.
I am a big fan of horror movies. So, whenever I get to witness anything remotely related to a supernatural phenomenon, I try to enjoy it fully. However, these chilling experiences often turn into hilarious memories. Almost a decade ago, when I went to my friend’s house, I found him talking to someone. Bear in mind that my friend has no family and he lives alone. The following conversation took place between him and me.
Me: “Who are you talking to?
Friend: “I am talking to Siri.“
Me (with a big grin on my face): “Alas, you have a girlfriend!”
Friend (Unamused): “No, it’s someone whom you don’t know and can’t see.”
Me: “Lol! You are talking to ghosts. And here I thought you finally have a girl in your life.”
Friend (Irritated): “Moron. It’s just Siri –voice assistant on my iPhone.”
Not many people predicted that voice search would become a major trend of the future.
But just like everything else, voice search evolved.
Now, there are tons of voice-activated devices in the market, namely Alexa, Google Assistant, and Cortana.
It is said that by 2020, 50% of the searches will be via voice search.
Research conducted by Google revealed that people use voice search because of the following benefits:
- People can efficiently multi-task while searching for things with voice searches.
- It gives people convenience in their day-to-day tasks.
- Voice search helps people search faster than any other device.
- People can get instant answers and the information they seek.
People are already using voice assistants to get their routine straight, e.g., setting the alarm, setting reminders to call their mums, booking an appointment, feeding the dog, etc. This presents a massive marketing opportunity to marketers and small business owners as well.
Optimized for Semantic Search? Consider Yourself, Lucky
If you’ve heard of Google Hummingbird changes, I assume you are already aware of semantic search. If not, here goes. Google realized that they should add more to keyword searches than simple queries. They needed a new skill. This gives birth to comprehension.
Instead of just queries, and fragments of keywords, Google started analyzing the meaning behind each question. In doing so, Google was able to predict the intent of the people searching for things online. This forced marketers to switch to voice search optimization.
Forget the long list of useless keywords you need to optimize for your search. Stop seeing search queries as words and shift your thinking to a voice search optimization mindset.
The Voice Search Optimization Mindset
In ancient times, the people of the caves used to survive by imitating others. Our great-grandparents worked hard and evolved like crazy, which is how we can survive generation by generation.
Whether you are an entrepreneur or working a tedious job, you’ll die if you do not evolve. The same goes for your website. If you want to compete with the fearsome competitors out there, you must get your hands dirty with voice search optimization.
With that mindset, we must focus all our attention on voice search optimization. Instead of leaving things as they are. It is time that you start providing content that answers the needs of the customer. You know that Google will now read aloud your content so why not make it easy on the ears?
To do that, you first need to get rid of the over-optimized text that is lingering on your main page which will serve no great purpose now. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use voice search optimization to make your content relevant to what people are searching for. As the saying goes, “SEO done right is a win for everyone”.
Turn Keywords into Queries
Understand that people type and speak quite differently.
For instance, if someone is looking to buy a new TV. They will type “buy TV” while if they say the same thing, they’ll go like this, “What is the best TV?”
Were you able to spot the Semantic Search difference between the two?
Luckily there are online tools that can help you do this.
One such tool is Answer the Public. A fascinating tool takes one root keyword as input and presents a map of commonly asked questions regarding that keyword.
In Google, the “People Also Ask” feature acts in a similar manner. Just type in any question, and you’ll get what people are searching online.
Structure Your Content to Fit the Voice Search Mold
Voice search queries are more conversational and natural. People don’t type out fragmented keywords. Instead, they speak in full sentences or questions. To make your content in line with this rising trend, write as if you’re having a friendly chat. For instance, instead of “Best Italian restaurant in town,” use a phrase like, “What’s the best Italian restaurant near me?”
Consider the questions people ask out loud. They tend to be longer and more specific. So, if you’re optimizing for voice search, focus on providing direct answers. Think about what information users are likely seeking and structure your content accordingly. This approach not only helps with voice search but also improves the overall user experience on your site.
FAQs Are Your Best Friend
Adding a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section is a great way to optimize for voice search. People often ask who, what, where, when, and why. Answer these questions clearly on your site.
For example, if your business offers digital marketing services, anticipate questions like, “What are the benefits of digital marketing?” or “How can I increase my website’s traffic?” Provide straightforward, easy-to-understand answers. The following format makes it easier for search engines like Google to pull up your content as a featured snippet when users ask similar questions.
Regularly update your FAQs based on the evolving questions from your audience. Tools like Google’s “People Also Ask” feature can identify useful common queries related to your field.
Don’t Forget About Mobile
Most voice searches happen on mobile devices.
So, make sure your site is mobile-friendly. It should load quickly, be responsive, and be easy to navigate. Voice searchers are often on the move and need quick answers.
Having a mobile-friendly site is key to making your users happy, especially those using voice search. People on the go want quick answers without fuss.
Therefore, it’s always great to ensure your site looks and works great on all devices. Test it out yourself on different screens to check if it runs smoothly.
If your website loads slowly, people might leave quickly—and that means missed chances for you.
Voice Search Optimization – The Future of Search
Voice search optimization is not just a passing trend; it’s the future of how people interact with search engines. With every passing day, voice search will become even more prevalent.
Forget about old-school keyword stuffing. If you want your website to be a success, you need to ensure user intent is well met and you provide content that answers the spoken queries.
Shift your focus from simply matching keywords.
Understand the needs and questions of your audience and optimize your content accordingly.
It prepares your content for the future and polishes up your overall SEO strategy. And before you know it – you will amass many visitors coming to your website.
Branex is a digital transformation agency that offers mobile app development, website development, custom eCommerce development, and much more.
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