Voice Search SEO: The Future Is Here
Voice search SEO is no fad – it is the future of SEO! Our world of communication is continuously evolving and, eventually, voice searching will be one of the predominant ways human users interact with their devices. If I need a country I pass by for a stop-over location, I ask my smartphone; if I want to listen to my favourite playlist, I give instruction to my smart speaker at home.
What Is Voice Search SEO?
Voice search SEO is all about optimising your website and your content to rank higher in searches when people conduct them using their voice instead of typing them in. It’s a new strategy for search engine optimisation, tailored towards natural language processing and user intent. Although voice searches are generally more conversational than text searches and are thus longer, as many as 58 per cent of all searches will be carried out by voice by 2025. As such, your content needs to be optimised to these differences.
Key Differences Between Voice Search and Text Search
- Query Length: Voice search queries are generally longer and more complex than their text-based counterparts, with the user asking more of a full question when using voice search.
- Natural Language: The queries for voice search tend to be more conversational, so your content will need to have a natural language tone.
- Local Search Impact: Voice searches are frequently local, making local SEO tactics essential.
How to Optimize for Voice Search SEO
And there are ways you can optimise for voice search SEO to make your content voice-search friendly. Here are some grey-hat tips to consider:
1. Focus on Natural Language and Long-Tail Keywords
Natural, conversational language is used when people talk. To rank well in voice search results, your content must contain long-tail keywords that reflect natural speech. Do not target only short keywords like ‘best restaurants’; instead, target long-tail variants like ‘What are the best restaurants in Tampa Bay?’
2. Optimize for Featured Snippets
You see featured snippets at the top of search results pages – those ‘position zero’ answers that your voice assistant is often reading out to you. An easy way to optimise for featured snippets is to provide clear direct answers to common questions in your content. For example, if your content is about Tampa Bay attractions, an excellent addition would be a QA section where common questions get direct answers.
3. Improve Your Local SEO
Some of these voices searches are more local. According to Google, more than 50 per cent of mobile searches have local intent. Claim your own business on online directories such as Google My Business and make sure your information is up to date and that satisfied customers leave good reviews to boost your credibility.
4. Use Schema Markup
Schema markup, a form of microdata, tells search engines how to understand the context of what you’re writing about. Adding it to your site will improve your chances of appearing in voice search results. It can also make it easier for search engines to understand your website’s content.
5. Optimize for Mobile
The majority of voice searches are done on mobile devices. Voice search SEO necessitates that your site be mobile-friendly, with a responsive design, quick loading times, and a simple interface.
Voice Search SEO Tools and Resources
If you are competing in the voice search SEO game, using the right tools and resources can make all the difference – here are some that we recommend.
1. Google Search Console
Google Search Console enables you to monitor, maintain and troubleshoot your site’s presence in Google Search results. More information can be found
here.
2. SEMrush
This tool gives you in-depth keyword research, such as long-tail keywords that are typically used in voice searches. Read more
here3. AnswerThePublic
AnswerThePublic generates a list of the questions people are asking about your keywords. Use your answers to address these questions directly.
Learn more … Challenges of Voice Search SEO
Despite its benefits, voice search SEO comes with its own set of challenges:
Here, it is necessary to rewrite the text: - Style: writing in a more natural, less formal tone becomes tough if your initial piece of text was written more formally. you can make your text sound more natural by using contractions such as can’t, can’t, and shouldn’t.
- You Need To Keep Up: Voice search SEO relies on technology, and changes to technology mean adjustments to your voice search SEO strategies.
- Local competition: Since voice search often prefers local results, local SEO might be a more competitive space.
Final Thoughts on Voice Search SEO
Voice search SEO is here to stay – and it’s ushering in the way of the future for how we use technology and consume information, so make sure you’re optimising your content and products for voice search now and don’t get left behind in the digital marketing struggle. Implement these voice search SEO strategies today so you can future-proof your online existence.