How to Incorporate Voice Search into your SEO Strategy
Since the advent of the search engine in 1990, the way people search online has changed drastically. Google took the stage in 1998 and in 2003 launched Boston, its first algorithm update. While there has been a slew of algorithm updates since, one thing is clear — Google was the first to learn how to understand what customers really wanted, leading to the user experience superseding keyword placement in SEO strategy.
Connecting Voice Search
The introduction of voice search is a key chapter in the search engine history book, as voice-activated devices (smart speakers, virtual assistants, etc.) became increasingly popular.
But how is all this relevant to a business’ SEO strategy? Optimizing voice search for your business is essential as more people use their voice rather than their digits to search. In fact, 90% of people find voice search easier to use than traditional online searching, according to the data reporting platform Demand Sage.
Below we cover six strategies to incorporate voice search into your SEO strategy for 2024.
- Focus on Conversational Keywords
Think about the natural language your target audience might use when speaking rather than typing.
Voice searches are typically more conversational and longer than text queries. Optimizing for long-tail keywords and phrases that people are likely to use in daily conversation is an essential SEO skill.
- Improve Local SEO
A sizable portion of voice searches are local. 76% of smart speaker users conduct local searches at least weekly, and search queries with “near me” or “close by” have surged by 900% over two years. Make sure your business is listed accurately on Google My Business and other online directories. Also, it’s important to use location-based keywords and phrases in your content to rank higher in local searches.
- Create FAQ Pages
Since voice search queries are often framed as questions, having a comprehensive FAQ section on your website can be incredibly beneficial. Address common queries related to your industry, products, or services in a natural, conversational tone.
- Optimize for Featured Snippets
Voice assistants often read out the featured snippet or the top result in search engine results. Optimize your content to be concise, informative, and your content will likely to be picked as a featured snippet. Optimizing your content includes structuring your content with clear headings, bullet points, and numbered lists.
- Ensure Mobile-Friendliness
With most voice searches occur on mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly website is no longer optional. Ensure your website is responsive, loads quickly, and provides a seamless user experience on mobile devices.
- Use Structured Data
Implementing structured data (schema markup) on your website helps search engines understand the context of your content. This can improve your chances of ranking higher in voice search results.
- Prioritize Loading Speed
Website loading speed is a crucial factor for voice search SEO. Voice search devices often prioritize faster-loading pages in their responses. Optimize your website’s speed by compressing images, leveraging browser caching, and reducing server response time.
- Content Readability
Ensure your content is easily readable and understandable. Voice search devices tend to favor simple, clear, and concise answers. Avoid jargon and complex sentences.
- Monitor and Adapt
SEO strategies need constant monitoring and adaptation. Regularly analyze your voice search performance and tweak your strategies accordingly. Stay updated with the latest trends and algorithm changes in voice search technology.
By implementing these SEO strategies, businesses can significantly enhance their visibility in voice search results, tapping into the growing number of users who rely on voice commands for their online queries. Remember, the key is to think like your user and how they would use voice search to find your services or products. For more information on how to use SEO to enhance your business, view our blogs.