Why does voice search become more popular? Firstly, voice search has the characteristics of speed and convenience. In addition, voice search is a hands-free process. Therefore, more users are trying voice search to quickly retrieve answers while on the go. Recent studies have shown that more than half of smartphone users have used voice search, and this trend will continue to grow.
For businesses, this has meant that the old methods of SEO would not be good enough. Voice search will require a different approach to catch the questions that people are asking out loud.
Comparison of Voice Search and Text Search
People search for things through typing in a different manner compared to when they might be using the voice. The likelihood of people typing in short keywords and then “best restaurants nearby” is higher. When they are voice searching, they will say the complete question, like “What are the best restaurants near me?” Natural speech is often favored by voice search.
Understanding these differences in typing and voice searching will help you to optimize your content better for the voice search.
Advanced SEO Techniques for Voice Search Optimization
1. Target Conversational Keywords
Voice searches are much longer and chatty. In words, people speak naturally, so optimize for long-tail keywords and phrases that reflect how people actually talk.
Use Long-Tail Keywords: Instead of targeting “best coffee,” aim for longer, conversational phrases like “Where can I find the best coffee near me?”
Include Question Keywords: Be sure to include regular question words, such as who, what, where, when, why, and how. For instance, “How do I make the best coffee at home?”
2. Optimise Page Load Speed
Fast page speed is extremely important for all SEO but more critical specifically in case of voice search. Voice search primarily happens on a mobile device where users expect fast answers. Search engines might skip your page if the latter takes too long to load.
Optimize Images: Compress images for faster loading.
Minimize HTTP Requests: You should reduce the files and plugins that will be loaded when a page opens.
Use a Content Delivery Network: Bring content to users much faster, regardless of location, with a Content Delivery Network
3. Use Structured Data and Schema Markup
Structured data, or schema markup, makes your content easier for search engines to understand. When it’s specifically used for voice search, structured data makes it possible for your content to be chosen as a “quick answer” or featured snippet-up what many people use for voice responses.
Add FAQ Markup: This is helpful for questions where you can include FAQ schema, therefore improving your possibility of being surfaced on voice search.
Utilize Local Business Schema: This aids in local SEO through the addition of the structured data which includes your business name, address, and phone number. Then, voice search could find you if customers look for “near me.”
4. Answer Common Questions Directly
The voice search tends to pull responses from concise answers to specific questions. Therefore, your optimum goal will be to provide a direct, to-the-point answer to your common questions, which your target audience may be most interested in your niche or industry, and then expand on it in detail.
Use of the “Inverted Pyramid”: You should place the most important information or answer early in your content, then add additional supporting details.
Add a Q&A Section: Tuck a FAQ section into appropriate pages, using clear and concise answers to the questions most frequently asked.
5. Optimize for Local Searches
Voice searches are often local, particularly mobile searches with phrases such as “near me” or “close by.” Optimize your content for local SEO so you can grab that traffic.
Claim Your Google My Business Listing: Ensure that your Google My Business profile includes all the information related to your business-filled out correctly.
Add Location-Specific Keywords: Use local terms and phrases in your content, such as “the best pizza in [City Name]” so you bring in a strong keyword. Important: good reviews increase your local SEO, which is more likely to get your business suggested in local voice search.
6. Mobile Optimization
Most voice searches are done on mobile devices. The second you ranked for voice search was when Google launched their mobile-first indexing. Make sure to design your website with good responsiveness for any screen and is able to handle various screen sizes.
Large Readable Fonts: Use the best font size for your mobile to make content readable.
Simplify Navigation: Simplify your site’s navigation to make it smooth for navigation on a mobile device.
Conclusion
Voice search is changing the face of how the next information seeker finds what they are looking for. If you adjust your SEO strategies following these changes, it can make your business stand out easily. You will make your website more voice search friendly if you focus on conversation keywords, speed up page loading, insert structured data, answer questions briefly, optimize for local search, and improve mobile usability.
If you wish further development, then Digital Trainee offers you digital marketing training in Pune, Thane, and Surat. These courses are kept in mind as you should always be updated with the newest digital tactics for gaining mastery of tools and techniques required to succeed today in the ever-changing realm of digital.
Author: Prashant Kadukar, Founder & CEO, Digital Trainee
Bio: The founder and director of Digital Trainee, Mr. Prashant Kadukar has been an inspiration owing to his laurels all along. An MIT alumni, he happens to be a Google Ads & Bing Certified Professional.
