As we move into 2022, voice search is becoming more and more popular. In fact, Comscore predicts that 50% of all searches will be voice searches by 2020. And Google says 20% of mobile queries are voice searches.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, you need to optimize your site for voice search. That's why we'll discuss in this article how voice search optimization works, how to optimize your site and provide you with top voice search SEO tips.
What is Voice Search?
Voice search technology is a type of technology that allows users to search the internet hands-free by speaking into devices such as Amazon Echo or Google Home.
This is different from typing keywords into a search engine because you're speaking natural language rather than using keyword phrases.
For example, you might say, “What's the weather like today?” instead of typing “weather today.”
People can also use voice search to look for things online using a mobile phone and voice assistant. People with an iPhone can use Siri to do a voice search. And on Android devices, they can use Google Voice Search.
What is Voice Search SEO?
Voice search SEO is the process of optimizing your website to rank higher in voice search results, so it can be found easily by these voice-activated devices. This can be done by optimizing your website's content, metadata, and other factors to make it more visible to voice search engines.
Relevance of Voice Search Optimization to Your Website
There are a few reasons why voice search optimization is important for your business and website:
Voice Search Trends
Voice search is becoming more popular. As we mentioned before, Comscore predicts that by 2020, 50% of all searches will be voice searches. So if you want your website to be found, you need to optimize it for voice search.
Convenience
Voice search is more convenient than traditional text-based searches. With voice search, users can search the internet hands-free, which is much more convenient than typing out a search on a keyboard or touchscreen.
Higher Conversion
Voice search can lead to higher conversion rates. A study by Google found that 41% of voice-activated speaker users made a purchase after using their device to conduct a voice search.
Enhances Visibility
Voice search can improve your brand visibility. If you optimize your website for voice search, you'll have a better chance of appearing in voice search results, which can help increase your brand visibility and awareness.
Improves Accessibility and Reach
Voice search can help you reach a wider audience. By optimizing your website for voice search, you can make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to find and use your website.
Voice Search Statistics in Canada
Here are some important statistics about voice search in Canada:
- 66% of Canadian adults use voice assistants at least once a week
- 32% of Canadians use voice assistants daily
- 47% of Canadians use voice assistants to search for local businesses
Tips on How to Get Your Site Optimize for Voice Search
Here are some ways to help you get your website optimized for voice search:
1. Use long-tail keywords
When optimizing your website for voice search, you need to use long-tail keywords. Long-tail keywords are three or four-word phrases that are specific to what you're selling or promoting. They're more likely to be spoken using voice search than shorter, more general keywords.
2. Optimize your content for questions
Another important tip is to optimize your content for questions. This means creating content that answers common questions people might ask about your product or service, especially your target audience.
You can use tools like Answer the Public to find out what questions people are asking about your topic. Once you know what questions people are asking, you can create content that answers those questions.
3. Use natural language
When creating content for voice search, you need to use natural language. This means using the same language that people would use when speaking to another person.
For example, if you're optimizing a recipe for voice search, you would use natural language like “How do I make a chocolate cake?” rather than a keyword-stuffed language like “Chocolate cake recipe with cocoa powder and eggs.”
4. Structure your content using headings and subheadings
Another important tip is to structure your content using headings and subheadings. Although this is a standard SEO strategy, some people still forget about thins. This will help Google understand the hierarchy of your content and make it easier for users to find the information they're looking for.
5. Optimize your website for mobile
Voice search is often conducted on mobile devices, so it's important to optimize your website for mobile. This means making sure your website is responsive and can be easily viewed on a smaller screen.
6. Improve your page speed
Page speed is also important for voice search optimization. If your website takes too long to load, users will likely give up and go to another site. You can use tools like Google's PageSpeed Insights to test your page speed and see where you need to improve.
7. Use schema markup
Schema markup is code that you can add to your website to help search engines understand the meaning of your content. This can be helpful for voice search because it can help your content appear in featured snippets, which are often read aloud by voice assistants.
8. Monitor your reviews
Another important tip is to monitor your reviews. This is because many voice searches are conducted using the question “What is the best (insert product or service)?” If you have positive reviews, you're more likely to appear in the search results.
You can use a tool like Google Alerts to set up alerts for when your business is mentioned online.
9. Optimize your images
Make sure to optimize your images for voice searches. This means adding alt text to your images so that Google can understand what they're about.
10. Claim your local listings
You need to claim your local listings if you have a local business. This will help ensure that your business appears in voice search results for people looking for companies in your area.
Rank Better With Voice Search in 2022
Voice search is a growing trend and it's important to optimize your website for voice search if you want to be found online. Use the tips above to improve and optimize your site for voice search and get better results in 2022.
