The future of voice search is here. Google has been focusing on building the best search engine over the past decade, and voice search is a main focus. An astonishing 55% of all households now own an Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Iphone users have access to Siri and Android users have google voice search. But how can you optimize your website to be found by voice search?
What is voice search?
How many times a day do you use these phrases, “Hey Siri”, “OK, Google“, “Alexa“? Voice search is part of our daily routines, especially when looking for local businesses. It is a function that allows users to search the web using spoken voice commands rather than typing. Voice search can be used on mobile devices as well as desktop computers.
Do I need to make changes to my website for voice search?
Absolutely. Search keyword phrases that you type in to your computer are typically 1-3 words in length. Voice search is more conversational and natural in tone. Voice search is also typically mobile and often locally focused. Think of voice search like a long-tailed keyword search. Your keyword strategy should be more conversational than before.
Create content based around questions customers frequently ask.
What are the most frequently asked questions you constantly receive? Start a list of things your customers are always asking and create content pages about these questions and answers. Use the more conversational key words as answers to the questions you receive most. This will help optimize your website for voice search. Example: searches like “best men’s shoe store” will become “Alexa, where can I buy shoes for men size 10 in Charlotte, NC”? See the difference?
The future of voice search is here!
This post about voice search statistics from Wordstream gives an incredible overview of how far voice search has come in a short amount of time. The industry seems to be predicting 2020 as the year voice search truly explodes. Will you be ready?
