The SEO industry is embracing voice search optimization with enthusiasm. It is the fastest-growing search trend as people adopt voice search and voice-based assistants more than ever.
What is Voice Search?
Also referred to as voice-enabled, allows the web user to utilize a voice command to search the Internet, a website, or an app. In a broader definition, voice search includes open-domain keyword query on any information on the Internet, for example in Google Voice Search, Cortana, Siri and Amazon Echo. Smartphones using iOS and Android give users the option to enable Speech to Text Searching Assistant. The Speech to Text Searching Assistant makes it faster and easier to search apps, web search, or image and video search for the content you want.
On average, people type at a speed of 40 words per minute. Voice interactions are more efficient in comparison at 150 words per min.
Top Ways to Optimize Your Website for Voice Search
As people rely on voice search as it is quick and to the point, businesses will need to assure that their content is optimized. Let us glance at the top ways of optimization for voice.
1. Restructure your content
Your content is the foundation of your SEO. Voice optimization also depends on the content; however, rethink the way you write your content.
- Use conversation language.
- Focus on the detailed answers to common questions.
- Include FAQs in your product detail pages
- Improve content readability
Nearly 70% of queries made to Google Assistants are expressed in natural language and constructed very differently from manually typed search queries.
2. Target Long-Tail Keywords
When people search using the search bar, they use short phrases. e.g., Julia Donaldson’s books. However, when they use speech-to-text, they use long questions, e.g., What are the best Julia Donaldson’s books?
Google, Yelp, and Bing together have a 90% share of the world’s search directories, according to a study conducted by Uberall.
3. Use Schema Markup For Voice Search
Schema markup tells Google more about your website. It is like adding a description for Google to search, classify, and organize the website. It is not visible to the visitors because we do not direct it towards them. Schema gives you an edge over other businesses, but it may not affect your rankings directly.
Nearly half of voice users turn to local search for business review ratings and discover new b usinesses (at 47% and 46%, respectively)
4. Think Mobile & Local
People search on the go using their mobiles. Usually, these searches are focused on the local businesses, e.g., restaurants near me. Optimize your content separately for computer and mobile versions. Mobile versions should focus on local searches.
Another voice assistant statistics reveal that the most common uses for mobile voice assistants are in the car while driving (62%) and while relaxing at home (38%).
5. Improve Website Loading Time
Google favors fast loading websites more than slow speed websites. If your website loads slowly, Google will not use it for voice search results. You can use compressed images and videos, use async to reduce JavaScript parsing, and reduce redirects.
Voice optimization is the fastest growing SEO trend; therefore, websites need to work on it. For voice optimization, you will work on your website’s content, technology, and responsiveness.
When it comes to voice shopping using smart speakers, the higher percentage of voice searches belong to men. They take to the activity more than women.
