If you ask Siri, Google, or Alexa to look something up for you, you’re using voice search. Use of smart devices, like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, has been booming this year, and it is revolutionizing the way people not only manage their homes but how they search the Internet.
That’s right. The way people use the Internet to search is changing.
More than 60 percent of Internet searches are done on mobile and 20 percent and climbing are voice searches. Now more than ever, it’s important that you’re using the right keywords in your SEO. With the majority of people using smartphones that have voice activation, they’re finding it is easier to use their voice to search rather than typing on small screens.
We already know that SEO is vital to your company’s survival. With the change in the way people search comes the need for SEO to evolve with it.
Here’s what that looks like, plus the change you should make in your SEO strategy:
Use of natural speech patterns
Think about this: do you type the way you speak? Probably not. You likely shorthand your search phrases, like typing “weather Charlotte” rather than “what is the weather in Charlotte today?”
When you speak, however, you’re likely going to speak to Alexa or Google in longer sentences. For example, “Alexa, what’s the weather today?”
SEO Hack
Evaluate your online content in the context of a voice search, and use long-tail keywords or phrases. For example, a pizza restaurant in Charlotte could use a phrase like “what are the best pizza places in Charlotte?”
Incorporate FAQ pages on your website
Consider creating or updating your FAQ page in the context of a voice search. Doing so will ensure that your website content reflects exact or similar phrasing that people are using to search.
SEO Hack
Compile a list of the questions customers have called to ask about or asked in person. It is important to use the questions your customers are asking, rather than what you think they should ask. Use natural-sounding questions and phrases, and group common questions together.
Also, get specific and direct when creating the content on not only your FAQ page but throughout your website. Rather than searching, “best smartwatch,” potential customers will ask Alexa or Siri for a smartwatch with the specifications they are looking for. For example, “Alexa, what’s the best waterproof smartwatch to track exercise?” When they are specific, they don’t have to ask the question again, and nobody likes to repeat themselves.
Refine and perfect your local SEO
An estimated 39 percent of voice search users are looking for your business information, whether it is to see what time your business opens or closes or find the nearest business to their location. When you make sure your local SEO is up to par, you’re going to be found in mobile and voice search queries.
SEO Hack
First, claim your Google My Business page if you haven’t already and make sure its information is up-to-date. Check for the correct address, hours, and contact details. Of course, be sure to incorporate your location into your long-tail keywords and phrases.
It’s a mobile world out there, and your business needs to be ready for it. Voice search will not be going away, in fact, it is likely it will grow as technology continues to improve its voice search capabilities. Because of this, it is key that you optimize your website’s SEO for mobile and voice searching, if you want to be found online, that is.
