5 Reasons to Optimize Content for Voice Search
When voice search was first introduced in 2011, it was more of a novel idea than a necessity for daily function. Now, almost every digital device is voice search enabled from phones to TVs, and even cars. As voice recognition technology continues to improve, so will the frequency with which users decide to voice their queries instead of typing them. In fact, by next year more than half of all Internet searches are expected to be through voice search.
You can’t control the way a user searches or the algorithms that are developed to satisfy these searches, but you can provide the best, most up-to-date information about your business in order to properly inform consumers. We’ve outlined some key reasons to start optimizing your website content for voice search today!
It’s Gaining Popularity
Like we’ve said, voice search is only becoming more popular, especially with teens. With so many devices enabled for voice search, it has become the simplest and easiest way to find information without having to type out questions and comb through results. Sooner or later your competitors will catch up to the trend, so it is important to stay ahead and keep your site optimized at all times.
It’s Locally Focused
Voice searches tend to be more locally focused than traditional search. Consumers who are on the go, especially while driving, tend to use voice search to identify nearby businesses. These consumers are also more likely to immediately locate your business and come in for service.
It Only Provides One Search Result
Voice search only returns one result for the user with less context and fewer alternatives. With a typical text search, you have the opportunity to place on the first page of the SERP while users scroll for a best match. But with voice search, the device will only respond with the one result it deems as the best fitting answer to the query. Think about the questions people may be asking around your business and be sure to provide detailed answers on your site for voice assistants to find.
It Relies on Structured Data
Voice powered assistants rely on structured data to return quality results. Examples may be business hours, an address, or photos. Be sure that all the content on your website is properly tagged in a way that voice assistants can interpret and relay to a searcher.
It’s More Conversational
When voicing a search, users tend to speak in a more conversational way than in the short manner they would with text. Instead of searching “coffee near me” they might ask “where can I get a cup of coffee?” Implementing long-tail keywords and complete sentences will help better match your site content to the questions users are asking.
With voice search gaining popularity, optimizing your content for spoken searches will only benefit your business. Leaving your content as is and not optimizing is no longer a viable option. Voice assistants gather and return data differently than traditional search, so your content will only be lost in the mix.
With just a few easy updates, your content can be primed for voice search. If the idea of making changes to all your content sounds daunting, turn to the experts at Kraus Marketing. Contact us today to find out more about our digital marketing services!