Over the last few years, there has been a drastic change in how users search for information online. The availability of smart devices and new speech recognition technology has revolutionised the process of accessing search engines.
We have shifted from the conventional method of typing our search queries. Instead, today we prefer to input our queries through speech. The reason is obvious. Voice search is simple, fast, time-saving and quite convenient. However, this reliance on voice search and virtual assistants like Siri, Cortana, Alexa, etc., changed how the search engine functions. This has also impacted how businesses need to conduct search engine optimisation for their websites.
Let’s find more on this below.
What is Voice-based Search?
Voice search is a technology through which you can search for anything by directly speaking to the device. This speech and voice recognition technology is increasingly used in smartphones, tablets and various virtual assistants. Microsoft’s Cortana and Amazon’s Alexa are a few examples of virtual assistants.
Voice search has increased rapidly in the past few years. This has made it crucial to include voice search in search engine optimisation and digital marketing.
How is Voice Search Impacting Modern SEO?
- Conversational tone content
Most users today feed their search queries in a way that they usually speak to another human. They also prefer to read content that is written in a conversational way. To optimise your website content, ensure it is simple, easy to read and understand. It should be compelling, concise and to the point. Do make sure to avoid jargon, bombastic words and a dry tone.
- Long-tail keywords
Compared to browser searches, voice searches include longer phrases. Voice search technology allows users to combine more words to find exactly what they are looking for. Researches suggest long-tail keywords offer higher conversion rates. Such keywords also lack competition and can be easier to rank. Make your website content optimised for long-tail keywords for improved traffic.
- Keywords in question format
When an individual uses voice search, they ask in a question format with a complete sentence. The search queries usually begin with ‘what’, ‘when’, ‘how’, ‘where’, ‘why’, ‘who’, and others. It would benefit your brand if you frame all content revolving around an interrogatory statement. This will help your website content reach your target audience faster, leading to a higher ranking.
- Local SEO
When someone uses voice search, they’re most likely looking for local businesses. Or they could be looking for information about nearby services. You can optimise your website for local search to grab voice-search traffic. Focus on local SEO factors to increase your visibility among voice-based local searches.
How to Optimise a Website for Voice Search with SEO Practices?
To optimise your website for voice-based search, you need to follow certain SEO practices.
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Try adding high-quality, simple and engaging content in a conversational tone.
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Make sure to plug in the main keyword and research for voice search-based long-tail keywords.
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Use high-quality backlinks
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Improve overall website user experience and make your site mobile-friendly.
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Use optimised meta tags and engaging video content wherever possible.
To Wrap up
Voice-based search is here to stay. With consistent improvement in speech and voice recognition technology and Natural Language Processing, voice search will only grow. If you wish to stay ahead in the competition, ensure to optimise your business site accordingly. Optimise with updated SEO practices to achieve higher ranking, traffic, profit and ROI.
