Voice Search SEO: Enhancing Your Online Presence for Voice Search

Do you find it easier to talk or type?

According to research at Stanford, speaking is three times faster than typing on phones with on-screen keyboards.

In fact, about 71% of consumers prefer voice-placed queries rather than typing them.

Do me a favor and ask your voice assistant where your business is located. Better yet, ask for local recommendations for your industry.

Does SIRI or Alexa recommend your company? 

People are gravitating to the ease of speech using voice assistants and AI at an astounding rate. Let's discuss the benefits of voice search SEO and how to optimize your business to get found using voice search. 

What Is Voice Search?

Voice search technology allows users to search the internet using voice commands instead of typing.

With the proliferation of virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, voice search has become an integral part of our daily lives.

Users speak their queries, and these smart devices provide spoken responses, making the search experience more convenient and hands-free.

Popular Voice Search Devices and Search Engines

Before diving into voice search SEO strategies, it's crucial to understand the popular devices and search engines that dominate this space:

• Amazon Echo: Amazon's Echo devices, powered by Alexa, are widely used for voice searches and commands. They are integrated into many households for tasks beyond just search, such as setting reminders and controlling smart home devices.
• Google Home: Google's smart speakers, equipped with Google Assistant, are a close competitor to Amazon's Echo. These devices excel at answering questions and providing information via voice search.
• Apple Siri: Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, is available on various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Users can use Siri for voice searches and various other tasks.
• Google Assistant: Beyond Google Home devices, Google Assistant is available on a wide array of Android smartphones and other devices, making it a dominant force in the voice search ecosystem.
• Microsoft Cortana: Although less common, Cortana is Microsoft's virtual assistant found in Windows devices, offering voice search capabilities.
• Search Engines: Voice search predominantly relies on popular search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo to provide search results. These search engines have adapted to accommodate voice queries.

How To Optimize Voice Search SEO

As the prevalence of voice search continues, businesses and website owners must optimize their online presence to cater to this trend.

Here are five actionable strategies to enhance your voice search SEO:

1. Claim Your Google My Business Listing

Google Business Profile (GBP) is a vital tool for local SEO, especially for voice searches. Ensure your GBP listing is up-to-date with accurate information about your business, including your name, address, phone number, and business hours. Google often uses GBP data to provide voice search results for local queries, such as "near me" searches.

2. Start with Local Search

Voice searches often have a local intent, with users looking for nearby businesses or services. Incorporate location-specific keywords, meta descriptions, and title tags into your website content. This helps your site appear in voice search results when users ask questions like, "Find a lawyer near me" or "Where's the nearest hardware store?"

3. Create Content for People First

Voice searches are typically more conversational compared to typed queries. Optimize your content by focusing on natural language and providing concise, informative answers to common questions related to your industry or niche. Consider creating an FAQ page to address these inquiries directly.

4. Focus on Your Audience's Frequently Asked Questions

Voice searches often revolve around questions. Identify the questions your target audience will likely ask and incorporate them into your content. Use structured data (Schema markup) to help search engines better understand your content. This can enhance the chances of your site being selected as a voice search result.

5. Be Mobile Friendly

Since most voice searches occur on mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly website is essential. Ensure your website is responsive, loads quickly, and provides an excellent user experience on smartphones and tablets. Google gives preference to mobile-friendly sites in voice search results.

Contact NewReputation to Optimize Voice Search

Adapting your SEO strategy is no longer optional—it's imperative for maintaining a strong online presence.

Voice search is changing how users access information, and businesses that optimize for it stand to gain a competitive edge. If you need assistance with voice search SEO or have questions about improving your online reputation, feel free to contact NewReputation. Our experts are here to help you navigate the evolving digital landscape and ensure your brand's success in voice search and beyond.

Stay tuned for more insights and updates on the ever-changing world of online reputation management.