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Voice Search Tips: Improve Your ‘Hey Google’ Results

July 5th, 2024
Woman talking on mobile phone speaker 1

Voice Search Optimization: Tips to Improve Your Results for ‘Hey Google’

 

The way we search for information is evolving. Gone are the days of meticulously typing in keywords; today, voice search is rapidly becoming the preferred method for information retrieval. Whether it’s through Google Assistant, Siri, Alexa, or other digital assistants, voice search allows users to interact with the web in a more natural and convenient way.

For businesses and website owners, this shift in user behaviour presents a new challenge: voice search optimization (VSO).

Optimizing your website for voice search ensures you remain visible in search engine results pages (SERPs) even when users aren’t typing in queries. Here, we’ll delve into the world of VSO and equip you with valuable tips to improve your website’s voice search performance.

The Rise of Voice Search

The popularity of voice search is undeniable. In 2022, the global voice recognition tech market was worth nearly $12 billion and is expected to reach nearly $50 billion by [Statista]. By 2024, there will be more digital voice assistants (8.4 billion) than people on Earth. These figures paint a clear picture: voice search is here to stay, and its influence will only continue to grow.

Understanding User Intent and Search Patterns

The first step in VSO is understanding how people search using voice. Unlike traditional text-based searches, voice queries tend to be longer and phrased in a more natural, conversational way. People often ask questions rather than simply typing keywords. Rather than searching for "best Japanese restaurants near me," an individual may query Google, "Hey, what are the top-rated Japanese restaurants near me?"

Optimizing Website Content for Voice Search

Understanding voice searcher behaviour enables you to adjust the content on your website. Here’s how:

  • Target Long-Tail Keywords: Focus on incorporating long-tail keywords, which are more specific and question-based, into your website content. Given that people use voice search for natural conversation-style queries, it’s logical to optimize websites for that type of language. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush can help you identify relevant long-tail keywords with search volume.

  • Content Audit: Conduct a content audit to identify and optimize existing content, as well as create new content that directly addresses potential voice search queries. This might involve adding FAQs sections to your website or creating blog posts that answer common questions related to your industry.

  • Conversational Language: Write your content in a natural, conversational tone that mimics how people speak. Avoid overly technical terms and jargon, aiming for clarity and readability.

Technical SEO Considerations for Voice Search

Optimizing your website’s technical aspects is crucial for both traditional SEO and voice search. Here are some key considerations:

  • Mobile-First Indexing: Since most voice searches happen on mobile devices, prioritize a mobile-friendly website with fast loading times. Google uses mobile-first indexing, so ensuring your website renders well on mobile is essential for good search rankings.

  • Schema Markup: Implement schema markup, which provides search engines with additional information about your website content. This helps search engines understand what your website is about and can improve your website’s chances of appearing in SERP features, like rich snippets, which are often used to answer voice search queries.

Optimizing for SERP Features and Local SEO

Voice assistants often rely on SERP features such as featured snippets and knowledge panels to answer voice search queries. Optimizing your website for these features can significantly improve your voice search visibility. Additionally, for local businesses, local SEO ("local search engine optimization") plays a critical role.

  • Featured Snippets: Featured snippets are short summaries that appear above standard search results. Structure your content using clear headings, subheadings, and bullet points to increase the likelihood of your website being chosen for a featured snippet.

  • Local SEO: If you have a brick-and-mortar business, ensure your Google My Business listing is updated with accurate information, including your address, phone number, and business hours. Your chances of coming up in local voice searches will increase as a result.

Continuously Monitor and Adapt

Voice search is still a growing field, and best practices are constantly evolving. To stay ahead of the curve, it’s important to continuously monitor your website’s voice search performance and adapt your strategy accordingly. Utilize tools like Google Search Console to track your website’s impressions, clicks, and keyword rankings for relevant voice search queries.

By following these tips and staying informed about the latest trends in VSO, you can ensure your website remains discoverable in the age of voice search and capitalize on the growing number of users who are searching for information using their voice. Remember, the goal is to provide a seamless user experience for those who choose to interact with the web through voice commands. By optimizing your website for voice search, you can ensure your audience finds the information they need, whether they’re typing or talking.