Google voice search was first rolled out in 2002. 15 years later, intelligent voice activated personal assistants are dominating the market. Discover the 5 core ways it’s reshaping SEO:
With the likes of Amazon Echo, Google Home and a ton of voice activated apps, it’s no wonder that voice is the fastest growing type of search. According to Google, 55% of teens and 41% of adults use voice search more than once a day! As this trend is only on the rise, it’s important that you get your SEO ducks in a row now and understand how it’s reshaping the way we optimise:
- Keyword optimisation will change
A written search query and a voice query differs massively. As keyword research is a core component of successful search engine optimisation, it’s essential that it’s done right and will attract both users of voice and written search. You can do this by optimising content with long tail keywords (questions a user may voice search for), such as ‘What is SEO marketing?’. Short tail keywords are still important, but as voice search rises, so will the importance of long tail keywords.
- Bing searches may increase
Ask Alexa a search-related question, and she responds with answers based on the Bing search engine. With an estimated 1.6 million installs, it’s likely that we will see a consistent rise in Bing voice searches making it crucial that your organic Bing rankings are doing well – and to check for long tail keywords in Bing’s keyword research tool.
- Schema Mark-up should be a priority
This essential HTML add-on helps search engines understand the context of your content. Making your site as easy to read as possible for a search engine will help to improve your rankings and increase the chance of the most relevant results popping up for voice searches.
- FAQ pages are now a great SEO tactic
Most voice searches begin with the 5 W’s – what, where, when, why and how. It’s difficult to incorporate these naturally within core pages, which is why an FAQ page is so handy! Do some long tail keyword research and have a think, then write your answers in a conversational tone, and publish as an FAQ page.
- Integrate your local business within website apps
With voice search becoming so clever, not only can you find results for ‘pizza takeaway in Bournemouth’, but you can search for ‘an open pizza takeaway within 5 miles for Hawaiian pizza’. Google Home or Alexa are likely to search via high ranking sites, with apps, such as Just Eat. By creating and optimising listings on these apps, such as Just Eat for restaurants, or Kayak for B&Bs, local businesses can take advantage of the technology these apps already have.
It’s apparent that voice search is becoming a big game player in the SEO world. User friendly websites with natural conversational content are key and we predict this will only increase – so get cracking!
If you’d like help optimising your website, contact the Upperdog SEO agency in Bournemouth. We provide SEO services including voice, local and mobile SEO. Browse our site to find out more on Upperdog, call 01202 798 820 or email hello@upperdog.co.uk today.