A Guide To Voice Search SEO In 2022  

Learn more about the differences between voice search and typed search.

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One of the fastest growing technology trends is the implementation of virtual assistants into almost every smart device you can imagine. Virtual assistants are everywhere in 2022 and Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant deal with billions of requests every day. Consumers now use voice commands to control multimedia, search the web and set reminders and alarms. As more people continue to use virtual assistants, the way we interact with our devices will change and evolve. For marketers and business owners, it is worth taking note of how this will affect marketing strategies and search engine optimisation. Our digital marketing agency in Bournemouth provides a range of SEO, PPC and social ads services. Voice search optimisation looks as if it is going to become an even more important part of the SEO services we offer. To stay ahead of the competition, let’s understand the impact of voice search for SEO. 

Is voice the future of search? 

Before beginning any voice search optimisation, it is fair to wonder if voice commands really are the future of Google searches. While still quite a new technology, there is a lot of data that demonstrates the increasing popularity of voice search. Figures range based on location and age but on average 80% of people estimate that they have used their voice to interact with a device in the last month. Over 70% of consumers said they prefer to use voice search as opposed to typing their search query. Voice assistants and search engines also continue to get better at understanding complex queries.  

Voice search vs typed search 

So, what is the difference between voice search and typed search, how does using our voice change the way we use search engines like Google? Firstly, with voice searches the vocabulary is far more conversational than with traditional typed searches. Someone might type ‘Lasagne recipe’ but with a voice assistant, ask, ‘How do I make lasagne?’. This has huge implications for SEO strategy as it affects how marketers use keywords to optimise a page.  

While recent updates to Google have made it better at understanding the intent of searches, voice search is shifting the vocabulary of our queries. Local voice searches are also a popular way of using virtual assistants. People often use voice searches when they are driving or concentrating on something else. Popular voice searches include the phrase ‘near me’ as people look for local restaurants, shops, or services. 

Impact of voice search on SEO 

There has been an impact on SEO due to increased demand for voice search and some recent algorithm updates to Google. Voice searches tend to be longer than typed queries, making the optimisation of long-tail keywords much more important. As voice searches tend to be in a question format, Google values pages with useful or helpful content. Long-tail keywords usually have a higher user intent so e-commerce businesses may find that a voice search SEO strategy will help increase conversions.  

How to optimise your website for voice search 

To improve your website with voice search optimisation, there are a few key areas to work on.  

  • Core Web Vitals – A key part of improving voice search SEO is core web vitals. A website with good page load speed will rank higher for voice search requests. Find out more on improving website site speed. 
  • FAQs – To help answer potential voice search questions it is worth having a FAQs page. Even if you don’t have a dedicated page, it is good practice to include clear answers to any questions on a website so Google will consider the content useful and direct. The average voice search result is only 29 words, so make sure answers aren’t too long. 
  • Google My Business – A strong Google My Business profile will aid voice search optimisation. Profiles with up-to-date information and positive reviews will rank well when people are performing local search requests.  

Our digital marketing agency offers a range of SEO services including voice search optimisation. For more information about improving voice search SEO get in contact with a member of our team. Speak to someone by calling 01202 798820 or email hello@upperdog.co.uk