VOICE SEARCH OPTIMISATION: A MUST FOR MODERN WEBSITES
Posted on 29th August 2024
In this digital era, more people than ever before are using their voice to search for information online. According to Statista research, 8.4 billion digital voice assistants will be accessed via smartphones, smart speakers and other voice-activated devices during 2024—that’s more than the world’s population!
So, if you’re a small business looking to ramp up your online presence, optimising your website for voice search is no longer optional—it's imperative.
What is voice search optimisation, and why is it important?
Voice search optimisation is about ensuring your website ranks well in search engine results when internet users perform searches using their voice. Unlike traditional text-based searches, voice searches are typically more conversational in style. This shift in search behaviour presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses.
Who uses voice search?
Voice search is popular across various demographics, but especially among younger users and tech-savvy consumers. However, busy professionals, parents, and even the older generation are turning to voice search because it’s highly convenient. Whether asking for directions, checking the weather, finding a local business, or searching for quick facts, a broad audience appreciates the hands-free and fast nature of AI-driven voice search technology. Voice search also helps with website accessibility; it's crucial for visually impaired people.
The evolution and future of voice search
Voice search first came about via the introduction of virtual assistants like Apple's Siri in 2011, and then Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa. Such technologies have evolved from a novel feature into a powerful and reliable tool now integrated into millions of devices worldwide.
As AI and machine learning technologies advance, the future of voice search looks exciting—it should become even more intuitive and able to understand complex queries to provide more accurate results. For businesses, this means the need to optimise for voice search will only grow, so it’s vital to act now to stay ahead of the curve.
How does voice search impact your website's performance?
Voice search changes how users engage with search engines and how websites are ranked. Traditional SEO tactics won’t always work when it comes to voice search. For example, voice searches are often longer using natural language, compared to typed queries, e.g., "Where is my nearest Italian restaurant?" instead of "Italian restaurant."
Voice search behaviour impacts website performance in the following ways:
Conversational search queries: Websites should cater to natural language processing by including long-tail keywords and phrases that mirror how people speak.
Priorities local search: Voice search is often used for local queries, so optimising your site for local SEO is vital.
Speed is critical: Voice search users want quick answers. If your website loads slowly, it will likely rank lower in search engines.
Featured snippets: Voice search pulls information from featured snippets—these are short answers that appear at the top of search engine results. Optimising your content so that it may appear as a snippet can boost visibility.
Voice search optimisation tips
There are several things you can do to help your website perform better in voice search results:
Use natural language keywords: Focus on conversational phrases that people will likely say rather than type.
Optimise for local search: Ensure your Google My Business listing is up-to-date and your website includes details about location, opening hours, and services.
Create an FAQ page: Answer common questions about your business clearly and concisely (this is a good way to rank in one of those coveted featured snippets).
Improve website speed: Voice search prioritises fast-loading websites. Learn how to boost your site’s speed.
Focus on mobile-friendliness: Since many voice searches occur on mobile devices, make sure your website utilises a mobile-first design.
Voice search: the latest trend in user behaviour
Voice search technology is altering the way consumers engage with the digital world, so your business must adapt accordingly. Optimising your website for voice searches will ensure your business stays visible—and accessible.
Need help improving your website’s performance? Whether you’re interested in voice search or other SEO strategies, we can help. Get in touch with us today.
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