Not so long ago, voice queries from a person to a computer were the stuff of sci-fi movies.
More than 20% of people search for information on the Internet in this way almost every day.
The market for voice assistants is projected to grow to $53 billion by 2030.
Voice search is a convenient way to quickly and easily find out about different areas of life: stores, services, weather, current news, and so on. This is especially true when the user is driving or just has busy hands.
When voice input is used, text is still the basis of communication. The system translates spoken speech into text format, searches for an answer to a person’s question on the Internet, and then gives relevant results.
Voice typing is a new opportunity for marketing and promoting a company.
Why Voice Search Matters for Digital Publishers
Voice search is an automatic speech recognition technology that translates speech into text and searches for the answer to a query on the Internet. A spoken search engine works on the basis of artificial intelligence. Such a search in the browser takes into account the rules of SEO and shows those results that the system considers relevant. Of course, it makes sense to incorporate voice search into your marketing strategy because it’s becoming increasingly popular with users. It can bring you additional potential customers or take your marketing to a whole new level.
How to Optimize Content for Voice Search
Use Long Keyword Phrases and Natural Language
In voice search, people often speak in extended phrases — questions they would ask in verbal communication. For example, Where can I buy dog food in London? instead of dog food London, as the searcher usually writes. Therefore, it is worth adding whole phrases to the content, even if they are low-frequency. It is essential not to forget colloquial words that often appear in queries.
Create content that mimics natural speech patterns. Addressing commonly asked questions and using long-tail keywords can help capture these queries. Answering who, what, when, where, why, and how questions in a concise, direct manner can boost the likelihood of content being selected as a voice search result.
Add An FAQ Section
A block with specific short answers will simplify the search and increase the chances of getting to the top of the output. Plus, there’s the possibility of ending up in Google’s answer spinner, where there will be a short text from your site and a link.
Adapt Content for Mobile Devices
92% of people access the Internet from mobile devices.
Users logically prefer to use the voice assistant on their smartphones. The site should be easy to open and retain the same functionality as the desktop version.
Add Company Addresses On All Possible Sites
Create company profiles on Google and all available directories with a consistent name, address, and phone number (NAP). This is critical for locating services nearby or in a specific area. Be sure to include contact information and a link to your website.
How to Create Voice-Friendly Content: Key Tips
- Keep Content Brief and Actionable: For featured snippets, aim for short, informative answers — usually between 30 and 40 words — as these concise responses are often used in voice search answers.
- Use Clear Headings and Structure: Break down content with subheadings that mirror potential user questions, making it easy for search engines to identify relevant sections and for users to skim.
- Optimize for Mobile: Many voice searches occur on mobile devices, so mobile optimization is essential. Fast-loading, mobile-friendly pages that are easy to navigate will retain users and improve search rankings.
Sometimes, tools that we don’t expect to be highly effective can be crucial in marketing. Voice search can be a tool in your arsenal, so don’t neglect it. Use the tips described above, and you’ll see results very soon!