Voice commands used to be something that’s only seen or heard of in fiction. That’s not the case now because voice-operated software is everywhere. Not only that but there are also certain objects that are voice-operated, such as appliances and light switches.
Voice-operated software first started in smartphones as built-in digital assistants. Some of the well-known ones include Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, Microsoft’s Cortana, and Google’s Google Assistant.
Like most things, digital marketers use voice search to their advantage. After all, voice search is enabled in most devices nowadays—all you have to do is ask your virtual assistant, and it would provide you with some options. However, you need to remember that your query must be optimized for better results.
So what are the things that you should know regarding voice search optimization? We’ll discuss everything you need to know in this article.
Using Long-Tail Keywords and Search Intent
A good example of a keyword is “best gaming laptops for college students.” When you think about it, though, it’s still too broad a term. You don’t know whether you’re window-shopping or actually buying. If you were to perform a voice search, you would be asking, “What are the best-priced gaming laptops?” Aside from that, this query may even yield better results such as top 10 lists, reviews, where to buy a laptop, and more.
Asking a more specific question is easier, and voice search is smart enough to understand what you’re saying. Unlike traditional SEO practices, long-tail keywords are better used for voice search.
Recognizing Natural Speech Patterns
Speech patterns are hard to determine in a technical manner, but it comes to you naturally. It also differs depending on how it’s delivered. An example might be through text when you ask a friend, “Grab a bite after work?” If you were to ask them in person, however, you’ll probably say something like, “Hey, do you want to have dinner later after work?”
A natural speech pattern contains more context about the question itself rather than if you were to type or text it to someone. That’s why the term “natural language” is often used to describe queries made using voice search and long-tail keywords—there’s a difference between what people are likely to type and what they are likely to say. With the rise of voice search, it’s better for SEO digital marketers to understand the relevance of speech patterns and how they can affect certain search results.
The Impact on Traditional SEO
It’s believed that voice searches are more likely to give local-based results than text searches because most smartphones nowadays tend to search for local listings. A smartphone knows a lot regarding your location, such as the weather or if there’s traffic near you or not. These factors help narrow down your search and provide more accurate results. When using voice search, common examples include “Where’s the nearest fast food?” or “How do I get to the nearest gas station?” to name a few.
If you’re using voice search to your business’ advantage, you should switch up your strategy in regard to local SEO so that you can narrow down search intent for keywords in your specific field or industry. Simply put, your keywords should be centered around the 5Ws: Who, What, Where, When, and Why.
Conclusion
Voice search can be a good way for businesses to expand their brand. If done correctly, it will help narrow down search results and direct prospective clients to your website.
Local SEO Pro is a digital marketing agency that specializes in voice search optimization. We have worked with numerous businesses in various fields to make sure that voice search will be able to reach them. If ever you want your business to expand through the use of voice search, check out our plans and sign up today.
