Using Voice search is not only convenient, but it is fast becoming the “go-to” way to search as we approach 2019.
With voice-activated commands in vehicles, smart homes, and smartphones, using a voice search can lead potential customers straight to your businesses virtual front door.
As an emerging trend worldwide, it is predicted that by 2020, 2 out of 3 searches will be conducted using voice recognition software. If a customer owns an Apple Siri, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, or an Amazon Alexa product, chances are they are or soon will be conducting searches using voice.
Does this change the way you do SEO? Let’s get into a few considerations on voice search & its effects on search engine marketing.
Voice Search is Changing SEO
Michael Quoc, CEO of Dealspotr, predicts voice search will influence future SEO in the following ways:
- Semantic searches are becoming increasingly important.
- The tone and function of content needs to service customer searches.
- Every site needs to be mobile-friendly, period.
- Featured snippets are key.
- Successful brand names should be easily and correctly pronounced by the voice assistant.
- Review websites and directories are vital for local businesses.
- Voice searches are becoming the norm.
Semantic Voice Searches
Searchers trust Google to give them great results – even for complex search terms. People will be voice searching not just for simple, one-or-two keyword phrases. Semantic keywords, or semantic voice searches, should be a priority to optimize for.
Local Voice Searches
If someone were to search into their Alexa “Find a plumber near me”, they will be read the most trusted local platforms (who are equipped for voice search). Get ahead of the competition in your local area by optimizing for voice and local search, such as your Google My Business profile.
Mobile Websites
Companies that want to survive should heed Google’s warning that they are moving to a mobile-first world. What does a mobile-first world look like for businesses? Sites should load quickly for mobile devices. If a site is not mobile-friendly, your site will simply not be picked up on voice searches.
Position Zero / Featured Snippets
Questions on Google such as, “What degree does water freeze?” or “How many ounces are in a pound?” are answered through the Rich Answer boxes at the top of search results using Instant Answers. But for more complicated questions, there are often several featured snippets.
With voice search, you can look to optimize for one of the many snippets. Create descriptive, informative content that provides sufficient answers to questions asked by searchers. With this, you’ll have a great shot to be featured.
Is the Way Your Brand Name Pronounced Really Important?
Definitely. When Google answers a voice search, it begins by stating, “According to (insert website name here), the best solution for dry eyes is the body’s own natural tears.”
Since Google is reading out your website or brand name, creating a pronounceable name can lead to a customer remembering it later on when making a purchase.
It’s a good idea in general to have a short, memorable name; voice search is making it that much more important.
Importance of Online Reviews for “Best” Voice Searches
Online reviews are vital to local businesses. In fact, according to BrightLocal, 97% of consumers went online to see local business ratings in 2017. Let that sink in for a moment. Ninety-seven percent. A few additional facts to include:
- Of that 97 %, twelve percent went online every single day looking for a local business.
- Online reviews are trusted by 85% of consumers just as much as a personal recommendation.
- Trust is built in positive reviews. Those reviews make 73% of consumers trust a local business more.
- Almost half of the consumers will not choose a business with less than a 4-star rating.
Think of the popular directory and review sites as search engines of their own.
Amazon’s Alexa uses these types of sites to build upon. So, when someone is verbally searching the best local business for tire repair, being first on Page 1 of Google won’t ensure that your business is mentioned.
Rather, think of sites such as Yelp, Google My Business, or Bing Places for Business that include photos, reviews, and owner responses as the new way to stand on the corner with an eye-catching sign that screams, “COME ON IN! WE’RE OPEN FOR BUSINESS!”
Related: Where to Manage Your Online Reputation
Is Voice Search Set to Explode in 2019?
Users are definitely tech-savvy and are becoming increasingly demanding with an ultra-personal experience when searching brands, websites, and more. Companies such as Google are improving their voice filters to recognize user’s speaking patterns, searches, and regional idioms.
Voice search is changing the way we all do business. It is also changing SEO. It is no coincidence that devices that use voice recognition have exploded in popularity in the past 2 years. Giants such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have been getting better at developing accurate searches for their devices. Don’t let this ground-breaking opportunity pass you up.
Who Can Help Me?
Do you feel overwhelmed with the thought of researching, creating, and executing a voice search plan for your business? Are you ready to fully immerse your business in voice search technology? Are you already using sites such as Yelp to further your business, but want to ensure that you are getting the most out of these sites?
If you need some guidance or just want to ensure that your business is on the cusp of the latest trends, let Internetzone I do the heavy lifting. Use voice search to your businesses’ advantage, receive great ratings and increase your overall profit.
Internetzone I, is a full-service digital marketing service provider since 1999. Expert Organic SEO, Local SEO, Google Adwords (PPC), Reputation Management, and voice search planning are just a few of the services offered. Internetzone I can advance your business to the next level. Shoot us a note or call toll-free (866) 325-1938.