Make These Considerations to Better Optimize Your Brand for Voice Search

There’s no denying that search results have undergone much change in recent times. Mobile devices, smartphones, and smart home devices utilize digital assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, all of which are voice controlled. By the simple act of asking a question, a user can get a slew of information from their device. But with users relying on voice queries more and more, how can you be sure your businesses’ online presence is optimized in a way that delivers the right information to those users?

Here are a few tips! 

Keywords Still Matter, But In a Different Way

While some write off the importance of keywords in the age of voice search, it is important to remember that all searches begin with a query. That query is made up of a combination of keywords, whether they are typed or spoken. While heavy emphasis used to be placed on exact match terms, taking that approach these days will not get you anywhere.

Since voice queries are much more conversational in nature, there is no use in forcing exact match keywords into your content. Instead, focus on how users are asking for what you have to offer. Write about your business, products, or services as you, or your customers would speak about them in real life. A great way to get ideas is by brainstorming with those on your team who deal directly with your customers on a daily basis. Ask that they take note of common questions and conversation trends they encounter in their interactions and then work together to incorporate this information into your website in a natural way. 

Don’t Forget About Your Google My Business Listings

Consider the fact that many people using voice search are doing so because they are driving, and much of the time, they are using it to help them find local businesses, get directions, or lookup phone numbers. One of the best ways to make sure they can retrieve all of this information quickly is by making sure your business listing is claimed, verified, and optimized via Google My Business. 

Make Sure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly

Again, due to the fact that so many of voice searches are conducted using a mobile phone, it is important to consider the experience your website provides to those users. In previous blog entries, we’ve discussed the importance of having a mobile-friendly responsive website when it comes to SEO. 

One reason a responsive website impacts your position in search results for voice triggered queries is that there is such a large audience searching for products, services, and information using voice search on their mobile devices. If your website is not mobile-friendly, but your competitors are, there’s a high likelihood that mobile users will give their business to them over you.

Create an FAQ Section

A great way to answer a user’s questions naturally is by utilizing an FAQ section on your website. Creating a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, or even just incorporating content headings that contain the questions your user’s want answered within other relevant areas of your website, can really help to further optimize your website for voice search. As mentioned earlier, focus on answering questions using a conversational tone and be as clear and concise as you can. Do your best to put yourself in your user’s shoes and think about any follow-up questions they may have. Then be proactive and creative about how you can answer those questions throughout the various sections of your website. 

Need help bringing your SEO strategy into the age of voice search? Contact us today!