Voice search is a growing trend that allows users to search for information or perform actions by speaking to their devices, such as smartphones, smart speakers, or laptops.
Voice search is convenient, fast, and hands-free, which makes it appealing for many users, especially on mobile devices.
According to a report by Juniper Research, voice-based ad revenue could reach $19 billion by 2022.
Voice commerce sales are also expected to grow to $40 billion by 2023.
These numbers show that voice search is not only a popular way to find information, but also a potential way to drive conversions and sales.
However, voice search is also different from traditional text-based search in many ways.
Voice search queries tend to be longer, more conversational, and more natural than typed queries.
Voice search users also expect quick and accurate answers that match their intent and context.
Therefore, in 2023, you need to use voice search for SEO and reach more users who prefer to speak rather than type.
Here are some tips on how to do that:
Use question-based and long-tail keywords:
Voice search queries are often phrased as questions that start with words like who, what, where, when, why, and how.
For example, a user might ask “Where is the nearest pizza place?” or “How do I make lasagna?”
instead of typing “pizza near me” or “lasagna recipe”.
To optimize your content for voice search, you need to use question-based keywords that match the user’s natural language and intent.
You also need to use long-tail keywords that are more specific and less competitive than short-tail keywords.
For example, instead of targeting “dog food”, you might want to target “best dog food for small breeds” or “how to choose dog food for allergies”.
Provide clear and concise answers:
Voice search users expect to get immediate and relevant answers to their queries.
They don’t want to scroll through a long list of results or read a lengthy article to find what they are looking for.
Therefore, you need to provide clear and concise answers that address the user’s query directly and accurately.
You can use tools like AnswerThePublic or AlsoAsked to find common questions related to your topic and create content that answers them.
You can also use schema markup or structured data to help Google understand and display your content better in the SERPs.
For example, you can use FAQ schema or HowTo schema to create snippets that show up in voice search results.
Optimize for local voice search:
Voice search is especially popular for local queries, such as finding nearby businesses, services, or attractions.
According to Google, 46% of voice search users look for local information on a daily basis.
To optimize your content for local voice search, you need to include local keywords that mention your city, state, neighborhood, or landmarks.
You also need to claim and optimize your Google My Business listing with accurate and updated information about your business name, address, phone number, hours, reviews, etc.
You can also use tools like Moz Local or BrightLocal to manage your local citations and reviews across different platforms.
Optimize for mobile devices:
Most voice searches are done on mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets.
Therefore, you need to optimize your website for mobile devices and ensure that it is fast, responsive, and user-friendly.
You can use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to test and improve your website speed and performance on mobile devices.
You can also use tools like Google Mobile-Friendly Test or Bing Mobile Friendliness Test Tool to check and fix any issues that might affect your website’s mobile-friendliness.
Optimize for featured snippets:
Featured snippets are the boxes that appear at the top of the SERPs that provide a quick answer or summary of a query.
They are also known as “position zero” because they rank above the organic results.
Featured snippets are important for voice search because they are often used by Google Assistant or Google Home to provide voice answers.
According to a study by Backlinko , 40.7% of voice search answers came from featured snippets.
To optimize your content for featured snippets , you need to follow these steps:
Identify the queries that trigger featured snippets in your niche
Create content that answers those queries in a clear and concise way
Use headings, lists, tables, images, or videos to structure your content
Use schema markup or structured data to help Google understand and display your content