
In an era where convenience is king, voice search has changed how people use search engines. With the increasing popularity of virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa, optimising for voice search has become more and more imperative for businesses that aim to stay ahead of the game. According to a report by Adobe, users who make use of voice search while shopping online are three times more likely to make a purchase than those who don’t. That alone tells you of the behavioural changes you might find for users who use their voice to search vs. traditional search methods.
In this article, let’s discuss the importance of optimising voice search and provide you with strategies to make the most out of it, all with the expert guidance of Marketing Eye.
Understanding Voice Search
Voice search allows users to perform searches by speaking through a device rather than manually typing. This method utilises language processing in order to understand and interpret spoken queries, providing users with relevant results. As it continues to evolve, it also reshapes consumer behaviour in how people search and make purchasing decisions.
The Rise of Voice Search
Voice search has gained momentum in use by people all over the world. Recent studies show a significant portion of searches are now performed through voice, indicating a modern shift in search behaviour. Research indicated that 72% of users who owned voice-activated speakers use them as part of their daily routine. Think of the last time you or someone you know said “Hey Siri...”. It happens more often than you think. Consumers are increasingly relying on ways to further increase the efficiency of their daily tasks and it is our job to help them do it!
Benefits of Voice Search Optimisation:
● Search Experience: Voice search offers a convenient and intuitive way for users to search for information, making the process more accessible in nature.
● Increased Traffic: By optimising voice search, businesses enable access to more efficient search methods, driving organic traffic to their websites.
● Competitive Advantage: Early adopters gain a competitive edge by catering to their consumers’ evolving needs as well as adopting emerging trends.
Comparing Voice Search vs. Traditional Search
The difference between comparing voice search to traditional search lies in a user’s behaviour as well as their intent in searching for their needs. Traditional search methods typically involve a user manually typing out their queries on a search engine. On the other hand, voice search allows users to speak it to a device. The difference in the two methods have an impact on user behaviour. Traditional search users often use shorter and more concise queries. Think “Top 5 Taco Restaurants in X Town.” Voice search users, on the other hand, often use more conversational and natural language to search for their needs. An example would be “What are the best taco restaurants nearby?”
By understanding the differences between traditional search and voice search, businesses can stay ahead and connect to their audience more effectively by optimising their online presence.
Strategies for Voice Search Optimisation:
Traditional SEO strategies may not be enough for businesses to stay competitive today. Voice search has created a shift in consumer behaviour which means that businesses must optimise and adapt their content to adapt to the behavioural changes caused by the rise of voice search. Below are some best practices for leveraging voice search:
● Optimise Business Details: Make sure that all the details of your business such as description, contact information, location, etc are updated in order to improve visibility in search results.
● Enhance and Optimise Website: Execute strategies that make your website user-friendly and accessible. Such features include making it mobile-friendly, using long-tail keywords that are relevant to search, optimising image and video file sizes, page speed and more.
● FAQ Sections: Think about the most common questions your customers ask or may ask you. Anticipate those questions and provide the answers in an informative and concise manner in your FAQ section.
● Evaluate Feedback: Continue to make adjustments based on user behaviour by consistently evaluating the performance of your voice search strategies.
The Future of Voice Search
One of the biggest shifts in search marketing is the transition towards more conversational and natural language queries. This requires businesses to focus more on content that is more conversational in nature. Think how you would search for the nearest pizza parlour near you. You would probably ask your virtual assistant something like “Hey [Assistant], what are the best pizza places nearby?” Understanding how consumers use search functions can help businesses provide relevant and personalised information in a more natural way.
As voice search tends to be more personalised and context-based, businesses must ensure that all their details are up to date such as their contact details, location, description, etc. This allows potential customers to easily find and reach your business through whatever search method they use.
With the rise of voice search in recent years, businesses must ensure their SEO strategies are up-to-date in order to capitalise on this trend. With Marketing Eye's fractional CMO services and outsourced marketing solutions, companies from different industries can achieve accelerated ROI from marketing. Leverage the power of voice search today with Marketing Eye to maximise opportunities for tomorrow.
Ready to take your strategies to the next level? Contact Marketing Eye today to explore how our expert team can help your business thrive today!