Just last year, there were an estimated 4,083,105,000 internet users worldwide. As that number keeps increasing, the way we interact with the internet continues to evolve.

Take voice-powered search, for example. While we were once forced to type or text a web search by hand, we can now rely on built-in digital assistants — like Siri, Alexa, Cortana, and others — to conduct those searches on our behalf. All we need to do is speak what we want to know out loud.

Given the convenience this option provides, it’s no wonder that more of us have embraced it. In fact, Adobe released data in July 2019 revealing that 48% of consumers had already begun using voice search for general internet searches. This suggests that even higher percentages of users, particularly smartphone owners, will adopt this method in the years to come.

What you might not realize is that the way in which we search has a direct impact on what Google will serve in results. After all, search engine optimization is always changing — and businesses need to change with it. Since Google wants to provide the most accurate and relevant information for our web searches, it makes sense that those who have adequately optimized their websites for voice search would be given higher priority in SERPs.

In other words, your site and digital marketing need to factor voice search into the equation. But where to start? Here are some tips that any SEO company (including ours!) would recommend.

• Use Questions and Longer Keywords in Your Content: When it comes to optimizing for voice search, you’ll want to keep things conversational. Because users search for answers a bit differently when using a digital assistant, you’ll need to adjust how you write if you want to show up in voice searches. Most voice searches have a longer word count than queries conducted in a conventional manner. In addition, many of them feature full questions. This means you should optimize your content in a natural way that includes long-form questions and long-tail keywords. Be sure to use “filler” words in your optimization too, as those using voice search will often use “the,” “to,” “I,” and other terms they might otherwise leave out in a written query.
• Take Full Advantage of Local Listings: If your business has a physical location, you might already understand the value of working on your local search engine marketing. But it’s even more important that you prioritize local digital marketing services if you’re trying to optimize for voice search. Those who utilize voice search capabilities are often looking for solutions nearby — such as restaurants, hotels, gas stations, stores, and other attractions. When you want to appeal to customers on-the-go, start with geo-targeted keywords and listings like Google My Business pages. This will help you show up more prominently when someone asks for relevant results close by.
• Improve Your Site’s Loading Speed: Although you may think of optimization as added keywords and backlinks, don’t forget that your site’s functionality plays a substantial role, as well. Your SEO agency may be right in pointing out that your site could be better optimized for mobile users (who are most likely to use voice search capabilities in the first place). Of course, mobile responsiveness is key, but speed is also essential. Sites that load slowly are going to be abandoned by web users, which can then impact your bounce rate and your overall search ranking. By speeding up your site, you’ll essentially be improving your chances of showing up in a voice search (or in any search at all).
• Hire a Professional SEO Agency: When you’re trying to optimize for voice search, don’t forget to hire a professional SEO agency! Although these concepts might be easy enough to understand, they can be much more difficult to implement successfully. When you work with an SEO agency, you’ll know these critical updates are being made and that voice search trends are being factored into your overall strategy — allowing your business to benefit without having to take on these tasks yourself.

Ready to get your site optimized for voice search? We’re here to help. Contact us today to get started.