Why Voice Search Will Dominate SEO in 2019-And How to Leverage It

What is Voice Search?

Voice search essentially allows users to speak to the device instead of typing keywords in the search query to generate results. Audio technology uses speech recognition to understand the user's speech with extreme precision. It then delivers the results verbally to the user. Although it may seem like a brand new concept, voice search technology has been around for a while. Programs such as speech-to-text and voice dialing are great examples of voice search.

Additionally, programs such as Google Assistant, Siri, Microsoft Cortana, and Amazon Alexa all utilize voice search capabilities. While specific devices can be optimized for voice search, brands, platforms, and websites can also be optimized for it. For example, Amazon Alexa can seamlessly search Spotify’s music playlist, scan Wikipedia, or quickly shop on Amazon based on the user’s command. This demonstrates how some brands choose to optimize their interfaces to be compatible with voice search.

How Voice Search Affects SEO Rankings

Voice search significantly improves the user experience — so much so that by 2020, half of all online searches will be conducted via voice search.

Due to its wide range of uses, search engines like Google are increasingly taking voice search optimization seriously. After all, the purpose of SEO is to accurately rank websites so that users can find the best information for their search queries as quickly as possible. Ultimately, user experience is at the forefront of SEO.

As of January 2018, there were an average of 1 billion voice searches per month, proving that voice search is on the rise. But it’s important to remember that voice search SEO and traditional website SEO are different. Therefore, certain factors that influence website rankings may have the same impact on voice search, and vice versa. Fortunately, there are some tips that can help you balance both SEO strategies and rank your website for both search listings and voice searches.

4 Tips for Optimizing for Voice Search

When users use voice search, they are typically looking to complete an action (like playing a song or buying a product) or for information about a topic.

However, despite the two different intents, Google uses the same algorithm to rank sites. Whatever your goal, here are 5 simple steps to improve your voice search rankings.

1. Make sure your website loads quickly

Just like traditional SEO, Google voice search favors fast loading websites. Make sure of these things:

·   The website is responsive and works well on mobile devices.

·   The image is optimized.

·   The file is compressed.

·   Leverage website caching to improve page speed.

·   The server response time is improved.

·   Other tasks that speed up traditional websites.

2. Write down how you speak

When users search for something on a desktop or mobile device, they tend to write short, almost to-the-point phrases. For example, if a user wanted to find a good web designer, they might type “top web design companies” into Google.

However, if they’re using voice search, the user might say, “Who is the top web design company in the world?” To ensure your content is optimized for voice search as well, include those long-tail keywords that sound more natural, rather than the short and snappy ones that work well in desktop SEO.

Additionally, keep your phrases short and to the point. Voice search results are usually written at a 9-second optimal reading level at best . So while your information may be high-level, break it down in a way that’s easy for anyone to understand. Pro Tip: While phrases should be short, long-form content still ranks higher in both voice search and traditional search listings. Aim for web content between 1,850 and 2,500 words.

3. Featured Content Block

The average voice search result is about 29 words long. But while we know shorter answers are better, how can we guarantee that Google can recognize and read it to the user?

Of course, create a featured snippet! Featured snippets — also known as position zero, answer boxes, or quick answers — are essentially summary answers for a web page. In desktop search listings, these snippets appear after paid ads but before regular search listings. To optimize your content for recognizable featured snippets, include a brief summary of your main content above the fold in 29 words or less. Use H tags, lists, and bulleted sections because they’re easy for Google to read, so they work well. Also, be sure to include your long-tail keywords in your featured snippets.

4. Focus on local searches

22% of voice search queries are looking for location-based content. Therefore, if brands invest in local content, they are more likely to generate voice search content.

Try using phrases like "near me"

Will voice searches drive traffic to my website?

While voice search results may not appear to directly result in an uptick in your Google Analytics reports, it is certainly driving traffic to your website!

First, when Google reads the results from a voice search list, it gives your site a boost with a simple “According to ___.” This, of course, can increase brand awareness.

Additionally, users can scroll through the written commands for search results, which include links to websites used as resources. This allows them to navigate to the site in the traditional way and increase traffic.

Finally, voice search can improve other important metrics, such as online sales or media playback on sites like Pandora and Spotify.

Can I see my voice search ranking?

Voice search is essential for increasing brand awareness and conversions. So, can you look at your voice search rankings to see where you stand and make improvements? Well, long story short, maybe not yet….

In January 2018, it was reported that a digital agency called Roast had built an automated software that allowed them to run various queries and report results for their clients. While this report is not perfect and is a bit rough, it may pave the way for more accurate voice search ranking reports in the future.

Until then, my best advice is to continue optimizing for both SEO and voice search SEO best practices. Eventually, you’ll be able to view specific reports that show the fruits of your labor and make more specific improvements.

in conclusion

Investing in voice search optimization has been proven to increase brand awareness, online purchases, and revenue.

In fact, one study found that voice search e-commerce revenue on Amazon was $1.8 billion. That number alone is expected to increase to $40 billion by 2022 .

However, despite its growing prominence, voice search is still on the rise in popularity and professional use. However, if you optimize your site for voice search now, you’ll likely get ahead of the competition and see strong voice search rankings that will effectively boost your brand in the long term.

It is imperative to add voice search function to website construction. I look forward to seeing the application of this function as soon as possible. Please pay attention to Yiyingbaoyun Intelligent Website Marketing Platform!