Voice SEO (Search Engine Optimization) refers to the practice of optimizing websites and online content for discovery and use through voice search interactions. This trend has increased with the rise in use and accessibility of voice-activated digital assistants, like Google Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and Microsoft’s Cortana.
Traditionally, search engine queries were typed into a search bar on a computer or mobile device. However, with advancements in technology, we have seen a steady growth of voice searches. Today, navigating the web, setting reminders, asking factual questions, shopping online and other activities can be executed through voice commands alone. According to an article published by WordStream, currently around 50% of all searches are voice searches.
Voice SEO involves creating content that answers questions formulated in the direct, conversational tone typically used in voice searches. For example, while someone might type “best pizza near me” into a search engine, they’re more likely to ask a voice assistant “where can I find the best pizza place near me?”. Content creators must anticipate these conversational queries when employing voice SEO strategies.
Furthermore, Voice SEO emphasizes the importance of featured snippets on Google. A featured snippet is a summarized answer from a webpage given directly on the Google search result page. They’re often the first thing you see when posing a question to Google. According to a study by SEMrush, around 70% of all answers given by Google’s voice assistant came from featured snippets.
Local SEO is also an essential component of voice SEO. As stated in the “2018 Voice Search Study” by BrightLocal, 58% of consumers have used voice search to find local business information. Therefore, local businesses must ensure their details are correct in Google My Business and that they are regularly receiving high-quality reviews.
Applying voice SEO is becoming increasingly important as the use of voice search continues to rise. Google reports that 27% of the global online population is now using voice search on mobile. Meanwhile, according to eMarketer, 35.8% of millennials will use voice-enabled digital assistants at least monthly in 2019.
In conclusion, voice SEO is about adapting and optimizing web content for voice search. This SEO approach involves responding to the conversational tone of voice search queries, emphasizing local SEO, and leveraging features like Google’s featured snippets. As the use of voice search continues to grow, integrating voice SEO into an online strategy will become increasingly crucial.
Sources used:
1. WordStream
2. SEMRush
3. BrightLocal
4. Google
5. eMarketer
