You may have heard about the rise of voice search in 2024 and how it is reshaping the digital landscape, from the way we interact with our devices to the way in which the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) continues to evolve around us. As a business leader, it is important that you find ways to integrate this new way of ‘search’ into your digital communications. In this article, we will break down what you need to know about voice search and the important steps you need to take to be ‘audibly visual’.
The Rise of Voice Search
If you are thinking about Siri, then you are on the right track, but now imagine a whole family of Siris (yes, she has sisters too). The increasing use of voice-activated devices, advances in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and the integration of voice with e-commerce and IoT devices have contributed to this trend. This feature has enhanced the way that customers interact with brands, and research shows that the number is expected to increase to over 8.4 billion devices with this innovative search feature.
And it doesn’t stop there – more e-commerce platforms now make use of innovative voice-friendly features, such as voice payments on certain platforms. Voice payments are projected to cross the 470 billion mark as more consumers and retailers shift to more voice-enabled commerce.
Adopting Voice Search into Your Content
Integrating voice search into your content is not as complex as it may seem. The trick is to understand and position yourself as the ideal customer, how would you expect your customer to find you or your brand? Voice search queries are often used in a conversational manner, which differs from the traditional short tailed keywords. With voice search, long tailed keywords are emphasised to fully capture your customers search intent.
Featured Snippets
Featured snippets are arguably one of the most important features for successful voice search optimisation. Voice assistants often rely on feature snippets to help answer user search queries. Websites that contain relevant and concise information will be more likely to be suitable for voice search, as they provide individuals with important information quickly.
Use Schema Markup
Schema markup is microdata that allows search engines to summarise content on websites. It provides search engines with fundamental information, such as additional information about the type of business, the services you offer etc. This is crucial in helping potential customers find you.
Local SEO Optimisation is a Must
Most voice searches have been found to be local in nature, with users often looking for nearby restaurants or ‘safest parks near me’. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that you always include local keywords in your communications across all platforms. Keeping an updated Google Business profile is also recommended, as it helps your customers find you and learn more about your business much quicker.
Speedy Wins The Race
Last but not least, having a healthy site in terms of speed is crucial for your voice optimisation. It is crucial to ensure that your website has a fast loading speed and is optimised to be mobile-friendly, as many voice searches are conducted on mobile devices.
Wrap-Up
Voice search is a feature that looks to be here to stay. The convenience that it provides to consumers is priceless, and it being ‘audibly visual’ is important to maintain a competitive edge. If you want to truly leverage the power of SEO for your business, get in touch with the experts, and watch your business truly transform.
