In a world where convenience is king, voice search is accounting for an increasing amount of internet searches, making up a full 20% of searches in the Google app. Whether it's asking a smartphone for a good place to eat or consulting Alexa for the closest hardware store, people are increasingly relying on voice commands to get things done. So, how can you ensure your digital presence is voice-search-friendly? Here are six ways you can prepare your website to receive traffic from increasing voice searches.

 

Voice searches tend to be more conversational compared to text queries. People speak to their devices more like how they would talk to another person. Tailor your content to reflect this conversational tone. Consider how your target audience phrases questions and incorporate those natural language queries into your content.

 

A significant portion of voice searches is location-based. Users often ask for nearby restaurants, stores, or services. Ensure your business listings are accurate and updated on platforms like Google My Business, and make sure the link to your website works properly. Use local keywords in your content to increase visibility for location-specific searches. Always make sure to optimize for the location keyword people are actually using. For instance, although your store may have a Duenweg, MO address, your potential customers are likelier to use Joplin, MO keywords.

 

Most voice searches happen on mobile devices. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, with responsive design and fast loading times. Mobile optimization not only enhances the user experience but also contributes to better voice search performance. Be mindful of how you utilize space on your web pages, and make certain that your most important messaging and calls-to-action appear 'above the fold.'

 

Voice searches are typically longer and more specific than text searches. Tailor your keyword strategy to include long-tail keywords that mimic natural language. Think about how users might phrase questions or requests verbally, and optimize your content accordingly. As an added benefit, competing for longer keywords is typically easier than shorter, higher-volume keywords.

 

Voice searches are often seeking quick answers. Structure your content in a way that provides clear and concise responses to common questions related to your business or industry. Featured snippets are highly coveted in voice search results, so aim to be the go-to source for brief, informative answers. Never hide answers deep in a page's content. Instead, demonstrate expert knowledge 'above the fold' and explain more thoroughly with the rest of your page content.

Regularly updating your website's content is a great rule of thumb for SEO optimization in general. However, because most people are just getting familiar with voice search, the keywords people use are more susceptible to change than conventional text search keywords. Keeping tabs on voice search trends and modifying your content accordingly is a good idea. 

Zimmer Marketing's web development team is pushing the boundaries of website design and performance. Fast, visually appealing, and SEO-friendly websites are no longer the exclusive domain of multi-billion dollar companies. If you want to give your business a competitive advantage online, we're here to help.

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