Voice activation is no longer ‘the future’. Voice activation is here, and now, and it works. We have seen voice activation soar in popularity over the last two or three years. Whether it’s through our phones with applications like Siri, or through purpose built devices like the Amazon Echo or Google Home, voice activation search technologies are fast becoming part of the landscape of everyday modern life. In fact, some studies believe that voice searches will make up 50% of online searches by the time 2020 comes around!
Although, in most cases, this does not mean you have to completely overhaul your SEO strategy, you are going to want to consider a little tweaking. Here are a few tips on how to best optimize your business for voice activated searches.
1. Language
Most likely, the SEO you currently use on your site is based on the keywords you are most likely to see typed into a search bar. However, people speak in very different to way to how they type.
Essentially, when people are searching via voice activation they use more casual language, and speak in long form. Therefore, in terms of SEO, you need to think about implementing phrases and longtail keywords as opposed to just short search terms.
For example: Where one might type ‘best pizza near me’ into a search bar, into a voice activated search you might say something like ‘where can I get the best pizza near me’. Have a think about how your customers speak, and implement this into your SEO strategy accordingly.
2. Microdata
Microdata are those little details that make it easier for search engines to understand what your business is, and what each page contains. This is ever more important with the genesis of voice searching.
So, if your site is missing locations, prices, menus, opening hours, phone numbers or e-mail addresses, you might well be missing out on a simple way to optimise your search stats.
Not sure how good your microdata is? Why not check with Google’s Data Testing Tool?
3. Mobile Friendly
Most voice activated searches are still being made through our mobile devices. So, if your site is not already mobile compatible, then now is the time. If you are not sure how mobile friendly your site is, then Google has a handy test for that too: Test My Site.
These are 3 great starting points to get your business SEO ready for the age of the voice generated search. There are plenty of other strategies you might want to consider, get in touch with us and we would be happy to advise you on how best to optimise your content for speed, search engines and other market places online.
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Written by Sam Gardiner
I'm a designer based in Liverpool currently working for E-blueprint. Die hard Bolton Wanderers...Enough said.