Does voice search come off as a bit strange to you? Living in an era where people prefer text messages versus answering the phone, that’s to be expected.

For some, voice search might mean taking a step backward. But here’s the thing ‒ people are looking for faster (and more efficient) ways to communicate.

Typing does take time, and on those tiny mobile devices, there is an increased chance for errors.

In this post, we’ll explain the power of voice search and how it’s changing the world of marketing. We’ll also highlight how your business can take advantage of it.

How Does Voice Search Work?

In its most basic form, voice search is a new technology that focuses on speech recognition rather than text typing.

It’s popular on smartphones and other mobile devices because users are constantly looking for ways to be hands-free. Moreover, voice search can be used in desktop as well, given the right microphone set-up.

As of 2018, there are approximately 1 billion Google searches monthly that are conducted via voice search. Meaning, about 40 percent of adults are conducting at least one voice search per day.

Comscore even estimates that about 50 percent of all searches will be made via voice search by the time 2020 rolls in.

Now, how can you ensure that your web pages are optimized for voice? Here are several approaches:

Optimize Your Local SEO

Do you know that most local searches are done via voice? A lot of users are on-the-go, and they’re looking for immediate answers or an instant fix for something, such as a coffee shop recommendation nearby or a local store.

You can boost your chance of being featured on search by following the basic principles of local SEO:

• Local keywords. Integrate local keyword queries such as the name of your state, city, and region. As long as it’s categorized and optimized properly, it could give you your business a boost.

• User reviews and ratings. The more (and relatively better) reviews you get, the higher you’ll rank in local search results.

• Traditional SEO tactics. You won’t rank well in local searches unless you’ve got your traditional SEO tactics right. You need to have an excellent on-site optimization strategy as well as high-quality inbound links that support your authority.

Know Your Audience

Pay attention to the types of queries that your audience is making, and why they are making them.

As queries have become more common and specific, search intent is becoming more and more crucial.

Know that there are three types of search intent:

• Informational: A user is only looking for a particular type of information. While these are common, it doesn’t always lead to a transaction.
• Navigational: A user is searching for a particular product or destination.
• Transactional: This is the most important search to target. A user is ready to engage with someone or buy something.

Go For Long Tail Keywords

According to Local SEO Search, a leading Vancouver SEO Company, “Keywords are important. These are words and phrases that make a prospective customer find you on Google searches. A smart keyword strategy lets you attract relevant and organic traffic on your website.”

Long-tail keywords are longer than your usual short-tail keywords and make up approximately 70 percent of searches. It’s because customers are more specific on what they search for, especially with voice search.

Excellent keyword placement helps you rank better in Google, and show up with these relevant keywords.

So think about the keywords that you want to rank for. Then, strategically place them in your content. That way, when a prospect is searching, you’ll have a better chance that they’ll show up on the search.

Create an FAQ Page

If you’re not sure how you can integrate long phrases users might say when they’re using voice search, take advantage of the FAQ page.

Creating an FAQ page helps you type out those questions and then answer them. It’s an indispensable tool for any local businesses who want to harness the power of voice search.

Let Google Know Who You Are

Google My Business (GMB) is a platform that was first launched in 2014, where business owners can easily craft and update information about their business. When the information that you listed on your GMB account is current, it’s more likely relevant and useful with users.

Always put yourself with your prospect’s shoes. Who are they and what are they usually searching for?

For instance, if you run a local bed and breakfast, including details like “parking available” and “free breakfast included” is an attractive offer for budget travelers who have vehicles.

Remember that traditional advertising is a lot different on how marketing works these days.

Just a couple of years ago, all you need to do is to place an ad on newspapers, billboards, and magazines and that will already help boost your sales.

But things have drastically changed now. People have more options. Ensuring that your online content is geared to attract your prospects will make a significant difference in your bottom line.

Have a Mobile-Friendly Site

In this highly digital age, you have to ensure that your business website remains mobile-friendly.

Not all people have the patience to get their laptops out or sit in front of their desktops, switch it on, and then connect to the internet. The modern user wants results fast, and smartphones and tablets allow them just that.

Also, approximately 60 percent of all searches come from mobile devices. Ensuring that your site is mobile-friendly allows users to look for your site and find out what you have to offer them.

Over to You

Without a doubt, the voice search technology is here to stay. That’s why you have to make sure to use these tips so that you can take advantage of this incredible digital technology.

Also, incorporating voice search allows you to take advantage of several people who are using this technological advancement. It enables you to grow in the future as the Voice First Web becomes a primary method of interacting online.

Author Bio: John Vuong is the sole owner of Local SEO Search Inc. John’s mission is to help local business owners improve their online influence so they can dominate their industry. With his business acumen and innate understanding of the local business landscape, John writes blogs that delve on how to customize SEO campaigns based on client needs.