Voice search: become #0 on Google
There is a massive change coming in SEO: Competition for position zero.
Andrew Ng predicted in 2014 that 50 per cent of searches will be conducted using voice search by 2020 and so far, he’s pretty close. Note to self: see if he offers stock tips.
Digital audiences are increasingly using voice search to get information. This change in use is why optimizing your site for voice search makes sense.
Don’t believe us? Maybe this stat will convince you – 58 per cent of consumers have used voice search to find local business information within the last year!
As marketers and communicators, one of your objectives is to increase awareness around your brand and establish your organization as a leader in its industry. By implementing the latest digital marketing strategies, you can stay ahead of the competition and remain relevant – something that’s becoming difficult in this noisy digital age.
With Google Home and Amazon Echo being swiped off the shelves this past Black Friday, it’s time to get your SEO strategy ready for 2019 – here’s how:
1. Get familiar with Google’s voice search guidelines. It’s clear Google likes very tight, concise content that’s easy to understand. If you’re not a fantastic writer, make sure to add one to your team – if you want to climb up Google’s voice search ranks, you’re going to need someone who knows their way around a word processor.
2. Don’t forget about basic SEO. We’re talking domain authority and trust, accessibility, current ranking and website speed – the hallmarks of great SEO. This could be a roadblock if your website isn’t up to par. If you thought you were going to be able to catch the voice search wave while skipping out on having an effective website, prepare to tread water. Need SEO help? We can hook you up.
3. Take linguistics into consideration. Human linguistics are vastly different from how we write. Since voice search hinges on its users talking to a device, people often ask questions the way they would ask a friend. So, for example, people might type “best online marketing agency” into Google’s search engine – but when using voice search, they’re more likely to say, “Google, I need the best online marketers”. It is essential to think about which keywords are not used in speech and possibly eliminate them. When posting content on your site, always consider how we talk and use words that are more conversational.
4. Imagine how users will interact with voice search. Anticipate the types of questions people will ask and why they’re asking them in the first place. It’s important to know the reasons behind a question and how you can offer up the right information. Taking time to consider your audience’s viewpoint can help you deliver more accurate, contextual responses – and your content will be more likely to appear at the top of Google’s search results page.
Check back soon for more SEO content or contact us – we would be happy to help!