3 must-know voice search tips for SEO
If you’re still using your SEO strategy from five (or more) years ago, you’re probably in dire need of voice search tips. In just the last few years, voice search has blown up.
According to Google, “27 per cent of the global online population is using voice search on mobile.“
Devices like Google Nest and Amazon Echo aren’t just good for calling friends, or scaring the crap out of you by randomly blasting “If You Leave Me Now” by Chicago (what, just me?). Believe it or not, voice search can make or break your SEO strategy.
Use these voice search tips to get your website on Alexa’s (or Google’s, or Siri’s) good side.
3 voice search tips for SEO
1. Keep it natural
The way people ask questions via voice search is different from how they type questions into Google. While they might type “sushi Calgary”, they’ll say, “Where can I get good sushi in Calgary?” when using a voice search device.
Improve your SEO efforts by going for longer key phrases that mimic natural speech patterns. The more “natural” your phrasing sounds, the more Google will like it.
And while you’re at it, make sure to include your location in your key phrases. Voice search is especially useful for location-based Google searches, so take this opportunity to connect with your community.
2. Focus on video
According to The Hoth‘s SEO research, “Video seems to be a big part of Google’s strategy for answering voice queries. They tend to show up more for natural language keywords.”
To upgrade your SEO strategy, try creating video content that answers common “how to” questions. Make sure your video’s title and description are clear, concise and informative – Google will most likely pull answers from your video’s description.
3. Don’t forget FAQs
Sometimes when you Google a question, you’ll see an answer appear in a little box at the top of the search results. This is a featured snippet. That’s where you want your content to end up – voice search often pulls results from featured snippets.
In order to increase your chances, create content that clearly answers relevant frequently asked questions. The next time you fill out your blog’s content calendar, brainstorm questions your audience likely Googles regularly, and plan content around them.
Think about how people will phrase their questions, and include those phrases in your copy. You can look up popular search questions for your industry on sites like Answer the Public. Take a look for relevant questions, then include those exact question phrases in your content!
SEO is tricky, and Google’s algorithms evolve constantly. If managing your own SEO isn’t working for your business, drop us a line.
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