Search engine optimization (SEO) has been around for years, and it can feel like you are chasing a moving target in order to stay relevant in the search engines. Our team at ARYU Advertising is working hard to keep up with the changing trends, helping our clients maintain the cutting-edge strategies they need to stay ahead of the competition.
One of the ways that we are seeing changes in the SEO space is the shift to prioritizing voice SEO. In this article, we are taking a closer look at voice SEO and why it needs to be a priority for businesses in all industries.
Understanding Voice SEO
What is voice SEO and how does it differ from traditional SEO marketing? In recent years, there has been a big shift in the way consumers are searching online. In the past, people typically typed in their search terms. Now, many people are using voice assistants, such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
These tools allow a user to provide a voice prompt for their search query, eliminating the need to type in text. The truth is that voice search isn’t just a trend – it’s proving to be one of the most popular ways that consumers are searching for information online. The more you learn about the importance of voice search in digital marketing, the more you will see why it is essential in your online marketing campaign.
Key Concepts in Voice Search Optimization
Not only can voice SEO be used on smartphones, but consumers also use other devices for voice search: tablets, speakers in their homes, etc. When people are talking instead of typing their search queries, it changes the search query input, which affects the search results that come up.
Here are a few important things that you need to know about voice search optimization:
- Conversational Search: When someone is talking instead of typing, the search queries mimic natural conversations. The input is informal and more fluid compared to typed search terms.
- Long-Tail Keywords: It’s common for voice search to use longer keywords with more specific descriptions. These phrases are based on how people speak. Targeting long-tail keywords is more important than ever.
- Natural Language Processing: Built-in technology tools in the search engines are learning how to better understand the nuances of human speech. As a result, the search engines are better able to provide accurate results for the searches.
- User Intent and Its Role in Voice Search: One of the ways voice search differs from traditional SEO is that it prioritizes understanding WHY a person is searching. Instead of delivering up pages with specific keywords, the results are more nuanced to deliver results for their individual needs.
The Most Effective Strategies for Effective Voice SEO
Now that you understand why voice search is important, you are likely wondering about the best practices to implement these strategies. Here are a few tips that should be integrated into your search engine optimization campaign:
- Content Strategy for Voice Search: It’s critical that the content on your website and social media platforms is written to be clear and conversational. Consider the fact that people are often asking questions out loud – you want your content to answer those questions.
- Mobile Optimization Techniques: Voice search is typically performed on mobile devices, which is why it’s critical to make sure that your website is responsive and mobile-friendly.
- Local Search Optimization Strategies: Consider optimizing for local search phrases, such as “near me.” These types of keywords can be integrated on both your website and Google My Business page, along with other location-specific keywords.
- Utilizing Featured Snippets for Visibility: Since people are often using voice search to find answers to their questions, structure your website page to provide the answers in a format that is easy to skim.
The Role of AI in Voice SEO
It’s no surprise that AI in SEO is part of the industry, and we are also seeing how AI can adapt to voice searches. Over time, we are seeing different types of search interactions as technology changes and user behavior shifts.
AI is helpful for analyzing voice search patterns to determine the queries that will happen naturally. Semantic search is a key part of this shift in the industry: AI is looking at more than keyword placement. The priority is to understand the context and intent of the searcher’s query to deliver the best results based on individual needs.
Analyzing Voice Queries: Using This Information to Optimize Your Campaign
Various voice query analysis techniques can be helpful to ensure that your content is aligning with user intent. Make sure that you are leveraging analysis tools to understand more about user patterns, long-tail keywords, and the best frequently asked questions to include on your website pages.
It’s also critical that you are prioritizing user experience (UX) in voice searches. When people land on your website, they are expecting to see fast-loading, mobile-optimized pages and content that matches their search query.
FAQs
What is voice SEO?
Voice SEO is the strategy used to ensure that your content is ranking for searches that are initiated through voice-activated digital assistants.
How does voice search differ from traditional text search?
Voice search tends to have longer, more conversational inputs compared to the queries that come through written text. In the past, SEO strategies focused more on short, fragmented keywords. Now, the target phrases are much more fluid and conversational.
Why is optimizing for voice SEO important?
Voice search traffic continues to grow, which is why businesses need to integrate voice search in their digital marketing campaigns. These strategies help you stay ahead of the competition and capture the attention of potential customers.
What types of keywords should I focus on for voice SEO?
The priority for a voice search campaign is to focus on long-tail, question-based keywords. This strategy is more conversational and aligns with how people speak normally.
Talk to the Search Engine Marketing Experts: ARYU Advertising
There’s no question that search engine optimization continues to be a priority for businesses who are looking to establish a presence in the search results. At ARYU Advertising, our skilled team continues to stay ahead of the changes in the industry, offering the most relevant and cutting-edge techniques that will help you achieve optimal results.
For more information about voice SEO and other digital marketing strategies, contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.
