Voice search has changed how consumers interact with the Internet in recent years, with virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa enabling people to find answers quickly and hands-free. As these tools increase and become more sophisticated, it's obvious that voice search is anything but a passing fad. It's becoming more necessary for small and medium businesses (SMBs) to optimize their websites for voice search to remain competitive in the always-changing digital landscape.

If you're new to search engine optimization (SEO), this subject might seem complicated and overwhelming, but don't worry. This article will guide you on the basics of voice search optimization and provide practical advice on ensuring your business website performs better in search results. Whether you want to understand why voice search is a big deal or looking for actionable SEO tips, this post has you covered.

The growing talk about voice search

Search engines offer a convenient way to find answers for everything, but typing a query can be impractical and time-consuming, especially when you're driving, multitasking, or have your hands full. For some people with disabilities, it can even be challenging or downright impossible.

Voice search allows users to do whatever they need online, whether it's getting answers, finding local businesses, or making purchases, by speaking out their queries. The convenience it offers is such a dealbreaker that 71% of consumers prefer using it for everyday tasks. Some sources also believe it will comprise 50% of all Internet searches by 2024.

There are several factors contributing to the rise of voice search:

• More people use smartphones. Voice assistants are a common feature in most smartphones, making it easier for people to take advantage of them anytime and anywhere.
• Smart speakers are increasingly popular.More and more households worldwide are using Amazon Echo, Google Home, and similar devices.
• Responses are faster and more accurate.Better artificial intelligence (AI) means these tools have become more accurate and efficient in interpreting natural language.

As a business owner, you should focus on voice search optimization so your website remains visible and accessible to voice search users.

Voice search is changing SEO

Traditional text-based SEO relies on users typing short, keyword-focused queries. But with voice search, people tend to ask more conversational and natural-sounding questions. For example, instead of typing "best electrician in Salt Lake City," users might ask, "Where's the best electrician near me?"

This shift means SEO experts and practitioners need to adjust strategies to account for longer, conversational queries. Website content must prioritize direct answers to questions, meaning it needs to be structured to quickly and efficiently give users the information they're looking for.

Voice search optimization in 2024

You don't need to be a tech wizard to optimize your website for voice queries. Here are some SEO tips to help you get started:

Focus on conversational keywords

As mentioned above, because voice queries sound conversational, you need to stop focusing solely on short, specific keywords. Instead, it makes sense to include terms that sound close to natural language. For instance:

• Text keyword: "HVAC San Diego"
• Voice keyword: "What's the best HVAC repair company in San Diego?"

Incorporating longer, question-based keywords into your content lets you capture more voice search traffic.

Optimize for local search

Almost half of all voice searchesare for local businesses, so your voice and local SEO strategies should go hand in hand with one another. Here are some critical steps you should not ignore:

• Optimize your Google Business Profile.Formerly known as Google My Business (GMB), Google Business Profile displays information about your business, including name, address, phone number, opening hours, and reviews on local search results. Make sure this information is accurate and up to date.
• Use location-based keywords.Incorporate phrases containing your location in your content. If you're a general contractor in Miami, for example, use the phrase "general contractor in Miami." This way, search engines can better match your business with relevant local queries.
• Encourage customer feedback.Positive customer reviews can improve your visibility in local searches and enhance your credibility, making your business more likely to be the top choice for voice queries. Moreover, engaging customers by responding to feedback can help build a loyal following.

Of course, local SEO isn't just about voice search; it also helps you come up in regular text-based searches, so optimizing for both presents a win-win situation for your business.

Use featured snippets to provide answers

When users ask, a voice assistant usually answers by pulling information from a featured snippet—the highlighted answer at the top of Google search results. Structure your content so it answers common questions directly to improve your chances of appearing here. For instance:

• Address specific, query-based topics through an FAQ.
• Use concise and straightforward answers (40 to 60 words).

This format makes your content more suitable for voice queries and helps it rank higher in the search results.

Speed up your website

Site speed is a big deal in search engine optimization, more so in voice search optimization. Users expect quick answers, and if your website takes forever to load, they could leave it for your competitors instead. This will increase your site's bounce rate, which can negatively impact your search ranking. To improve your site's speed, compress image sizes, use caching, and consider employing a content delivery network (CDN).

Optimize your site for mobile

Since many voice searches happen on smartphones, your website must be mobile-friendly. Ensure your site uses responsive design, loads quickly on mobile devices, and is easy to navigate on a smaller screen. A mobile-optimized site ensures that traditional and voice search users have a seamless experience.

SMBs should invest in SEO Services

If all this talk of voice search optimization seems overwhelming, you're not alone. As voice search continues to evolve, staying on top of the latest SEO practices can be a challenge. That's where SEO services come in. Working with the best SEO agency or hiring professional SEO experts can help you implement the strategies needed to stay competitive in the voice search space.

SEO experts understand the technical details of optimizing for voice search and can ensure your website meets the requirements of today's search engines. Plus, they can continuously monitor and adjust your SEO strategy to adjust to changes in search engines and the Internet landscape, ensuring long-term success.

If you're not sure where to start, consider reaching out to an expert in SEO services to guide you. Remember, investing in search engine optimization now can help your business thrive in the future.