Twenty years ago, it would have been hard to imagine talking to a computer. Now, it’s quickly becoming a part of our daily lives. The introduction of Siri made it possible for people everywhere to get immediate answers to their most pressing questions. Now we use voice search to turn on smart home devices, change songs on a playlist, order food and access essential information.
This is also incredibly advantageous when you’re on-the-go. Imagine that you’re traveling to a new area and you need to find a gas station. Rather than driving aimlessly (or endangering yourself by typing on your phone while driving), you can simply say “Is there a gas station near me?” Within seconds, you’ll be able to locate your destination.
71% of consumers that conduct Internet searches prefer to use voice search instead of typing. In an increasingly busy world, this tool has become highly convenient in a multitude of situations. Why? It’s easier, certainly, and it’s also contactless. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, people had to find new ways to share information. Voice search has continued to advance and progress as a result of this. From a marketing perspective, therefore, it’s crucial to optimize your content for voice search. You need to ensure your strategies are tailored to this specific method for customers who conduct searches this way.
Learn How Your Audience Uses Voice Search
We’d recommend using data to gain an understanding of how your customers use voice search. Conduct research based on your industry and brand to determine how this tool might factor into your marketing efforts. When are people most likely to use voice search? What age groups tend to use this tool? When it comes to marketing and SEO, knowing your audience should always be a top priority. Voice search, for example, is a highly popular choice for 16 to 34-year-olds. If your products are aimed at this generation, you’ll want to put more focus on it in your marketing campaigns.
Focus on Answering Questions
What customer questions do you want to answer? One way to optimize for voice search is to identify specific questions and include the answer in your content. For instance, let’s say you own a landscaping company, and you want to bring attention to your new weed control service. One question a consumer might have is: “Is there a company in my area that can help me get rid of weeds?” Consider creating a page describing the service with this question (or something similar) as the title.
Be Clear and Concise
If you’ve ever used Alexa or Siri, you probably kept your question brief. The technology isn’t exactly perfect, and these systems can’t yet decipher overly complicated questions. Always keep this in mind as you’re optimizing your site. Your diction should be direct, clear and succinct. Today, consumers’ attention spans are short, and it’s important to attract them quickly. Think about what you’re offering and what exact information you want to convey.
Utilize the Natural Phrases Used in Speech
As you brainstorm keywords, try to use phrases that are typically used in conversation. Generally, marketers target long-tail keywords of 5 to 9 words in length for conversational copy. Additionally, remember that people in different areas may speak in different dialects or use different forms of slang. People in the United Kingdom, for instance, use very different idioms and expressions compared to American consumers. In order to target people from certain towns, cities and countries, you need to speak their language.
Always Think Local
When people ask questions using their mobile devices, they often focus on local queries. Many people, for example, ask “near me” questions like: “Is there an organic grocery store near me?” Therefore, you should include things like directions and in-person shop hours on your site. If searchers are new to your business, they’ll need this information to make a visit. In addition, think about the difference between your mobile and desktop platform. People using voice search are more likely to be looking for quick, localized info. Your mobile site should be designed with this in mind.
Evaluate Your Current FAQ Page
Could your current FAQ page use an update? Now is the perfect time. Frequently asked questions are a great way to answer voice search queries. Again, it’s best to be direct. Most consumer questions usually start with the 5 W’s: “Who,” What,” “When,” Where,” and “Why.” Your answers to these questions should sound sincere and natural rather than formal. Picture a customer that’s right in front of you, asking a question. How would you answer it? You probably wouldn’t use words like “hence” or “thus.” Additionally, structure your content so it has a clear hierarchy. Voice-optimized FAQ pages and traditional SEO strategies go hand in hand. Use these to your benefit.
Are you looking to optimize your site for voice search? Gauge Digital Media can help you improve your marketing strategy in a number of ways. Our professionals will manage your ad campaigns, display ads across Google AdWords and Bing Ads, and collect data to enhance your brand. No matter what your goals are, our experts can help your business thrive. Some of our services include:
- Web Design
- Search Engine Optimization
- Pay Per Click (PPC) Advertising
- Graphic Design
- Social Media Marketing
- E-mail Marketing
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Working with a professional digital marketing company is the best way to make the most of your website and all that Facebook Pixel, LinkedIn ads, Google Analytics and other digital advertising platforms have to offer. To learn more about the best digital marketing strategies for your company and reach a bigger audience than ever before, work with Gauge Digital Media. For a quote or to schedule a call, contact us at (443) 376-7709.
