One area that stands out as particularly promising in the quickly developing field of search engine optimisation (SEO) is voice search optimisation. From smart speakers to smart TVs to smartphones, many people prefer to pronounce or speak whatever they want to investigate rather than type it out, as it is easier, faster, and in most cases, is more convenient. Talking to and asking AI robot assistants for recommendations is just a normal thing to do today. Digital voice assistants like Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana, and Amazon’s Alexa are becoming more and more common, even in conducting web searches. Voice search optimisation or virtual assistants, is becoming necessary rather than optional.
We’ll cover what you need to know about voice search engine optimisation (SEO) in this article, including how to use schema and other tactics like mobile optimisation.
Let’s first discuss the basics!
What is Voice SEO?
The optimisation of terms and phrases for searches made using voice assistants is known as voice SEO. The SEO strategy must change as more people resort to voice search for convenience in order to maintain content’s accessibility, relevance, and up-to-dateness.
Why Voice SEO Matters
Search engine usage is being revolutionised by voice search. Compared to typing, it is quicker and easier to use, which is especially advantageous for mobile users. It’s predicted that voice searches would account for more than 50% of all queries by 2024. This change demonstrates a fresh approach to SEO that gives conversational keywords and local SEO techniques priority.
Strategies for Voice Search Optimisation
1. Use Schema Markup
Using schema markup improves how well search engines comprehend your material, which raises the possibility that it will be highlighted in snippets. Speech assistants frequently read these snippets aloud, therefore schema markup is essential for speech SEO. Additionally, schema markup improves the look of your search listings overall, which may increase click-through rates.
How to Implement Schema Markup
With Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper, you can add schema markup to your website. Using this tool, you may mark certain sections of your page with the relevant schema and make them stand out. Once finished, you can create the HTML code that your website will integrate. Schema.org is another resource you may use to validate your markup.
2. Optimise for Mobile Devices
Mobile devices are the main platform for voice searches. It’s imperative that your website be responsive to mobile devices. This entails having an intuitive user interface, quick page loads, and a responsive design.
Key Mobile Optimisation Techniques
Responsive Design: Ensure your website adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes.
Page Speed: Use tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix issues slowing down your site.
Navigation: Simplify your website’s navigation to enhance user experience on mobile devices.
3. Practice Local SEO
Voice search queries often include local intent, such as “near me” searches. Claim your Google Business Profile and keep it updated. Implement structured data to enhance your local SEO efforts and improve visibility in local search results.
Enhancing Your Local SEO
Google Business Profile: Ensure all information is accurate and regularly updated.
Local Keywords: Use local keywords and phrases throughout your website.
Customer Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your Google Business Profile.
4. Use Long Tail and Question Keywords
Compared to text searches, voice searches are usually more conversational and longer. Include question phrases and long tail keywords in your writing. For instance, a voice search optimisation process for “where can I find the best pizza in Sydney?” would yield results rather than “best pizza Sydney.”
Finding Long Tail Keywords
You can find popular inquiries and long tail keywords associated with your sector by using tools such as Answer the Public and Google Keyword Planner. Include them in your content to make it more voice search-friendly.
5. Optimise for Featured Snippets
Particularly useful for voice search are featured snippets. A highlighted snippet selection is more likely when your information is organised to provide clear, concise answers to frequently asked questions.
How Featured Snippet Content Is Structured
To make material easier to understand, use lists and tables to arrange the information.
Directly Respond to Inquiries: Address frequently asked queries in your material with concise, direct responses.
Using structured data can aid search engines in determining what content on your page is most important.
6. Be Mobile Friendly
Ensure your site is optimised for mobile. This includes using a responsive design, improving page speed, and making sure content is easily readable on smaller screens.
Enhancing Mobile Friendliness
Mobile-Friendly Testing: To see if your website works on mobile devices, use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP): To speed up the loading of mobile pages, think about adding AMP.
Touchscreen Navigation: Make sure links and buttons have the right dimensions for touchscreen use.
7. Improve Your Page Speed
Page speed is a crucial factor for both mobile and voice SEO. Use tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix issues that might be slowing down your site.
Methods for Enhancing Page Performance
Resize and compress photos to speed up load times. This is known as image optimisation.
Increase the speed at which pages load for repeat visitors by using browser caching.
Code minification: To minimise file sizes, minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML files.
8. Use Conversational Keywords and Write Conversationally
Incorporate natural language and conversational keywords that mirror how people speak. This aligns your content more closely with how users perform voice searches.
Examples of Conversational Keywords
Instead of “best restaurants,” use “What are the best restaurants near me?”
Instead of “weather forecast,” use “What’s the weather like today?”
9. Implement Structured Data
Using structured data helps search engines better understand and index your content, improving your chances to appear for voice search queries.
Types of Structured Data
FAQ Schema: Mark up frequently asked questions and their answers.
Product Schema: Use schema to provide detailed product information.
Local Business Schema: Include information about your business location, hours, and contact details.
10. Optimise for Local Search
Voice search often has a local intent. Ensure your content includes local keywords and provides relevant information for local searches.
Local Search Optimisation Techniques
Local Keywords: Use keywords that include your city, suburb, or region.
Google Business Profile: Keep your business profile updated with current information.
Customer Reviews: Encourage and manage customer reviews to boost your local reputation.
FAQs About Voice SEO
What is Voice SEO?
The process of making your website more optimised for voice search engines is known as voice search engine optimisation (voice SEO). This entails utilising schema markup, employing conversational keywords, and making sure your website is responsive.
Why is Voice SEO Important?
Voice SEO is important because a growing number of searches are being conducted via voice assistants. Optimising for voice search helps you reach this expanding audience and stay competitive in your industry.
How Do I Apply Voice SEO Schema Markup?
Search engines will be more likely to use your material in voice search results if it has schema markup applied. For example, you can add schema to your website by using Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper.
How Do Long Tail Keywords Work?
Concentrated, longer-tail keyword phrases with less competition are known as long tail keywords. Because voice search inquiries tend to be lengthier and more conversational, they are essential for voice search engine optimisation (SEO).
How Can I Make My Voice Search Local SEO Better?
To increase local SEO for voice search, you must optimise your Google Business Profile, leverage local SEO keywords, and promote client reviews. Using structured data can also improve your online presence in local search results.
You might also want to read about these topics:
- How is Search Engine Optimisation done?
- How to optimise SEO content?
- How do I optimise my SEO keywords?
Conclusion
A modern SEO approach must include voice SEO. Businesses may greatly increase their exposure in voice search results by concentrating on conversational keywords, utilising schema markup, and optimising for mobile and local searches.
Leading the way in offering complete SEO services that are suited to the newest trends, such as voice search optimisation, is Australian Internet Advertising. Collaborate with us to guarantee that your company maintains its lead in the dynamic field of search engine optimisation. We have the know-how to support your company’s success, whether it’s voice search optimisation or general SEO plan enhancement. To find out more about our offerings and how Australian Internet Advertising may assist you in reaching your SEO objectives, get in touch with us right now.
