Voice Search is Changing SEO: Here’s How to Optimize for It

In the current SEO space, voice search has become a key component. More users are now using voice search to find products and services online. With the proliferation of technologies like Google Assistant and Apple Siri, the use of voice search is only likely to increase. Amidst these developments, how can your brand optimize for voice search? In this article, we share some of the most effective and efficient tips to keep your content relevant.

Use the Right SEO Tool

Using the right SEO tool can help you optimize your website for voice search. Look for a tool that is powerful and easy to use. If you are using WordPress, make sure the SEO tool that you choose is regularly updated to stay abreast of changes in SEO best practices. A good tool will come with several SEO modules for voice search, such as a next-gen schema generator and an FAQ block.

Conduct Keyword Research

Online searches start with a keyword. When considering how to optimize for voice search, you need to start with Keyword research. This process involves understanding the words, phrases, and questions that your target audience often inputs in a search engine when looking for information online. You may perform strategic tasks such as checking keyword difficulty and the feasibility of the target words. Based on the data collected, keyword research becomes the foundation of your voice search optimization efforts.

Optimize for Local Searches

For location-specific businesses, make sure you follow local SEO best practices. Since more voice searches are location-specific, optimizing your content for local searches will have better results. The purpose of local SEO strategies is to improve online visibility to reach a location-specific audience. Among the most effective strategies are optimizing for local on-page SEO, getting listed on business directories like Google Business Profile, targeting location-specific keywords, and adding local business schema.

Use Schema Markup

Also known as structured data or schema.org markup, this is a semantic vocabulary that helps search engines understand the meaning and context of your content. When a search engine understands your content, it improves your chances of appearing in voice search results. Therefore, adding schema markup to your content is an effective approach to voice search optimization. Simply find an SEO plugin that supports it.

Target Featured Snippets

Unlike traditional search engines that primarily relies on keywords, voice assistants read featured snippets to provide answers for voice search queries. By targeting featured snippets, you can optimize your content for voice search. Also called position zero, the featured snippet feature displays search results at the top of SERPs, allowing users to get a concise answer to their query. You can optimize this section by using clear headings and concise definitions, using a table of contents, implementing schema markup, creating the best piece of content on the topic, and adding FAQs to your content.

Optimize for Mobile

Most of the voice searches are performed on mobile devices. This means that a website that is mobile-friendly and fast-loading will get more traffic and conversions. Several approaches are effective in optimizing a website for mobile devices. These include using a responsive design, using conversational language, optimizing images and videos for mobile devices, answering common questions in your niche, adopting a mobile-first approach in all elements of your site, and using FAQ schema.

Target the People Also Ask Section (PAA)

Most of the time, Voice assistants pull answers from the People Also Ask (PAA) section of search results. This is the section of the SERP feature that shows related questions that searchers are looking for in relation to your topic. Since it appears at the top of SERPs, you can easily increase your search visibility by targeting this area. Effective strategies for this section include publishing high-quality content, creating question-based content, providing value, using schema markup, and answering questions directly.

Optimize Your Website for Voice with Octopus Tech

In this article, we have explained how to optimize your website for voice search using effective strategies. However, it’s important to note that voice optimization is different from SEO strategy since you are targeting what people are searching online using their voices. As Voice SEO becomes the norm in digital marketing, it is helpful to work with a professional. Get in touch with us at Octopus Tech and let us optimize your website for voice to reach more people.