Voice Search is a major topic in the world of online marketing and continues to grow in popularity. As an online marketing agency, with a focus on SEO, we immediately explored this topic by giving everyone in the office a Google Home.
What is Voice Search?
Voice searches are spoken searches whose results appear in Google. For example, instead of typing, you say, “Hey Google, where can I order a pizza?” You ask these commands to a smart speaker or Voice Assistant, such as Google Assistant, Siri, Alexa or Cortana. In addition to search queries, these devices can also perform other tasks, such as playing music or controlling smart devices in your home. Although standard questions are answered well, we find that the Dutch Voice Search functionality is not yet perfect and often makes mistakes. However, Google Assistant continues to invest in improvement, making results increasingly accurate.
Voice Search: Hot or Not?
Although the technology is still evolving, Voice Search is becoming more natural for users. According to Google, 41% of adults use Voice Search daily, and by 2022, 50% of all searches are expected to be voice searches. This highlights the importance for businesses to take Voice Search seriously.
The impact of Voice Search on online marketing
Voice search offers consumers a hands-free way to communicate with businesses. Major brands, such as Sony and Philips, already link their products to smart speakers. It is important for companies to capitalize on this by keeping their content current, complete and error-free. At OnlineLabs, we are actively working on strategies to leverage this technological development.
Voice Search SEO optimization
1) Use long-tail SEO
Optimize for voice-activated searches, which are often longer and more natural. For example, “Where can I order a pizza?” instead of “order pizza.”
2) Reduce the loading time of your website
Fast websites perform better in search results, including Voice Search. Website speed is an essential factor for good rankings.
3) Obtain the featured snippet
For voice search, Google often reads the featured snippet (position 0). Make sure your website is optimized for this.
4) Use rich snippets
Rich snippets add additional information to search results, such as reviews or instructions. For Voice Search, this is especially valuable. Check Schema.org to see if a relevant rich snippet is available for your industry.
5) Optimize for local SEO
Voice Search results are often location-specific. Make sure your company information in Google My Business is complete and accurate.
Conclusion: where was that pizza ordered?
Unfortunately, Google Home did not fully answer my question about ordering pizza. It only provided a list of local pizzerias, with no further action. Until then, traditional ordering remains the best option. However, as a full-service online partner, we remain committed to helping businesses take full advantage of Voice Search.
