Voice search has become a common feature of search on the web, people search through voice search for faster results. As the usage of smartphones, smart speakers and voice assistants increases, more people are nowadays dictating their searches other than typing. 

This new trend is changing the SEO trends and the ways companies perform their SEO activities. Knowing how voice search affects the search trends is important for being visible on the browser. 

Why Voice Search Matters for SEO

Voice search is not only a trend, it tells about the important shift in user behavior. It is easier and quicker for users to talk than to type. A voice search is also more informal and natural than text searches. For example if you search for a coffee shop in text it appears to be like “best coffee shop near me”, a voice search is more likely to be “Where is the best coffee shop near me?

This implies SEO efforts have to aim at:

• Conversational terms:  Natural phrases and long-tail terms that people really use must be included in the text.

• Question-based queries: As users frequently ask questions, pages have to respond to queries directly and clearly

• Local SEO optimization: Many voice searches are local in nature, such as “restaurants around me” or “plumber near me now.” Google Business Profile and local listing optimization are important.

Important SEO Techniques for Voice Search Optimization

Adapting to voice search includes some changes in current SEO procedures. Companies that prioritize matching their content with voice-based queries have more chances to be included in featured snippets as well as voice assistant answers.

• Long-Tail and Conversational Keywords are the points of focus.

Gone are the days when traditional SEO was all about short keywords. However, with voice search, there is more focus on long and natural phrases. Other than just optimizing for “Webzent Technologies in USA“, it would be more effective to optimize for “Which is the best SEO Company in USA?” This type of keyword is also how people speak. 

• Enhance Your Local SEO Efforts

Location is important, when it comes to voice search. Increasing traffic and sales may be achieved by optimizing your website for local searches. Check the availability of name, address, and phone number (NAP) of your company across all platforms. As customer reviews always have an effect on local ranking, be sure to grow them and claim and maintain your Google Business Profile.

• Optimize for Featured Snippets

Featured content, or “position zero,” is extremely valuable for voice search. Voice assistants tend to read snippets as answers directly. Organizing your content with clear headings, bullet points, and short answers can improve your prospects of ranking in this position.

• Create FAQ Pages

Voice searches generally begin with who, what, when, where, why, or how. FAQ pages are perfect for optimization. Having short, concise answers can make search engines capture your content for instant responses.

• Optimize Mobile and Site Speed

The majority of voice searches are done on phones. A slow or non-optimized website will lose traffic. Make sure that your website is fast, responsive, and has a smooth browsing experience.

• Utilize Structured Data

A blend of schema markup helps search engines to better understand your content. This increases the chances of showing rich results, which voice assistants generally use to respond to queries.

How Voice Search Is Changing SEO Practices

Voice search is taking SEO towards changing the focus of short and common keywords to natural and user-friendly content. Other than just optimizing for search engines, companies need to focus on how people speak and ask questions. Companies that do this make stronger relations with the users and get more visibility. 

• Content needs to be natural and human-centric.
• Direct answers are preferable over long descriptions.
• Local intent plays a greater role in ranking.
• User experience becomes more important than ever.
• The Future of SEO with Voice Technology

The technology of voice search is increasing, and companies that make use of it at the earliest will be ahead in the market.  Voice search will have an increased effect in many areas like retail, healthcare, education, and customer service. Companies that focus on voice-friendly SEO will receive faster engagement and growth on their websites.