With the increasing use of hands-free mobile devices, more people are relying on voice assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa to answer their queries. In fact, 65% of 25-49-year-olds use voice search at least once daily.
With the rise of voice search adoption and the continued advancements thanks to machine learning and natural language processing, businesses should adapt their content marketing and SEO strategies to stay competitive. By tailoring your content to meet the needs of voice search users, you can improve your chances of appearing in voice search results and improving the user experience.
Let’s explore 4 effective ways to create content that appears in voice search results, helping you leverage voice search marketing to its fullest potential.
1. Optimize for Natural Language Processing and Long-Tail Keywords
Voice search queries differ significantly from traditional text searches because they mimic people’s natural conversational tones. When voice search users interact with voice-activated smartphone apps and voice assistants like Alexa, Amazon Echo, Apple’s Siri, or Google Assistant, they tend to ask questions in full sentences and use conversational language. Therefore, creating content that reflects the natural speech pattern of these voice commands can enhance its chances of being featured in voice search results.
Focusing on long-tail keywords gives you a better chance of capturing these conversational queries. Long-tail keywords are more specific phrases that often contain three or more words, making them more aligned with how people speak. These keywords are not only less competitive but also more targeted, allowing you to address the specific needs and user intents of your audience. For instance, instead of targeting a broad keyword like “digital marketing,” you might focus on a more specific phrase such as “how to improve digital marketing strategy for small businesses.”
Identifying and using long-tail keywords in your content involves understanding your audience’s common questions and natural language patterns. Start by brainstorming the types of questions your target audience might ask. Search engine optimization tools like Answer the Public, Google’s People Also Ask, and keyword research tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush can provide valuable insights into the queries people are using. Once you have identified relevant long-tail keywords, incorporate them naturally into your content. Ensure that your language flows smoothly and that the keywords fit organically within the context of your sentences.
2. Create Concise and Informative Answers to Common Questions
When voice searchers ask specific questions, they are often looking for quick and direct answers. By providing concise and informative responses to these questions, you increase the likelihood of your content being selected by voice assistants like Microsoft Cortana, Apple Siri, and Amazon Alexa to provide answers.
Frequently asked questions sections allow you to present common questions and their corresponding answers in a structured and easily accessible format. Incorporating FAQ sections into your content is an effective way to directly address user queries, gain traction with voice search technology, and earn you ‘position zero’ or featured snippets on search engine results pages (SERPs).
3. Utilize Schema Markup for Clear Context
Schema markup is a form of microdata that you can add to your website’s HTML to provide search engines with more detailed information about your content. By using schema markup, you create structured data that helps search engines understand the context and meaning of your content, which is particularly beneficial for voice search optimization.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to implementing schema markup:
- Identify the Content to Mark Up: Determine which parts of your website can benefit from schema markup. Common examples include articles, FAQs, recipes, products, and reviews.
- Choose the Appropriate Schema Types: Visit schema.org to find the relevant schema types for your content. For example, if you’re marking up a recipe, you would use the “Recipe” schema type.
- Add Schema Markup to Your HTML: Integrate the schema markup into your website’s HTML. This can be done manually or by using plugins if you’re on platforms like WordPress. Ensure that the markup accurately reflects the content and is correctly formatted.
- Test Your Markup: Use Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool to check your schema markup for errors and ensure it’s properly implemented. This tool will help you validate the markup and fix any issues.
Examples of types of schema markup particularly useful for voice search include:
FAQ Schema: This schema type is used to mark up FAQ sections, making it easier for search engines to pull concise answers to common questions. For example, marking up a question and answer about your product features can help it appear in voice search results when users ask related queries.
HowTo Schema: This schema type is ideal for step-by-step instructions or tutorials. It helps voice assistants provide detailed guidance when users ask how to perform a specific task. For instance, a “How to Optimize Your Website for Voice Search” article can be marked up to appear as a featured snippet.
LocalBusiness Schema: This schema type provides detailed information about local businesses, including their name, address, phone number, and operating hours. This is particularly useful for local SEO and helps voice search users find businesses near them when they ask for recommendations.
4. Focus on Local SEO and Local Search Queries
Optimizing for local search queries is important for appearing in voice search results, especially as a significant portion of voice searches are location-based. Users often ask their voice assistants for information about nearby services, businesses, and attractions. By focusing on local SEO, you ensure that your business is prominently displayed when users search for local information, which can drive foot traffic, increase brand visibility, and boost customer engagement.
Tips For Optimizing Your Google My Business Listing
- Complete Your Profile: Ensure that your Google My Business (GMB) profile is fully completed. This includes providing accurate and up-to-date business information such as your business name, address, phone number, and website URL. A complete profile makes it easier for search engines to provide relevant information to users.
- Accurate Business Listings: Double-check all business listings to ensure accuracy. Consistent information across all online platforms helps search engines verify your business’s legitimacy and improves your chances of appearing in local search results.
- Location Details: Clearly specify your business location, including your service area if applicable. This helps users find your business when searching for services in specific locations.
- Operating Hours: Keep your operating hours updated, especially during holidays or special events. Accurate hours prevent user frustration and improve trust in your business.
- Photos and Videos: Upload high-quality photos and videos of your business, products, or services. Visual content attracts more engagement and provides users with a better understanding of what your business offers.
- Customer Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your GMB profile. Respond to reviews promptly, thanking customers for their feedback and addressing any concerns. Positive reviews enhance your business’s credibility and can influence search rankings.
As search algorithms and technologies continue to evolve, it’s important to stay informed and adapt your strategies accordingly. Voice search is becoming increasingly prevalent, and businesses that optimize for this technology will have a competitive edge.
Build Your Foundation for the Future of Voice Search
At First Media, we help you create custom organic content to use as a foundation for building pages that will drive voice search results. Let’s work together to enhance your voice search marketing and elevate your digital presence to the next level. Contact us today to learn more.
