With the rise of voice search features, SEO services in Geelong and around the world have shifted their focus to a new norm in SEO — Voice Search Optimisation. A significant amount of internet users use voice search to find what they need.
Be it Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, we have got used to the idea of talking to a virtual assistant every day. Thus, there is a growing need to optimise websites for voice search. But how could it be any different from conventional search optimisation?
Well, this guide talks just about that!
Why the Need for Voice Search Optimisation?
A voice search is different from a traditional search in many ways. For starters, the way we conduct a search is different; a voice search is a command given through your voice, whereas a regular one is typed in the search box.
Also, the structure of the search query can be different. A voice search is closer to how we speak daily. It means we use a more natural language than when we write.
For example:
Normal Search – “Affordable web design in Geelong”
Voice Search – “Hey Alexa, where is the food truck festival in Melbourne?”
This change can significantly impact your regular SEO optimisation; thus, the SEO services in Geelong need to adapt to capture voice-based search users.
How to Optimise for Voice-Based Queries?
From the examples above, it is safe to say that optimising your content for voice-based searches is much more complex than traditional ones. But it’s not impossible. All you need is a meticulous strategy to capture these audiences.
Here are 5 best practices of SEO services in Geelong.
1. Modify Your Keyword Strategy
To optimise your website for voice searches, you need to target question-based or long-tail keywords. Question keywords are especially important as we tend to ask complete questions in a voice search.
Question Keyword – Hey, where can I find the best Mexican restaurants in Geelong?
Long-tail Keyword -Web design services in Geelong
To identify question keywords, you must think of 5 questions in relation to your business — Who, What, When, Where, and How. Then, include these questions in your web pages along with satisfying answers.
We have many tools today to find both question-based and long-tail keywords. “Answer the Public” is a good one to start with, or you can also take inspiration from the “People also ask” and “Related searches” sections on Google.
2. Write Conversational Content
Reminding you once again that the majority of voice searches are conversational. So, your content must be written in a conversational tone. This is not only easier for your users to understand but also more relevant to voice queries.
You can make the content conversational by including words such as I, me, you, or we. Similarly, it is also helpful to avoid any jargon and overly technical vocabulary. In plain words, write content like you are talking to your reader.
However, remember to maintain the quality of writing and information.
3. Prioritise Local SEO
As you know, local SEO improves search engine visibility for businesses in the local area, targeting customers nearby. Coincidentally, local SEO is also one of the ways to optimise for voice search.
It is because most people voice-search for local businesses on the go, perhaps a store or restaurant nearby. So, you can use this opportunity to connect with those users.
To do this, a Google Business Profile is important, which is a listing that appears for search queries. It comes with your location, contact number, business hours, map, and other essential information.
4. Capture Google’s Featured Snippets
A featured snippet is a small piece of content that shows up above organic search results on page one. These are taken from a web page that ranks high for a query. And when you achieve this, you can expect a major traffic boost to your website.
It can be tough to land a featured snippet on Google, but you can always try with the following tips.
- Target question-based searches.
- Give your content an effective structure (headings and paragraph tags).
- Take a definition-style approach for non-question keywords.
- Include steps for solving a problem.
- The answer must be between 54 to 58 words long.
5. Prioritise Mobile Optimisation
SEO services in Geelong never overlook the fact that mobiles generate more than half of global web traffic today. And in this, a significant portion of searches are voice-based. So, mobile optimisation is key in your SEO efforts.
Ensure a responsive web design and regularly monitor your website’s mobile-friendliness. This will keep you competitive in voice search.
Final Message
The goal of voice search optimisation is to be heard when your user makes a search related to your business. It takes consistent efforts to truly see the potential of your voice search SEO strategy.
Most importantly, keep track of results and tweak your strategy accordingly. It is not a one-off activity but a continuous process. Because of this continuous cycle, it could be helpful to hire SEO services in Geelong. Experts always have a greater impact on your goals.
On this note, check out Make My Website (MMW). The experts at MMW have a great understanding of different SEO optimisation techniques, which can help you achieve your goals faster.
