Alexa, How Do I Market with Voice Search?

“Alexa, what’s the weather?”

Voice search is the new normal – and it’s no wonder. It’s contactless, and users get the answer they are looking for without having to dig through 10 pages of results on Google.

But optimization for voice search doesn’t follow the same rules as traditional SEO optimization. Here are four important things to remember to maximize SEO strategy in the era of voice search.

1. Ditch the Simplistic Robo Talk

Artificial intelligence is getting smarter. In the early days of search engine use, searchers used simple phrases because it was easier for search engines to process. Now that search engines can understand the way we talk and ask questions, searches are a lot less rigid. Think conversationally with your keywords:

• Include Long Tail Keywords
  Long tail keywords have three or more words and are specific to a particular audience. A user looking for a new pool may type “pool reviews” but using voice search they may ask, “What are the top-rated pool companies?” People don’t speak to search engines like robots, so make sure your content reflects a longer, more conversational search query.

Source: www.campaignlive.co.uk

• Use Question Phrases
  Voice search also allows people to be more deliberate in their phrasing. It’s the difference between “gas stations near me” and “what is the closest gas station to me?” Voice searches are more likely to include question words like when, where, and how. Your keywords should follow suit.

Source: www.campaignlive.co.uk

One benefit to a conversational search is being able to determine your audience’s goal. Is this user looking to buy a product? Are they trying to learn how to do something? Framing content for your audience’s search intent will help you reach them faster.

2. Use Bulleted Lists and FAQ Pages

People use voice search when they want a quick, direct answer, not a long explanation. A user may ask “Alexa, what is the incarceration rate in the United States?” Be brief. Give direct answers in your content to improve your placement in voice search results. Consider optimizing for instant answers when you create content for your brand.

Adding bulleted lists and FAQ pages to your website are great ways to help voice search engines find and share your content. What better way to show that you have the answer to a query than including the frequently-searched question itself on your website?

To check if content is brief and listener-friendly, marketers should listen to it instead of just proofreading it. Read your content out loud before posting.

3. Focus on Locally-based Searches

A recent study found that 75% of voice search users are looking for local businesses. Think about your average consumer on-the-go. They’re using voice search to find services and products that are close by. Brands should put extra thought into these local consumers – how they speak and their unique search habits.

Your local audience is paying attention to reviews so keep track of them. Engage with the good ones and address the bad ones. Add and claim your business in local directories like Yelp, Yahoo, and Yellowpages.com.

Be sure to always include your brand’s name, address, and phone number on your website. You should also include locations in your keywords, like “downtown” or “on the waterfront.” When your audience is looking for you, they aren’t searching for your street name, they’re probably asking “where is the best Indian food downtown?” A few keywords can help the voice search engines know where and when to find you almost instantly.

4. Don’t Forget the Technical Aspects of SEO

It is also important to use the right Schema markups for different types of content. A schema markup is a form of microdata that creates the descriptions in search results. It gives search engines (and searchers!) more context about what is on your page. You can do all this through Schema.org.

Voice search offers brands a unique way to reach their audience and answer their questions. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your content in front of more people – optimize your website for voice search. Not sure where to start? Our team of experts has got you covered.