6 Tips to Build a Great "Voice Search" Campaign

Voice search is revolutionising how we interact with digital devices, leading a transformative era for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). With the surging popularity of voice-activated assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri, the SEO landscape is rapidly evolving to accommodate this shift. 

For businesses keen on maintaining a competitive edge, adapting their strategies to cater to the nuances of voice search queries is paramount. This exploration delves into an effective strategy for navigating the world of voice search SEO, paving the way for success in this burgeoning domain.

The Essence of Voice Search Behaviour

Voice search behaviour diverges markedly from traditional text-based queries. Voice searches are longer, more conversational, and often framed as questions. 

This shift necessitates reevaluating keyword strategies, moving from short, terse keywords to more natural, long-tail phrases that mirror how people speak naturally. Understanding this behavioural shift is crucial for optimising content that aligns with voice search queries.

1. Optimising for Conversational Keywords

The cornerstone of voice search SEO lies in optimising for conversational keywords, diving deeper into understanding potential customers’ questions and integrating these queries into your website’s content. 

Tools, like Answer the Public, can provide invaluable insights into common questions related to your industry or product offering. Crafting content that directly addresses these queries enhances your visibility in voice search results and positions your brand as a helpful resource for users.

2. Prioritising Local SEO

Voice search is inherently local in many of its applications. Users frequently leverage voice search to find local businesses, services, or amenities near them. This underscores the importance of local SEO practices, such as claiming your Google My Business listing, ensuring NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency across online platforms, and incorporating local landmarks or points of interest in your content. By optimising for local search, businesses can significantly increase their chances of being surfaced in response to a voice query.

3. The Role of Featured Snippets

Securing a position in Google’s Featured Snippets can dramatically increase your visibility in voice search results. Featured Snippets often serve as the direct answer to voice queries, making them a coveted spot for businesses aiming to capitalise on voice search traffic. 

To increase your chances of obtaining a Featured Snippet, structure your content to directly answer potential questions, use clear and concise language, and employ formatting that Google favours, such as bullet points or numbered lists.

4. Mobile Optimisation is Non-Negotiable

Since many voice searches are conducted on mobile devices, ensuring your website is fully optimised for mobile is non-negotiable. A mobile-friendly website contributes to a better user experience and factors into how search engines rank your site. Key considerations for mobile optimisation include fast loading times, responsive design, and easily navigable menus.

5. Harnessing Structured Data

Structured data, or schema markup, provides search engines with explicit clues about the context of your website’s content. By implementing structured data, you can enhance your site’s representation in search results, making it more likely to be chosen for voice search queries. Structured data can highlight specific information such as business hours, locations, and reviews, all pertinent to voice search users.

6. Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation

The realm of voice search SEO is characterised by rapid evolution and change. Staying abreast of the latest trends, technological advancements, and user behaviours is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. 

Regularly auditing your voice search performance, keeping an eye on emerging voice search devices, and adapting your strategies accordingly are key to long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the voice search SEO world presents challenges and opportunities for businesses. By understanding voice search behaviour, prioritising conversational keywords, enhancing local SEO efforts, aiming for Featured Snippets, optimising for mobile, and harnessing the power of structured data, businesses can craft a robust strategy for voice search success. 

As voice search continues to grow in prevalence, those who adeptly adapt to its demands will be well-positioned to capture the attention of an increasingly vocal audience.

?Getextra from your Digital Marketing

We have been helping businesses understand digital marketing for the last three decades and can help you create a balanced digital marketing strategy that is right for your business.

Get in touch today and arrange a free consultation to provide you with one-to-one guidance on how we can help you reach your business goals in the short, medium and long term. 

Email chat@getextra.co.uk or call 01482 844776 to arrange your free consultation today.