The future of search?
“Hey Google”, “Hey Siri”, “Alexa” have become the norm as we integrate digital voice assistants into our everyday lives. Are people becoming more lazy or is this the future of searching information online?
The shift is happening as the digital era of tapping on keyboards to find information evolves. It is predicted that the number of digital voice assistants will double from 4.2 billion by the end of 2024.1 With the rise of ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, they have even assisted people with solving simple or complex questions.
Now, imagine:
Instead of typing into Google “best ice cream shop”, users ask “Hey Google, where is the best ice cream shop that is near me?”. This shift towards conversational search means businesses must optimise voice queries to stay relevant and answer users’ needs. Not only does voice search help with daily decisions, it also assists users with homework and assignments. 8 in 10 parents feel their kids are more comfortable giving voice commands to smart devices than they would ever be.2 This is why brands and businesses should care about voice SEO.
Future of Voice Search
The content needs to be more conversational and concise by making use of natural language and long-tail keywords.3 Users often ask full questions which are longer and more specific. Therefore, long-tail keywords help to capture these detailed search queries. At the same time, natural language ensures the content matches how people speak. This improves the chances of a website being selected as a response by voice assistants.
Strategies to optimise Voice SEO for brands
1. Focus on Local SEO
Local queries are frequently the focus of voice searches, with users seeking out nearby businesses, services and even directions. Businesses should leverage on the fact that around 22% of voice searches are location-based. This can make sure their online content is correct and up-to-date. When users search for “Near me”, this helps to increase visibility and draw more users and traffic.
2. Design Featured Snippets and Position Zero
Voice searches often use “Position Zero” – the first Google search result that shows above the organic listing to retrieve information. This efficient position zero makes answers more concise and current. Since voice search commonly reads the text in FAQs aloud, creating them is a great way to attract traffic.
3. Create a Structured Website
The website should be mobile-friendly to boost user experience and attract traffic as most users use mobile devices to search. According to Vixen Labs, nearly half of Americans report using voice search on their smartphones which emphasises the importance of how important a mobile device’s webpage is for users to do easy navigation.
4. Include Conversational Long-Tail Keywords
Appropriate conversation keywords allow a greater connection that matches users’ language during voice searches. Voice queries often sound like questions. “What is the best ice cream shop near me?” To boost the chances of appearing in voice results, brands have to adapt by using question-based keywords.
How Voice Search changes consumer behaviour?
Greater accessibility and inclusivity
- Voice SEO enhances access to information for users with disabilities and those who find text-based interfaces challenging. According to eMarketer, around 86.1 million US smart speaker users ask questions via voice search in 2024 which is a 7.3% increase from 2022.4
Evolving search behaviours
- Users now use voice commands with long-tail keywords and a more conversational tone. Google reports that 20% of smartphone searches are voice-activated, while 41% of adults use voice searches on a daily basis. In addition, this demonstrates how dependent users are on voice searches.
Rising expectations for instant results
- Users are increasingly expecting a more immediate reply which drives demand for faster and more precise responses.
Influence on purchase decisions
- The convenience of voice SEO is impacting how quickly and often consumers make purchasing decisions. With a more personalised recommendation based on user preferences, users can effortlessly make purchases online.
Voice SEO is the future and we see a change in the future of search. Embracing conversational keywords, strengthening local SEO and ensuring content is structured with well-curated FAQ are all key to success.
As voice SEO continues to evolve in this digital world, businesses and brands that adapt quickly will stay ahead in the industry and maintain a competitive edge in this voice-driven world. Let voice search be the future of search!
Bibliographies
- Decima, C. (2024, October 10). Voice search optimization for SEO: The rise of Voice Search. Voice Search Optimization for SEO: The Rise of Voice Search. https://www.wsiworld.com/blog/the-rise-of-voice-search-optimizing-your-seo-content-for-the-future ↩︎
- Collective Measures. (2024, March 26). The rise of voice search in the age of assistance | Collective Measures. https://www.collectivemeasures.com/insights/the-rise-of-voice-search-in-the-age-of-assistance ↩︎
- Carey, T. (2024, February 16). Voice search optimization: What is it and how important is it now? Search Engine Land. https://searchengineland.com/what-is-voice-search-optimization-how-important-437611 ↩︎
- Team, B. (2024, June 17). 31 fascinating voice search statistics. Backlinko. https://backlinko.com/voice-search-stats ↩︎