Voice search is fast becoming a trend in digital marketing. Names such as Alexa, Siri, and Bixby are virtually becoming trusted friends for people looking for various things online. Whether done through a mobile device or voice-activated speakers in your home, voice search is everywhere. The projected size for this market is $27.2 billion by 2026 (Statista).
Voice searches are becoming popular because of several advantages they offer. According to Oberlo, 71% of consumers surveyed prefer voice searches over typing. With voice search options, you can look for anything you need without typing, which may be cumbersome when doing something else. In fact, 52.8% of voice searches were done while driving, while the rest were done while doing various other activities, such as watching TV, working, cooking, or even showering (Finances Online). Voice search provides an unparalleled ability to multi-task.
The next question is, how will this impact your local business? Voice searches are an excellent opportunity for local businesses to stay visible. Here are the numbers:
- ¾ of all voice-enabled speaker owners discover a local company each week.
- Most smart speaker owners use voice searches to learn about local businesses.
- Smart speaker owners are qualified leads, as 11.5% of them make monthly purchases through voice searches.
Eight Tips That Will Help Your Business Rank in Local Voice Searches
As a local business owner, optimizing your online presence for voice searches is becoming more imperative than ever. Here are tips that can help your business satisfy the requirements of voice searches today:
Identify Low-Competition Keywords
- Though long-tailed keywords are useful in typed searches, they can be extremely helpful in voice searches because they are less competitive.
- Long-tailed keywords are more specific, given that voice searches involve more words than typed searches.
Focus on Conversational Search Phrases
- Conversational search phrases refer to more coherent search queries rather than focusing on specific words. For example: “Tell me the best plumber in Orange County,” or “Point me to a good plumber near me.”
- Focus on question-based keywords and phrases, such as “Which is the best plumber in Orange County?”
Modify Existing Content
- Review existing content, such as blog posts and landing page content, and identify opportunities to add long-tailed or question-based keywords.
- Create content based on local keywords and business locations. For example, publish a blog post on a topic with a local flavor.
Answer Common Voice Search Questions
- Here is where FAQs are becoming more important for websites. Most commonly asked questions from voice queries and formulated content based on those.
- You may also use this content on blog posts by using question-based keywords as headings.
Focus on Mobile Optimization
- Improve user-friendliness and load times.
- Focus on having a responsive and straightforward website design.
Optimize Your Google Business Profile
- Ensure that your Google Business Profile is complete and updated.
- Always include relevant keywords, especially in the business description.
- Having positive natural reviews is essential.
Don’t Forget Local Business Directories
- Consider being listed on various business directories beyond Google.
- Ensure that your business information is updated across all directories in which your business is listed.
Track Local SEO Performance
- Monitor local search rankings by trying to check your voice search performance yourself.
- You may also use SEO software like AhRefs and SEMRush to track your performance.
Consider Professional Support
- Consider enlisting the help of local SEO experts to ensure you make the right moves when optimizing your online presence for voice searches.
- SEO professionals are experienced and well-versed in possible algorithm changes.
- They can save you time by allowing you to focus on your core competencies while they manage your digital marketing performance.
Consider WebPower for Local SEO Support for Voice Searches
WebPower has a team of digital marketing professionals with decades of experience in SEO for a broad range of businesses. Their team is constantly updated with the latest local SEO trends and has provided excellent support for various companies through typed or voice searches.
To learn more about optimizing your local business for voice search rankings, contact us at (214) 317-7184 for a free consultation.