Voice search is revolutionizing how users interact with the internet. With the rise of virtual assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, optimizing your website for voice search is becoming increasingly crucial. Voice searches are more conversational and question-based compared to traditional text searches, requiring a unique approach to SEO. We are using some real-world examples from the client verticals we work with (senior living, SaaS, healthcare, and health tech) but the tips and tricks we're sharing here are fairly universal.
Understanding Voice Search
Voice search involves users speaking their queries instead of typing them. Predictions suggest that by 2025, over half of all searches will be voice-based, according to Medium. Voice search queries are typically longer, more conversational, and often in the form of questions. Understanding this shift in user behavior is crucial for developing an effective voice search SEO strategy.
Why Voice Search Matters
- Accessibility: Voice search makes the internet more accessible, particularly for seniors and people with disabilities. (Remember to make sure that your website is ADA-compliant!)
- Convenience: It provides a hands-free way to search, which is ideal for multitasking.
- Growing Usage: The increasing use of smart speakers and virtual assistants is driving the popularity of voice search.
Strategies for Optimizing for Voice Search
Focus on Natural Language and Long-Tail Keywords
Example: Senior Living Organization
Senior living organizations can optimize for voice search by focusing on natural language and long-tail keywords. Instead of targeting "senior living facilities," aim for phrases like "What are the best senior living facilities near me?" or "Affordable senior living options in [City]."
- Action Step: Create content that answers specific questions, such as a blog post titled "How to Choose the Right Senior Living Facility for Your Loved One."
Example: SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can benefit from optimizing their content for phrases that potential customers might use. Instead of just "project management software," target "What is the best project management software for small businesses?" or "How can I improve project management efficiency?"
- Action Step: Develop FAQs and how-to guides that address common queries related to your software.
Example: Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers should focus on natural, conversational phrases. Instead of "pediatric care services," optimize for "Where can I find pediatric care services near me?" or "How to choose a pediatrician for my child."
- Action Step: Write articles and create content that directly addresses patient concerns and questions.
Optimize for Local SEO
Example: Senior Living Organization
Voice searches often include local intent, especially for senior living organizations. Phrases like "senior living facilities near me" are common. Ensure your Google My Business listing is up-to-date and includes all relevant information. Want to learn more about local SEO strategies? Check out other articles on our blog.
- Action Step: Optimize your local SEO by including location-specific keywords and ensuring your contact information is consistent across all platforms.
Example: SaaS Companies
While SaaS companies may have a broader target audience, optimizing for local SEO can still be beneficial. Phrases like "best project management software in [City]" can help attract local customers.
- Action Step: Create local landing pages and include testimonials from local clients to enhance local SEO efforts.
Example: Healthcare Providers
Local SEO is vital for healthcare providers. Patients often search for nearby healthcare services. Ensure your practice's name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all online listings.
- Action Step: Optimize your Google My Business profile and encourage satisfied patients to leave positive reviews.
Create a Comprehensive FAQ Page
Example: Senior Living Organization
A comprehensive FAQ page can address many of the queries that potential residents or their families might have. Questions like "What amenities are included in your senior living facilities?" can be directly addressed. This strategy is perfect for SEO because it has the added benefit of ranking for a Google SERP.
- Action Step: Regularly update your FAQ page with new questions that arise from customer inquiries.
Example: SaaS Companies
FAQs are particularly useful for addressing common questions about software features, pricing, and support.
- Action Step: Continuously monitor customer support interactions to identify new questions that can be added to the FAQ page.
Example: Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers can use FAQs to answer questions about services, insurance, appointment scheduling, and more. We helped a regional medical provider outrank WebMD and get 69,000 visits per month by writing blog articles about specific symptoms patients might be experiencing.
- Action Step: Include detailed answers to common health-related questions and ensure the page is easy to navigate.
Leverage Structured Data
Example: Senior Living Organization
Structured data helps search engines understand the content on your site, making it easier for them to provide relevant answers to voice search queries. Implementing schema markup for your facilities, services, and contact information can enhance your visibility.
- Action Step: Use tools like Google's Structured Data Markup Helper to add schema markup to your site.
Example: SaaS Companies
By adding structured data to your site, you can provide search engines with detailed information about your software products, pricing, and customer reviews.
- Action Step: Implement schema markup for software applications, including detailed descriptions and user ratings.
Example: Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers can use structured data to highlight services, operating hours, locations, and physician information for locations, making it easier for patients to find the information they need.
- Action Step: Ensure that all relevant information is marked up with schema to improve search engine understanding.
Improve Page Load Speed
Example: Senior Living Organization
Voice search users expect quick answers. Slow-loading pages can negatively impact your search rankings and user experience.
- Action Step: Optimize images, leverage browser caching, and minimize redirects to improve page load speed.
Example: SaaS Companies
Fast-loading pages are crucial for retaining visitors and improving search rankings.
- Action Step: Regularly audit your website's performance and implement changes to improve speed.
Example: Healthcare Providers
For healthcare providers, a fast website ensures that patients can quickly access important information.
- Action Step: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix issues slowing down your site.
KPIs
This topic isn't going to be in most best practice articles or podcast interviews about voice search SEO.
We feel it's important to touch on though: Consider what key performance indicators should be for any strategies you employ for this type of SEO.
Are those KPIs increasing the number of leads/new patient phone calls you receive from voice search? Is an increase in search volume to your Google local business profile attributed to voice search, or an increase in tours, visitors, or consultations?
This will depend on your organization's sales structure and lead generation strategies. This discussion also begs the question: how will you track voice search? These are key items to address as you consider your current profiles and website. Need help identifying SEO opportunities? We're here to help; check out our SEO services.
Wrapping it up
Voice search is not just a trend; it’s the future of search. By optimizing for voice search, senior living organizations, SaaS companies, healthcare providers, and more can enhance their online presence, improve user engagement, and drive more qualified leads. Implementing strategies focusing on natural language, optimizing for local SEO, creating FAQ pages, leveraging structured data, and improving page load speed are essential steps in preparing your website for the future of search.
By adopting these strategies, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and ensure their websites are prepared for the future of search.
