How to Improve Your Ranking on Voice Search

 

Voice search has been steadily gaining traction these past few years. The advent of smart speakers, such as Google Nest and Amazon Echo, has paved the way for the increasing use and popularity of voice search in homes around the globe. 

 

Recent statistics show its steady growth in use and popularity in the US, with 58% of consumers using voice search to know more about a local business in 2018 alone. Meanwhile, 46% of users turn to this technology on a daily basis to search for a local business.  

 

When utilized properly, voice search enables local businesses to grow. Let’s talk about how voice search technology can improve your ranking on search results,  which consequently can help boost your business.

The Benefits of Voice Search

With voice search, you make it even easier for potential customers to find and reach you. You also give them a faster and more convenient way to get the answers to their questions. Over 40% use voice search because it allows them to do quicker, hands-free searches.  

 

With as many as 58% of consumers using voice search to find local businesses in 2018, there’s a big potential for businesses to grow with voice search. More than 50% turn to voice search to make a restaurant reservation, while 41% use it to find out what a particular business sells or offers. Businesses that primarily benefit from voice search include: 

 

• Restaurants or cafes 

• Grocery stores 

• Food delivery services 

• Clothing retailers 

• Accommodations, such as hotels and bed and breakfasts 

4 Ways to Improve Your Ranking on Voice Search 

1. Claim your business listing on voice assistants

Claim your business listings on top voice search platforms, such as Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby, and Cortana. This lets your business appear on “near me” or location-based searches.  

2. Create an FAQ page

Voice search queries are longer and resemble actual speech or conversations. Many queries typically begin with “Who,” “What,” and “How,” among other interrogative adverbs.  

To give your customers the answers they need, create an FAQ page on your website and provide answers in a conversational manner. Begin your answers with the aforementioned interrogative adverbs.  

3. Include long-tail keywords in your website copy

Short-tail keywords are still here to stay, but it pays to focus on using long-tail keywords in your website copy. A long-tail keyword is basically a longer phrase that’s made up of three to five words. The key to voice search is to use keywords that emulate natural conversation, thus the need to focus on long-tail keywords.  

4. Optimize your website

To improve your ranking on voice search, you should also optimize your website. Make your site voice search-ready by: 

 

• Creating valuable content 

• Increasing domain rating  

• Using local SEO best practices  

• Optimizing for mobile   

• Building a navigable site architecture  

• Getting social shares and backlinks 

• Enhancing user experience design 

• Improving load time and security 

Becoming voice search-ready doesn’t have to be too complicated. Voice Command offers an easy way to get your business information listed on all the top voice search platforms, including Siri, Google Assistant, Cortana, Bixby, and more. Embrace innovation and welcome the future for your business with Voice Command.