
How to Optimize for Voice Search in 2018
The way people do SEO is continually changing. Conversions aren’t just for revenue anymore. As the age of technology advances, it is easy to see the metamorphosis if you look for it. Searches from mobile devices are on the rise. People are always on the go, and they often query from a smartphone or other mobile device. Instead of trying to type and navigate on tiny screens, it is easier to use voice search. Increasing numbers of people are also using voice assistants like Amazon Echo, Google Home or Siri; there seems to be a different assistant for each type of technology. Over 60 percent of searches are performed using either a mobile device or a voice assistant. That means they also must be optimized for SEO. People optimize searches, they optimize content, and now you must optimize for voice searches is you want to stay in front of the emerging revenue generating trends. Here are some necessary actions which must be taken to optimize for voice search in 2018.
Ensure Your Pages Load Lightning Fast
Experts have varying opinions on whether page speed directly impacts the optimization for voice search, but the statistics are clear. Sites that are well-optimized directly for the user experience tend to rank higher than others. In turn, voice search results always form the highest ranking SERPs. The average voice search results load over50 percent faster than most regular search results pages. On average, that is more than four seconds faster. Given all this information, do you think there is any way that page load speed doesn’t impact voice search SEO?
Use Longtail Conversational Keyword Chains
When optimizing for voice search, it is crucial that the search results match the queries. A keyword strategy can no longer get built around a single keyword; it must include chains of longtail keywords which closely mimic natural conversation. People talk into their phones or devices or to their assistants, but usually not to their computer. They just ask for stuff. It is vital to keep this in mind when building the new keyword strategy. You must take the time to isolate longtail conversational keyword chains and develop the plan around those.
Create an FAQ Page
Instead of using old SEO keyword phrases you’re probably used to, try to group similar questions on the same page. Use questions which may come up in conversation if someone were asking a friend. You are trying to create questions that are direct and hyper-specific. It does take some work, but it is worth it to get your site featured in a Google Snippet. It will also increase your site’s rankings in the SERPs, which is always good for SEO.
Add Near Me and Dates
Recent studies show that searches including the qualifier “near me” have grown over 100 percent in the last two years alone. Adding this phrase to some of your local SEO strategy phrases or descriptions can boost SERPs dramatically. Depending on the product or service you offer, adding the year can also do the same thing. People are getting tired of pulling up old, invalid information, so results that include the current year typically get the click.
Claim Your Google My Business Listing
If you haven’t done this, do it now. It’s part of local SEO, and it helps give Google all the information it needs to return your business in relevant queries. Just remember to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date if you want to reap the benefits.
Focusing in on these tips will help you tremendously in your voice search results. As each year passes, there are more and more things on which to focus . Voice search is booming, and it has only begun. Don’t fall behind because you ignored these tips.