The rise of voice search and what it means for your SEO

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September 4, 2024

In recent years, voice search has grown significantly. More and more users are choosing to speak their searches instead of typing them, saving considerable time. This shift has altered the types of keywords used, making it essential to adapt your SEO strategy to this new way of searching.

1. Adjust Your Keyword Strategy to Longer, Natural Search Terms

With voice search, people often use longer, more natural phrases. Instead of “best fries shop Ghent,” they might say, “Where can I find the best fries in downtown Ghent?” Or a business user might ask, “Which industrial 3D printer supplier in Hasselt offers on-site maintenance?” rather than “supplier industrial 3D printer Hasselt.”

This means focusing on long-tail keywords and natural language patterns. Think about how your target audience would speak and adjust your content accordingly. Consider adding FAQ sections that answer common questions about your product or service, or write blogs that address these questions.

2. Focus on Local Searches with Local SEO

Voice search is often used for local queries. “Hey Siri, where’s the nearest on-call pharmacy in Antwerp?” is a typical example. Make sure your local SEO is in order. Claim and optimize your Google My Business page, use local keywords, and ensure consistent contact details across all your online channels. Mention specific elements like your province or a major city nearby. Want to learn more about local SEO? We wrote an entire blog on it.

3. Optimize Your Website's Loading Speed

Voice search users expect fast results, and Google rewards fast-loading websites with higher rankings. Optimize your site’s loading time by compressing images, using caching, and removing unnecessary code. A fast website not only provides a better user experience but also boosts your voice search rankings. This is especially important in urban areas, where users are often on the go and need quick information.

4. Make It Easy for Search Engines with Structured Data

Structured data helps search engines better understand your content. Use schema markup to clarify important information like opening hours, prices, and reviews. Give your website a clear structure with main and subheadings (H1, H2, H3…).

5. Provide a Mobile-Friendly Design

Voice search primarily happens on mobile devices. Ensure your website is responsive to various mobile devices, like Android phones, iPhones, and tablets, and offers an excellent mobile experience. Google’s mobile-first indexing means your mobile site takes priority in rankings. A mobile-friendly website not only benefits your visitors but is also crucial for your voice search optimization.

Are you ready to make your website voice search-proof but not sure where to start? Our team of SEO experts is here to help you optimize your online presence for the future.