The internet has evolved and continues to change the way consumers search for information. Today, people are no longer typing their queries into the search bar, but rather they are speaking into their devices using voice search. Thanks to advancements in technology, voice search has become increasingly popular, and according to Google, 55% of teens and 41% of adults use it daily. As the use of voice search continues to grow, the way businesses market themselves online needs to change too. In this blog post, we’ll explore the future of voice search and its implications for businesses.
A shift in the landscape
The rise of voice search is changing the way consumers interact with search engines. In traditional search, users would enter short phrases that triggered results. These phrases are usually restricted to a few words. However, with voice search, people use natural language with lengthier queries. They ask a question in the same way they would talk to a person. So, instead of typing “best sushi restaurants in San Francisco,” users would say, “Hey Karen, what’s the best sushi restaurant in San Francisco?” That’s why businesses should modify their keyword strategy and content to include voice search queries.
Improved customer experience
Consumers nowadays demand an easy and convenient way of searching for things online. Unlike the traditional way of searching, voice search offers a more hands-free approach to browsing, making it great for people on the go or with busy schedules. Customers can ask for what they need from the comfort of their homes. Suppose a customer has to drive for over an hour to get to your business location, but they are not sure if you offer a product or service they need. Using voice search, they can ask their digital assistant if you have the specific product they’re searching for. By giving customers the answers they need quickly, you can increase their trust in your business.
More personalized results
Voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant use machine learning algorithms to tailor results based on user behavior and preferences. The same way streaming music services suggest songs that fit users’ listening history, voice search tools provide personalized search results. It means that businesses with a solid understanding of their target customers can provide valuable and relevant information that makes their brand stand out and increase their visibility.
Optimization for local search
The digital age has seen a tremendous increase in users searching for businesses close to them. And that’s where local SEO comes in. More than 70% of users searching for businesses near them using voice search are likely to make a purchase. Here’s an example. A user might ask “what are the best coffee shops near me?” A good voice optimization strategy for a coffee shop would be to optimize their website for voice search results by targeting keywords such as coffee, coffee shop, and their local geography. It might also be worthwhile to add in meta descriptions or some structured data markup to mention specials or events.
The rise of voice search is undeniable, and it’s a transformational shift. Businesses that realize the opportunities of this new technology by optimizing their content can use it to their advantage, distinguishing themselves from others in their industry. By understanding the future of voice search, businesses can adapt their marketing to fit their customer’s needs and make a lasting connection with their audience. The implications of voice search for businesses will only continue to grow, and those that embrace it stand to reap the rewards of a new and exciting era.