SEO Factor #9:
Optimize for Voice Search
Since the introduction of voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Home, voice search has exploded. Instead of typing in their searches, people can just speak them.
In order to optimize for voice search, it’s important to think about how most people use it. It’s almost always done in the form of a question:
- How old is Paul Newman?
- What time is the movie playing?
- Is ice water good for dogs?
- When did the Beatles break up?
The best way to optimize for voice search is to include content that can be pulled by Google and given as the answer to a question.
Some relatively simple ways to do that are:
- Create FAQ pages. These pages are usually short and sweet answers to a number of specific questions, which is exactly what Google is looking for when returning voice search results.
- Shoot for the featured snippet. The featured snippet often shows up before any other search results and is often given as answers to voice searches. For strategies on how to get the featured snippet, check out this guide by HubSpot.
- Write naturally. Google wants voice search results to sound natural, so they tend to favor content that is written naturally. In other words, write like you talk. Avoid being stiff and formal.
- Keep it simple. On average, voice search results tend to be at around a 9th grade reading level. This is one reason why you don’t want to use overly technical jargon or complex words.
- Boost your site speed. Google wants to deliver voice search results fast, which means they favor faster websites. The faster your site, the better the chances of you ranking for voice searches.
As you work to make your site voice-search- friendly, think about the kind of information you would want to know and the questions you would ask to find that information. Then work that information naturally into the content that you’re creating.
