Did you know voice search has grown by 146% in five years? From 3.25 billion users in 2019 to 8 billion in 20231. This rise in voice searches has made marketers and local businesses focus on optimizing for voice search. They want to grab this growing traffic and stay ahead.
Not being found by voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant means missing out on potential customers and revenue. In today’s digital world, making your local SEO work for voice search is key. Voice searches are more like talking and often include “near me” or “closest.”1 Using this trend can help you reach more people and bring in valuable leads2.
Key Takeaways
- Voice search usage has skyrocketed by 146% over the past five years, with 8 billion users projected by 2023.
- Up to 70% of voice search queries have local intent, incorporating keywords like “near me,” “around me,” or “closest.”
- Optimizing your local SEO for voice search can help you reach new, tech-savvy customers and drive valuable leads.
- Voice search queries tend to be more conversational and command-driven, requiring a shift in content strategy.
- Integrating structured data, mobile-friendliness, and online reviews are key to voice search optimization.
Importance of Voice Search for Local SEO
Voice search is getting more popular, making it key for local businesses to get their online presence ready. People using voice search ask questions in a natural way, unlike typing them3. This change means local SEO needs to adapt to show up in these searches.
Conversational Search Queries
Users of voice search use long-tail keywords and speak naturally to their assistants3. Instead of typing “brunch restaurants south kensington,” they might say, “What are the best brunch spots near me?” Businesses need to update their keywords to match how people talk.
“Near Me” Searches on Mobile Devices
“Near me” searches are big in voice search for local SEO3. People use voice search when they’re out and about, looking for quick info or services4. It’s key to have your business info correct, current, and ready for local searches to show up in these “near me” searches5. Since 87% of voice search answers come from featured snippets, being at the top of local searches is vital5.
Understanding voice search and its effect on local SEO helps businesses stay ahead4. Adding voice search to your marketing can boost customer interaction, web traffic, and help your local business grow5.
What is Voice Search Optimization?
Voice search optimization is a way to make your content show up in voice search results. It aims to match what people say when they search with what your content says. This makes your page more likely to be shown to users by voice search tech and virtual assistants6.
It’s key to keep up with SEO changes, as keywords now sound more like everyday speech and are longer6. New tech is making voice search better and more personal for everyday life6. People like voice search because it’s quicker than typing and great for getting answers or doing other things at the same time6. But, typing is still important for keeping things private or when speaking out loud isn’t an option6.
Great voice search optimization means giving users the right answers quickly and accurately6. In the U.S., about 40% of internet users use voice assistants often, mostly on phones and smart speakers7. By 2023, there will be over 200 million smart speakers in the U.S. alone7.
When using voice search, devices usually show only the top results for a query7. Google’s updates like Hummingbird and BERT help give better answers for voice searches that sound like real conversations7. Long-tail keywords, with more than three words, bring in users who really know what they’re looking for7.
Having a Google Business Profile is key for local SEO, as voice search often uses this info7. Being the top result on Google can really increase your traffic7. Voice search is expected to bring in $40 billion in sales by 20248. Over 55% of people use voice search to find local businesses8. Voice searches total over $2 billion and happen over 1 billion times a month8. Brands that use voice search well saw a 30% increase in digital sales in 20248. By 2024, voice search will make up 50% of all searches8.
Optimizing for voice search helps you reach users who use voice search to find things. Keeping up with this changing trend can really help your business or website.
Why Optimize for Voice Search?
Voice search is becoming more common, not just a trend. About 40% of U.S. internet users use voice assistants every month, mostly on smartphones and smart speakers9. By 2023, there will be over 200 million smart speakers in the U.S9.. Optimizing your website and listings for voice search connects you with users who use voice devices to search and shop.
Rapid Growth of Voice Assistant Usage
Voice technology has grown fast. Over 1 billion voice searches happen each month on mobile and voice devices10. Voice search also drives more than $2 billion in sales, with a forecast of over $40 billion by 202410. Brands that use voice and visual search could see a 30% increase in digital sales10. Clearly, optimizing for voice search is key for businesses to stay ahead.
Capturing Mobile and “On-the-Go” Searchers
Voice search is great for reaching mobile and on-the-go users. Over 55% of users use voice search to find local businesses10. Optimizing your local listings and content for voice search helps your business show up in mobile searches. It also helps you rank in featured snippets, which are 50% of voice search results10. This can increase your website’s traffic and visibility.
In summary, the growth of voice assistants and mobile searchers makes voice search optimization vital for businesses. By optimizing for voice search, you can stay competitive and attract new customers.
Optimizing Your Content for Voice Search
To succeed in voice search, make sure your content is ready for this new search method. A key strategy is to use long-tail keywords, especially those that are questions11. Since voice searches are often longer and more conversational than text searches, focusing on detailed, specific queries is vital11.
Long-Tail Keyword Research
Using keyword research tools can uncover the best long-tail and question-based keywords for your audience11. These keywords, with three or more words, match the way people speak in voice searches12. Adding these keywords to your content boosts your chances of showing up in voice search results and meeting your audience’s needs.
Using Natural Language and Conversational Tone
Since voice searches are like talking, your content should sound like a conversation. Use more conversational words and phrases, like “I,” “me,” “you,” and “we,” to make it sound real and interesting12. Stay away from hard words and technical terms, and add some humor or personality to your writing. This makes your content fit the way people talk in voice searches.
Optimizing your content for voice search with long-tail keywords and a friendly tone helps you connect better with your audience and boosts your online visibility1112. These strategies can help you grab more voice search traffic and make your customers’ experience better.
Local SEO Essentials for Voice Search
In today’s world, local SEO is key for businesses to stand out in their area. More people use voice assistants to find services and products close by. So, it’s vital to make sure your online presence is ready for voice search1314.
First, make sure your Google Business Profile is correct and full. Voice assistants often get info from here to give users the best local results14. Also, being listed on other local sites can help you be more visible to voice search users14.
It’s also crucial to make your website work well on mobiles. 1 in 4 people do voice searches on their phones14. A site that’s easy to use on mobile means a better experience for everyone, whether they’re using a voice assistant or typing on a screen.
- Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile
- List your business on local directories and citations
- Ensure your website is mobile-friendly
- Develop a robust FAQ section with conversational content
- Focus on long-tail, location-specific keywords
- Encourage positive online reviews and ratings
By following these steps, you can make your business ready for voice search. This way, you can reach more consumers who use voice assistants to find local info and services15.
“Businesses with location-specific keywords like ‘near me’ are more likely to appear in voice search results for local businesses.”14
The secret to doing well in voice search is to give users a smooth, helpful experience. Focus on local SEO and improving your online presence. This way, you can be ahead in the changing world of voice search131415.
Voice Search and Local SEO
Optimizing for voice search is key for local SEO. It’s important for business owners and digital marketing pros16. Even though voice search isn’t as big as text search yet, it’s very valuable. People using voice search want quick answers16. Using long-tail and question-based keywords, a conversational tone, and focusing on local SEO can help you stand out16.
Voice assistant use is growing fast, making voice search more important17. About 32% of people aged 18-64 use voice search every day, changing how businesses connect with locals17. Also, 71% of consumers prefer to ask out loud, showing a move to voice search17.
Adding voice search to your local SEO plan can give you an edge over others17. Brands that use voice search SEO see a 30% increase in online sales, showing its impact on growth17. The voice search optimization market makes over $2 billion from voice queries, showing its big potential for businesses17.
| Voice Search Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| UK homes owned a Smart Assistant device in 2019 | 22%16 |
| UK households planned on owning a Smart Assistant within the next 5 years | 41%16 |
| Searches in 2020 predicted to be voice-based | 50%16 |
| US internet users engage with voice assistants monthly | 40%17 |
| Estimated voice-based searches by 2023 | 50%17 |
Optimizing for voice search and local SEO can help your business reach more people1617. By targeting specific keywords and speaking like a local, you can beat your competitors and get more valuable traffic1617.
Remember, voice search is a new way to reach customers, making your SEO strategy better16. By keeping up with voice search optimization, you can make your business successful in the changing digital search world1617.
Conclusion
Voice search is now a big part of our everyday lives. It will keep growing in importance for local businesses18. With 10% of all searches now being voice searches and expected to hit 50% by 202018, making your online presence voice search ready is key to reaching new customers18.
Creating a strong voice search optimization plan is vital for your local SEO. It helps improve your rankings, increase traffic, and grow your business19. This means using natural language keywords, adding structured data markup, making your site mobile-friendly, and using local listings and directories. Also, focus on creating content for local audiences20. With over 40% of adults using voice search every day19 and a quarter of voice searches having buying intent by 202118, focusing on voice search can put your business ahead.
Voice search is more than just a trend; it’s changing how we use technology19. By using voice search and local SEO, you make sure your business stays visible, easy to find, and relevant to today’s and tomorrow’s customers20.
FAQ
What is the growth in voice search usage?
Semrush found a huge jump in voice search use, from 3.25 billion users in 2019 to 8 billion in 2023. This is a 146% increase over five years.
How do people typically ask voice assistants for information?
People usually ask voice assistants in a normal, conversational way. They expect answers that sound like they’re coming from a friend. Writing content that sounds natural is key.
Why are “near me” searches important for voice search?
“Near me” searches are very common with voice search. Making your local SEO strong helps with voice search too. Smartphones make voice search easy for users when they’re out and about.
What is the goal of voice search optimization?
The aim of voice search optimization is to make your content show up in voice search results. This is done by answering common questions in your content. This way, voice search tools and virtual assistants will show your page to users.
How prevalent is the use of voice assistants?
About 40% of U.S. internet users use a voice assistant monthly, often on smartphones and smart speakers. The U.S. is expected to have over 200 million smart speakers by 2023.
What are the key strategies for optimizing content for voice search?
For voice search, focus on long-tail keywords, especially questions. Use a friendly tone and make sure your content is easy to use on mobiles. Also, don’t forget about local SEO.
Why is local SEO important for voice search?
Local SEO is key for voice search because users often look for local businesses and services. Having a correct and full Google Business Profile is a must.
Source Links
- Voice Search Optimization for Local Google SEO and more Insights
- How To Optimize for Voice Search in Local SEO
- The Relationship Between Local SEO And Voice Search – Simply Be Found
- The Importance of Voice Search Optimization for Local Business
- How Does Voice Search Affect SEO
- Voice search optimization: What is it and how important is it now?
- How and Why to Optimize Your Website for Voice Search in 2022
- What is Voice Search Optimization? [+4 Tips for Voice Search]
- Voice search: A guide to improve your Local SEO Results | Mobal
- Search by Voice: 5 Reasons to Invest in Voice Search Optimization
- Voice Search Optimization: 6 Tips to Improve Your Results
- 4 Ways to Optimize Your Content for Voice Search – First Media
- Voice Search and Local SEO: Tips for Small Businesses in 2024
- The Rise of Voice Search and Local SEO
- Voice Search Optimization: 5 Best Practices to Improve Your Results » Rank Math
- Voice Search and Local SEO – Hedgehog Digital
- Voice Search Optimization: The Future Of Local SEO
- How Voice Search Will Impact Your SEO Strategy
- Voice Search in Local SEO: Connecting Nearby – OKMG
- Voice Search Optimization: Elevating Local SEO For Maximum Visibility
