Why SEO matters for voice search
In the early days of the internet, we optimised websites for search engines that only understood typed text. But in 2024, with virtual assistants such as Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant taking over homes and smartphones, voice search is no longer a passing fad and has become an integral part of digital life. How should brands adapt to this new reality? Let's explore how SEO for voice search has become essential and how you can (and should) adjust so you don't get left behind.
Why does voice search matter?
First, a few numbers that may make you rethink your strategy:
- 55% of teenagers and 41% of adults use voice search daily (2023 data).
- By 2024, 50% of all online searches are expected to be made by voice.
- Voice search is 84% more likely to generate more views compared to studio productions and 63% more likely to generate sales (2023 data).
If your website isn't optimised for voice search, you're missing out on a significant share of the audience that prefers talking to their device over typing.
How does voice search work?
Voice search is more conversational and natural than traditional searches. For example, while someone might type "Italian restaurant Lisbon", in a voice search that person would probably ask: "What's the best Italian restaurant near me in Lisbon?".
If your content is optimised for the first query but not the second, you're at a disadvantage. And, unfortunately, Google isn't the forgiving type when it comes to poorly done SEO.
Action points: how to optimise for voice search
Here are some SEO strategies that can save your site from fading into digital obscurity:
- Optimising content for questions and answers: create content that directly answers common questions (commonly known as FAQs). For example, if your customers ask "How do I clean a leather sofa?", your content should be something like "Tips for cleaning your leather sofa at home".
- Long-tail keywords: optimise for full, natural phrases. Think about how people actually speak and look for longer, more specific phrases – instead of "dental clinic", consider "what is the best dental clinic for children in Lisbon?".
- Local SEO: many voice searches are local, such as "where is the nearest café?". Make sure your business is optimised for local SEO, with accurate, up-to-date information on Google My Business.
- Structured data: use structured data to help search engines better understand your site's content and provide direct answers in voice searches.
The future of voice search
The future is already here, and trends indicate that voice search will only keep growing. Adopting these SEO practices isn't just advisable, it's essential to maintain your brand's relevance and digital reach.
And who knows? Maybe in a few years we'll be optimising websites for searches made by thought. But for now, let's focus on making sure your brand doesn't go voiceless in today's digital conversation.