Why You Need To Optimize For Voice Search

Imagine your target audience. How many smart devices do they use on a regular basis? And how many of those devices respond to voice commands?

You and your target market probably have desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones equipped with voice help and personal/virtual assistants. Add to that, the sales of smart speakers have skyrocketed according to Forbes. Smart speakers like Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home can do much more than play music, give weather reports, and record conversations. Users ask for price checks, reorder supplies, and get limited customer service. They quickly and easily send text messages and initiate phone calls. They request directions while driving. They also operate smart home appliances simply by issuing voice commands.

Smartphones and voice commands are proving to be a winning combination. As early as 2015, Google acknowledged that there were more searches on mobile phones than on desktop computers. More voice searches are occurring on smartphones (85%) than on smart speakers (39%). And it appears that voice search on smartphones will continue to increase as the pandemic drags on. Businesses with contactless pickup or delivery and the food/restaurant industry are certainly prime beneficiaries.

No matter what one is searching for on an Apple or Android smartphone, it is often easier to speak than to type. According to Microsoft/Bing’s 2019 Voice Report, 57% of users speak their requests, 9% type, and 34% do some of both. Voice search is expected to increase as the technology improves, trust issues are addressed, and artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more widely accepted.

Those who are currently using voice search engage in a number of activities. Which of these voice searches, identified in the Voice Report, might benefit your business? (Percentage is number of users who engage in this type of search, according to the report.)
• 26% add to shopping cart
• 31% compare products and services
• 21% contact customer service
• 65% get directions
• 25% make a purchase
• 39% make a shopping list
• 30% price products and services
• 19% provide feedback
• 44% research a product or service
• 47% search for a business
• 52% search for a product or service
• 68% search for quick facts

With search engine optimization geared toward the queries of your target audience, you can capture the attention of those who are using voice search. Let Tate Design optimize your website content and SEO to make you a favorite with voice searchers. Call us at 610.725.0702 or e-mail [email protected] to optimize for voice search.

 

References
• Christi Olson and Kelli Kemery’s Microsoft/Bing 2019 Voice Report
• Ilker Koksal’s “The Sales Of Smart Speakers Skyrocketed”
• Daniel Terdiman’s “Google Says Mobile Search Has Surpassed Desktop Search”