SEO Strategies to Win with Voice Search

Written By

Linhart Public Relations

SEO strategy is becoming more nuanced with the recent boom in voice search. With predictions that 50% of all searches will be done through voice in 2020, businesses must rethink their search strategies.

In fact, voice search will only continue to become more nuanced as the technology behind it evolves.  The ability of AI voice assistants to respond to complex questions will improve, and in 3-5 years they will be able to anticipate a person’s needs and suggest solutions. Eventually, they will be capable of considering an individual’s preferences and habits and complete simple purchases – even without users’ consent.

Linhart PR stresses that businesses need to prepare for this shift early by adjusting their SEO strategies now. Keep in mind these points when conducting voice keyword research and planning:

Consider how questions are spoken, not typed

Whether we realize it or not, we often change the way we search for information when using voice search. When searching for a dry cleaner, people will often type something like “best dry cleaner in Denver.” However, when using voice search people tend to include more specificity: “What dry cleaner is closest to my house and has the best reviews and lowest prices?”

Focus on long-tail phrases

What’s the biggest difference between voice and text search? The conversational nature. People speak to voice search devices like another person. Therefore, short-tail keywords are less relevant and are projected to decrease in prominence. Using long-tail keywords is more effective for voice search, which often includes more detailed inquiries.

Start questions with modifiers

Voice search is typically done in the form of a question. Therefore, modifiers like who, what, where, when how and why are essential. Be sure to include these consistently throughout your content.

Want a few more SEO strategies for voice search? Check out the full blog post from Linhart PR.

Founded in 1996, Linhart PR is a national PR, corporate communications and digital media strategy firm serving clients nationally and internationally. The firm was recognized as one of the best of its size in the nation by PR Week in 2012, was a winner of the 2011 Top Small Company Workplaces award sponsored by Inc. Magazine, and was named 2011 Small Business of the Year from the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.