People of all ages are starting to talk to their devices more regularly. This is a result of Google perfecting its voice searches. In fact Google also defines the best way to do a voice search as follows:

1. Open the Google app .

2. Say “Ok Google” or tap Microphone

Voice search is currently being used by 55% teens and 41% adults. In addition to voice searches, people search for information by typing like they talk. For example, when searching for restaurants in Sydney, they will not use the exact keywords like “restaurant Sydney” but they will type something like, ‘where do I find the best restaurants in Sydney?’

One of the biggest prediction for 2017 by the digital experts was an increase in the voice searches and getting ready for voice SEO (Voice Search Optimization). Voice searches have transformed how SEO works and this change will impact your blog/website too. Here are a few useful tips, features and inputs by experts on the topic of voice search optimization and how it is impacting SEO.

1. Think like a Human – Neil Patel

SEO has moved from the age of appeasing lifeless algorithmic bots to thinking like humans. Today, as a blogger, you should not focus on using disjointed keywords. It is better to use longer sequence of word for the voice search. Focus on phrases that people would naturally use in speech. This is the first step to keep up with the voice searches. Instead of just using Bahamas as a keyword, try ‘cost for air fare to Bahamas’. ‘Humanizing’ your content and picking keywords based on natural conversation tone is crucial.

2. Location, location, location – The Next Web

Voice searches are more focused on location. Setting up your blog for local searches are important more so if you have a business that runs locally. You need to start by encouraging your customers to leave a review and also respond to the negative reviews. Reviews are essential for ranking in the Google’s local pack. You will also need to register with the Google My Business, add more photos of your business and make use of microdata such as that from Schema.org.

3. See the Volumes- Rand Fishkin

Focus on absolute volume as well as search volume demand trends and not just the percentages of the queries and aggregated stats

The traditional types of queries are not going to disappear. Although voice searches are overtaking typed search, types search has continued to increase year after year. You have to use voice and typed search together.

4. Leverage on Schema markup, XML sitemaps and microdata – Neil Patel

Schema helps search engines to comprehend the content on your pages. Although it’s not an official ranking factor, it will certainly impact your CTR in a positive way. It helps build trust with search engines.

5. Do your keyword research on the conversational queries – Aleh Barysevich

Conversational search is not just about voice recognition but on voice understanding. Contet needs to be written in a conversational tone and so should the keywords. Use long-tail keywords; they are more conversational. A tool like Rank Tracker will make your work easier when researching conversational keywords.

6. Strong local intent – Kirsty Hulse

According to Kristy if the a sizable voice searches are happening on mobile it is safe to infer that a sizeable chunk of these will have local intent.

These tips will help you achieve more when focusing on voice searches or voice search optimization. Even so, you have to keep learning. Voice searches are still evolving. It is up to you to keep up.

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Tags: voice search