Voice assistants have quickly become a staple technology, making modern life easier.
But modern voice searches go beyond the typical “Hey Siri, how’s traffic in [town] today?” Users are now keying in more business-related queries, like “Hey Siri, which flower shop in [town] has the best roses?”
Local voice search is revolutionizing how customers discover and engage with nearby stores, enhancing convenience and accessibility through voice-activated technology.
With potential customers using voice assistants multiple times daily, adopting voice search marketing is critical – optimizing your online presence to make your business appear in voice-based queries.
In this article, we’ll tackle this topic, including these key points:
- Importance of Voice Search Optimization
- Local Voice Search Optimization Strategies
Importance of Voice Search Optimization
About 41% of adults in the U.S. use voice search daily. When your website is optimized for voice searches, you gain better visibility and capture more leads, especially those in your immediate vicinity. Here’s how voice search marketing benefits your brick-and-mortar store:
1. Generates More Website Traffic
Voice search engine optimization (SEO) involves creating content that aligns with voice-based search queries. These types of content typically get featured snippets on search results and are read aloud by voice assistants. Securing that prime real estate spot on the search results page increases brand awareness while generating more traffic and click-through rates than competitors at the bottom.
2. Enhances User Experience
Many people like using voice assistants because they’re more convenient than typing search queries. This is especially useful for people who need immediate information, such as when navigating unfamiliar places or comparing product prices.
It’s also beneficial for multitaskers. The voice user interface design allows users to find information while performing everyday tasks, like working out or shopping. By optimizing your website and providing quick answers to search queries, you improve user experience, effectively removing barriers in the customer journey and pushing leads from interest to purchase.
Voice search marketing involves creating concise, straightforward content that answers local queries, aligning with users’ preference for conversational interactions. This frictionless experience compels leads to consider your business in their purchase decisions.
3. Increases Competitive Edge in the Local Market
An estimated 76% of voice searches are for things nearby or local, often containing location phrases like “near me” or “in [city or town].” Moreover, 50% of consumers use voice search to find local businesses. Voice search optimization largely involves local SEO, including optimizing Google Business Profiles (GBPs) and targeting local keywords to capture high-intent, local searches.
4. Improves Accessibility
Optimizing for voice user interfaces makes information accessible to people with mobility impairments or motor skill limitations. This expands audience reach by including individuals with disabilities in your user base. Similarly, the voice user interface simplifies search interactions for non-tech-savvy users, eliminating manual typing.
Local Voice Search Optimization Strategies
Given the prevalence of voice assistants, brick-and-mortar stores must prioritize optimizing their sites to increase visibility in voice-based queries. Here are five strategies focused on local voice search to help turn website traffic into foot traffic:
1. Optimize Your Business Profile Online
Different voice assistants pull business information from online profiles:
- Apple Siri primarily relies on Apple Business Connect.
- Amazon Alexa uses Yelp.
- Google Assistant gets information from Google Business Profile.
- Microsoft Cortana depends on Bing Places.
Claim your business listing and ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are correct. Include additional details like business hours, descriptions, and categories. Enhance credibility by adding professional photos of your establishment, products, team, and even customers.
2. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords and Natural Language
Voice-based queries are often longer and more conversational than typed searches. For instance, instead of “roses for sale in Fort Worth,” a voice searcher might ask, “Where can I buy cheap roses in Fort Worth?”
Use tools like Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool to find conversational keywords. Enter broad search terms and explore the “Questions” tab for natural-sounding queries. Integrate these long-tail phrases into your content strategy to target less competitive and highly relevant search terms.
3. Create a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Page
A well-planned FAQ page increases the likelihood of appearing in voice search results. Write questions as users would naturally ask them, including local keywords like “near me” and location names. Provide direct, concise answers to optimize for voice user interfaces.
4. Improve Website Load Times and Mobile-Friendliness
Voice assistants prioritize fast-loading websites. Compress images and videos, set up caching headers, and ensure your website uses responsive web design for optimal performance on smartphones. Conduct an SEO audit to identify areas for improvement.
5. Leverage Reviews and Ratings
Voice assistants favor businesses with higher ratings. Encourage positive customer feedback by simplifying the review process, responding to reviews (especially negative ones), and promoting your review link on platforms like your website and social media profiles.
Dominate Local Voice Searches With Local SEO Guy | Umer Farooq
As voice assistants facilitate convenience and promote conversational interactions, reliance on this technology continues to grow. Advancements in natural language processing further enhance their ability to understand nuances in local queries, making voice search a crucial tool for local businesses.
Local SEO Guy | Umer Farooq specializes in crafting robust digital marketing strategies that encompass local SEO solutions, from Google Business Profile optimization to responsive web design. As a recognized expert in the industry, Umer Farooq can help your brick-and-mortar business dominate local voice search and achieve online visibility in today’s competitive landscape.
Book a consultation now and let Local SEO Guy | Umer Farooq guide you to success in voice search optimization.
