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5 Tips for Voice Search Optimisation for Websites for Better Rankings
Simran April 2, 2024 960 views


The digital landscape is abuzz with the hum of conversation. Gone are the days of meticulously crafted keyword searches; users are increasingly turning to voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant to find what they need. This transition in search behaviour during conversations offers businesses a prime chance to broaden their audience and engage with potential customers in a fresh and profound manner.

However, to capitalise on this voice search revolution, websites need to be optimised to resonate with the way people speak, not just type. This guide dives deep into the world of voice search optimisation (VSO), equipping you with the knowledge and strategies to make your website the go-to answer for voice queries.

Understanding the Voice Search Landscape

Before embarking on your VSO journey, it’s crucial to grasp the unique characteristics of voice search. As a leading provider of SEO services in India, we have sorted out the following insights:

  • Conversational Queries: Voice searches are phrased naturally, resembling questions or spoken commands. Instead of “restaurants downtown,” users might ask, “Alexa, what are the best Italian restaurants near me with outdoor seating?”
  • Long-Tail Focus: Keywords become longer and more specific. People are more likely to use complete sentences like “how to change a tyre on a Honda Accord 2020” compared to the generic “change tyre.”
  • Local Intent: Location plays a vital role in voice searches. Queries often include prepositions like “near me” or “in Bangalore” to find local businesses, services, or information.

Optimising Your Website for Voice Prominence

Now that you understand the voice search landscape, let’s explore the key strategies (that we employ as an established SEO Company in Bangalore) to optimise your website:

1. Keyword Research for the Spoken Word

There are several ways to identify keywords that people use in natural voice searches.  First, keyword research tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Google Keyword Planner can be a goldmine. These resources can assist you in discovering long-tail keywords that have less competition and are more likely to be utilised when people verbalise their search queries.

Next, consider the questions people might ask. Since voice searches often begin with questions, target question keywords that include words like “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” and “how.” Brainstorm a comprehensive list of questions users might ask related to your offerings or industry. This will aid you in crafting content that directly caters to their requirements.

Finally, if your business has a local presence, think locationally. Incorporate keywords that specify your area into your content strategy. This could include targeting queries like “best plumbers in Bangalore”, “restaurants with happy hour near me”, or even “digital marketing company in Bangalore” (if you want to find us!).

2. Craft Content that Speaks Volumes

When optimising your content for voice search, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

First, give natural language preference over keyword stuffing. Write content that is easy to read and sounds like something a person would say in a conversation.

Second, make sure your content is helpful and informative. Focus on answering the questions users are likely to ask and providing clear, concise answers. Structure your content with clear headings, subheadings, and bullet points to make it easy for search engines and voice assistants to understand. This will help them identify the most relevant information for a given search query and enhance your voice search optimisation efforts.

Finally, consider optimising your content for featured snippets. Featured snippets are those short answer boxes that appear at the top of search results. By structuring your content in a way that directly answers potential featured snippet questions, you can increase your chances of landing that coveted spot and getting your content heard by voice search users.

3. Technical SEO: The Voice-Friendly Foundation

  • Mobile-First Indexing: Since most voice searches occur on mobile devices, ensure your website is mobile-friendly. Google prioritises mobile-optimised websites in search results, including voice search. Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool to assess your website’s mobile performance. If all this proves to be a hefty task for you or your in-house team, you can hire the expert team at our SEO company in Bangalore.
  • Prioritise Website Speed: Voice assistants prioritise websites that load quickly. Run a website speed test using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and identify areas for improvement.
  • Schema Markup for Enhanced Clarity: Schema markup is a code that helps search engines understand the meaning and context of your content. Implementing relevant schema markup can increase your chances of appearing in featured snippets and improve your voice search visibility.

4. Local SEO: The Pillar of Local Voice Search

Claiming and optimising your Google Business Profile is crucial for local businesses aiming to be discovered through voice search. If you ask about our strategy as a trusted digital marketing company in Bangalore, we suggest this step as one of the fundamental ones. Fill out your Google Business Profile with accurate and up-to-date information, including your business address, operating hours, and positive customer reviews.

Additionally, don’t limit yourself to Google. Claim and optimise your listings on other local directories like Bing Places and Apple Maps.

5. Continuous Monitoring and Refinement

Voice search optimisation is an ongoing process. Regularly monitor your website’s performance using analytics tools. Track your voice search rankings using tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to identify areas for improvement.

You should also stay updated with the latest search trends: The landscape of voice search is constantly evolving. Regularly revisit your keyword research to identify new search trends and adapt your strategy accordingly. Tools like Google Trends can provide valuable insights into user search behaviour.

The world of voice search is brimming with innovation. Stay updated on the latest voice search devices and platforms (whether by yourself or with the help of our professional SEO services in India), and tailor your content to be compatible with these emerging technologies.

Beyond Optimisation: Building a Voice-Centric Strategy

Optimising your website is just the first step. To truly thrive in the voice search era, consider these additional strategic moves:

  1. Develop Voice-Activated Features: If your website offers functionalities that can be voice-controlled, integrate voice-activated features for a seamless user experience.
  2. Invest in Voice Search Advertising: Explore voice search advertising opportunities offered by platforms like Google Ads. This allows you to target users with specific voice prompts related to your products or services.
  3. Embrace Voice Search Content Formats: Consider creating content formats specifically optimised for voice search, such as podcasts, FAQs, and “how-to” videos.

Speak Clearly, Rank Higher

By following these comprehensive strategies, you can transform your website into a haven for voice search queries. Voice search is all about providing clear, concise, and valuable information in a way that resonates with how people naturally speak.

If you need an expert SEO team to work on VSO for your website, RepIndia can help. As the top SEO company in Bangalore, we have helped numerous clients score the top rankings in their industry. As we help you refine your VSO strategy and adapt to new trends, we’ll ensure your website remains the go-to answer for users’ spoken inquiries, propelling you towards higher search engine rankings and a wider audience.

Also Read: Insider Secrets: Instagram Algorithm Tips for 2024

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