Why Voice Search Optimization (VSO) is the future of SEO?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) as we know it might be changing, all thanks to the rising popularity of voice search. According to comScore, by 2020 half of all queries will be voice searches. With Google’s gradual transition to mobile indexing, it becomes evident that these changes — including SEO will impact everything. Here’s what the future holds for voice search and SEO, as well as how to adapt to the new trends:

Optimize for Mobile

Voice searches and smartphones go hand in hand. Our digital worlds are getting more mobile-oriented by the minute, so it’s important to adjust. An essential part of optimizing your website for mobile and voice search is making sure your location settings are updated. That way you’ll show up in location queries, a common type of voice search queries.

Adjust Your Content

SEO relies on searchable terms and long-tail keywords. Translated to the language of voice search, that means your content should gravitate towards being more conversational. When we type in a query, we tend to use only the keywords, such as “best SEO practices small business.” However, a voice search query on the same topic would be: “What are the best SEO practices for small business websites?” The difference between solid, written content on one side and fluid, conversational content on the other becomes quite apparent.

Use the Right Keywords

Since voice searches are generally long phrases, the short keywords are becoming less relevant. Not only do your keywords have to be long-tail, but they should also be more conversational, as we discussed earlier. Direct your SEO boosting efforts towards using specific phrases and sentences that describe your product. Showcase it as best you can while keeping these best practices in mind.

Incorporate an FAQ Section

One of the characteristics of voice searches is the moment of urgent need. These micro-moments usually fall into one of four categories:

• looking for information — the voice searcher wants to satisfy their curiosity;
• looking for a specific location — the voice searcher wants to go somewhere or find a particular place;
• looking for something to do — the voice searcher is about to buy something or wants to do something new;
• looking for something to buy — the voice searcher is looking for final information on a product they intend to buy.

As you can see, an FAQ section on your website would satisfy all these micro-moments, which is excellent for SEO.

Prepare for Local SEO

While we are on the subject of location, local SEO is becoming more relevant with the rise of voice searching. It means businesses with a local presence will benefit significantly from this trend. On the other hand, those that don’t have developed local SEO should consider it, as mobile voice search is much more likely to be local-based than text search.

SEO will be more and more impacted by the frequency of voice search with every coming year. It’s best to prepare on time, and you don’t have to do it alone. Here at Wink Media, we can help you with all your mobile optimization and digital marketing needs.