SEO is a constantly evolving landscape, and voice search brings a new element to the mix. So here’s what you need to know about it. Firstly, voice search isn’t a change to the way that users carry out their searches, but it does change the way that they search.
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1. Follow Best Practices Laid Down by Google
Google will of course favour websites that operate quickly, are well built for both search engines and people, filled with content that answers visitor needs and which are supported by reviews, mentions and authority links. Voice search simply makes these elements more important, so the first ‘to do’ is to make sure that your fundamentals are in place. Keep investing in improvement activity, using analytics to guide the focus of your efforts and time.
2. Know Your Audience and Their Needs
Every website owner should know what their website is solving for their audience. Then you can be sure that you are the best choice for your target audience and identify how users are finding you. Keywords are a starting point, but with voice search you also need to look at typical natural queries for language use and create quality content that meets those words and phrases. There are tools that can help you with this.
An agency offering white label SEO services such as http://digi-tel.co.uk/gloucestershire-seo-services/white-label-seo-services/ can also take the hard work off your hands entirely and deliver optimisation for search and voice search.
3. Look at Featured Snippets
Featured snippets are key for successful voice search. You identify a query that will trigger an identified snippet and then optimise your website accordingly. This means identifying the terms that you’d want to perform against and finding the best pages to place them on, adding heading tags for the question being answered and then providing a valuable answer which offers the best option for that query. Search modifiers can help you to create the best answer options.
4. What About Non-Traditional Search?
Virtual assistants are still in their infancy, particularly where their skills come into question. However, it’s still worth researching your audience to see whether you can use one to provide genuine value. If not, simply look at improving your website so that it can provide answers to search queries via voice.