How many times have you asked your smartphone a question about the weather, the time, or how many eggs to add to your cupcake recipe?

Voice search is on the rise, not just with regards to actual Google searches but as a regular part of our everyday lives - with consumers using the basic tool to get the answers to questions, to carry out tasks for them, and to send messages / set reminders / play music.

So, what does that mean for businesses in terms of marketing, SEO strategy, and customer outreach?

Well, in short it impacts the very search terms that customers use, because of the way they are searching. When you search via a smartphone or device keyboard, you are more likely to type out standalone words which relate to what you’re searching for, your location, and any other details. A voice search is much more conversational, more complete, and will often use more long-tail keywords.

When you voice search, you essentially give the device more information about your search - which in turn changes the way you use keywords, and the SEO behind the results you are given.

In this blog post, we’re considering the impact of voice search and how to make sure that you are staying ahead of the curve.

How does voice search change business marketing?

We’ve already touched on how voice search generally facilitates more detail from the user, and a lengthier explanation of what they are looking for. When asking Alexa or Google a question from a smart device, users will often ask a full question, complete with location and detail.

Conversely, a quick search typed out will generally lean much more heavily on automated location recognition, with users far more likely to type “cupcake store near me” and allow their location data to do the rest.

What this means for businesses and for brand marketing is that voice search SEO is different. Users are being more specific when they activate voice search, and so it’s up to you to adapt your SEO strategy and use of keywords accordingly.

So, what are the best things to do to make sure you’re not missing or losing users who choose voice search over traditional search?

Tips for optimising your marketing for voice search

Below are some actionable suggestions to help you adapt to the rise of voice search:

1. Create an SEO strategy

This one is true of all marketing activity, regardless of where and how your customers are searching and finding you. Your SEO strategy should already contain a blend of keywords which are both long and short - with the switch to voice search requiring more in the way of long-tail keywords and more targeted SEO terms.

2. Spread your business wings far and wide

It doesn’t matter how small your business is - if you want to be found by customers, you need to be everywhere that they might think to look for you. That means owning profiles and a presence on the different maps apps, on all your target customers’ more used social media platforms, and online in local directories.

3. Add to your FAQ page

Whenever we work with a new client or business on content for their website, we always recommend an FAQ page. Why? Because it offers a chance for the business to directly answer the most common asked questions they receive, while also posing those direct questions as SEO keywords on their website.

4. Be multi-device friendly

Optimising your website for mobile and for a variety of different devices is the best way of ensuring that customers can find you and get the information they need, regardless of where they are searching from.

5. Research keywords regularly

Keep on top of the seasons, of industry news, and of new customer trends and ideologies with excellent keyword research. The more you know about what users are searching, the better able you are to adapt your content accordingly.

Stay ahead of business marketing’s many twists and turns

The rise of voice search is just one marketing obstacle that the rise in technological innovation has brought to the table. Staying ahead of the curve and on top of the latest marketing trends is something that many businesses struggle with - which is where Social Loop comes in.

Our team work to not only keep ahead of what’s trending but work with our clients to ensure they are prepared and armed with everything they need to thrive in the world of modern marketing. Let us help you by getting in touch today and discussing your business or brand and your unique needs.