Wondering if you should optimize your website for voice search? Let’s dive in.
The Relevance of Voice Search Optimization
The way people search online is changing. In 2023, about one-third of Google searches are voice-based. In China, Baidu and Sogou have a lower percentage of voice queries, but it is increasing quickly. Baidu has already reached over 5 billion voice queries per month since last year.
With a change in search patterns comes a change in SEO strategy. If you own an online presence, it is in your best interest to know how to optimize it for voice search.
As users shift to voice search, optimizing your website for it is crucial. This guide explains voice search and how to adapt your site for it, aiding in digital marketing and enhancing your online presence.
What is Voice Search?
Voice search allows users to access search engines using spoken commands instead of typing. It is available on most internet devices.
Virtual assistants like Siri, Cortana, Alexa, and Google Assistant have made voice search easier and more convenient. Baidu, China’s biggest search engine, believes that smart speakers will become a central part of our daily lives.
One advantage is that anyone can use it, regardless of their tech familiarity. Users activate the voice command system and speak their queries, receiving relevant search results similar to text-based searches.
Baidu’s Voice Search in 2024
When discussing voice search optimization in China, Baidu is essential. Users can perform AI-powered voice, visual, and augmented reality searches on Baidu apps, prioritizing improved user experiences.
Baidu dominates the Chinese market, but Sogou with 11% share is challenging them in voice search. The battle continues.
So, How Do I Optimize My Website for Voice Search?
To stay relevant online, website owners must adapt to new technology and optimize their Chinese website for voice search.
1. Use Long-tail Keywords in Your Content
The main difference between voice and text queries is in the way users input them. People are more conversational when speaking compared to typing on a device, and this affects how they ask their questions.
Users type shorter, specific keywords while using voice queries that are more conversational and in natural language. For example, a user may want to find a Chinese restaurant in Manhattan. A text query would be:
“Chinese restaurants in Manhattan”
In a natural setting, no one talks like this. A voice search query, on the other hand, will be more like this – closer to natural speech:
“Where can I eat Chinese tonight?”
Thus, website owners need to optimize their web content by implementing longer SEO keywords to make it more suitable for voice searches. It is pertinent to note that keywords are often phrased as questions in voice searches. What does this mean for you? It means you can try to incorporate trigger words like who, when, what, top, best, etc. in your content.
2. Optimize Your Website for Localized Queries
It is also important to optimize your website for your local area as people generally tend to use voice search to find information within a localized area. For example, a user may say:
“What is the best restaurant near me?”
Google tracks user location for relevant search results. Optimizing your website for local queries gives you an edge. Share contact info for business optimization.
Include contact information and a map on your website. When people search “near me” on Google, it refers to Google business listings for suggestions. Create a “Google My Business” and update your local listing to improve your site’s ranking in local searches.
3. Develop a Responsive Website with a Mobile-Friendly Design
In the modern world, smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices are widely used. This means that many voice search queries are generated from these devices. Therefore, it is important that your website is compatible with modern mobile technologies.
When optimizing your website for mobile, improving page speed is key to creating a responsive site. Voice search result pages typically load in 4.6 seconds. Websites with faster page speeds are more likely to rank higher in search results.
To improve your website’s design, use simpler words and shorter sentences. Include bold subheadings for easy scanning. Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test Tool to assess your website’s responsiveness and get a detailed report on areas needing improvement.
Consider Google AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages), a website publishing technology, to create web pages that load almost instantly on mobile phones. The Baidu equivalent is Baidu MIP (Mobile Instant Page), which was launched
4. Create an FAQ Page for Your Website
An FAQ page will help you identify more long-tail keywords about your content. This is because frequently asked questions can offer meaningful content to users visiting your website.
To create an FAQ page, you need to first determine the common questions regarding your area of interest. For example, if you are a skincare expert and your business/website is focused on health and beauty products, frequently asked questions may include;
- “How do I get rid of pimples?’
- “What type of moisturizer is suitable for dry skin?”
Use these questions to find new long-tail keywords for valuable website content and improve search engine rankings. When creating an FAQ page, rephrase questions in first person and provide concise, conversational answers.
The Takeaway
Learn how to optimize your website for voice search and make the most of this emerging technology. Voice search and virtual assistants are revolutionizing digital marketing strategies, so ensure that as a website owner, you stay ahead of the game.
Optimizing your website for voice search is crucial for search engine optimization. It is essential for your online presence and meeting marketing goals in a voice-driven digital world.
