👋 Hi there! If you’re reading this, chances are that you want to know more about the difference between voice search and traditional search. Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about these two types of searches and help you figure out which one to use when.

Before we dive into the differences between these two types of searches, let’s define what they are.

Traditional Search is the process of entering text into a search engine to find information. This is what most people are familiar with. You open up a search engine like Google or Bing and type in a query, and the search engine returns a list of results.

Voice Search is a newer way of searching that uses your voice to input your query. Instead of typing, you speak your search terms into a device like your phone, smart watch, or smart speaker. The device will then use voice recognition technology to transcribe your spoken query into text and return results.

A person typing on a keyboard for Traditional Search, and a person speaking to their smart speaker for Voice Search

Now that you know the basics of each type of search, let’s look at some of the key differences:

1. Search Queries

The most obvious difference between the two is the way you deliver your search query. With traditional search, you type in a query using a keyboard. With voice search, you use your voice to speak the query. This means that voice search queries are often more conversational and natural than traditional search queries.

2. Search Results

The way in which search results are presented differ depending on the search type. Traditional Search results are often displayed in a list format, with each result providing a brief description of the page.

Voice Search results are often provided verbally, which means you may only receive one or two results instead of an entire list. This changes the way results are displayed, and means that optimising for voice is more important than ever.

3. Accuracy

Accuracy is key to both search types, but traditional search results are more likely to contain keywords that match the query. With voice search, the search engine needs to be able to decipher what was actually said in order to deliver relevant results. As voice recognition technology improves, accuracy rates will increase.

A speech bubble indicating voice recognition accuracy over time

4. Speed and Convenience

Voice Search is often faster and more convenient than traditional search. Typing out a search query can take time, whereas simply speaking the query takes less effort. This convenience is particularly noticeable for those who are using their mobile devices on the go.

Which One Should You Use?

So, now the big question: which search type should you use?

Well, there’s no right answer - it depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a convenient search experience and prefer to use your voice, then voice search may be the better option. If you’re looking for traditional, keyword-based search results, then traditional search may work best.

If you’re a business owner, however, then it’s important to optimize for both. By optimizing for voice search and traditional search, you’ll be making it easier for your site to be found, no matter what method customers are using to search for your products and services.

A person using a phone to browse the internet

In conclusion

So there you have it: everything you need to know about voice search and traditional search. Whether you prefer one over the other, or a bit of both, it’s important to bear in mind that both search types are here to stay.

So, have you tried voice search yet? Let us know in the comments below!

👋 Thanks for reading - we hope you found this post helpful!

A cartoon of a computer typing, with a speech bubble saying "Thanks for reading!"