Are you ready to take a big step forward in your business? With voice search technology becoming increasingly popular, it’s time to start thinking about how you can prepare your business for the shift.

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Voice search refers to the use of speech recognition technology to search the internet using voice-activated commands. In the past, this technology was limited to smartphones and computers. However, with the introduction of smart speakers like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, and Apple’s HomePod, voice search is becoming an integral part of our everyday lives.

The rise of voice search is due to its convenience, speed, and ease of use. People can perform searches hands-free, allowing them to do other things while their device handles the search.

A person holding their phone, speaking into it for a voice search.

The impact of smart speakers on the world of business

The popularity of smart speakers has a significant impact on the world of business. Consumers use smart speakers to make purchases, search for products, and get information about businesses. This means that businesses that are not optimized for voice search risk being left behind.

Businesses that adapt their SEO strategy to accommodate voice search will have a considerable advantage over those that don’t. As more people use voice search to find products and services, businesses that are optimized for voice search will see an increase in traffic to their website.

A person asking a smart speaker for information about a local business.

To prepare your business for the rise of voice search, there are several steps you can take:

When people use voice search, they use natural language instead of the short, keyword-based phrases they typically use in a text-based search. This means that you need to optimize your website content to match the conversational tone of voice searches.

You can do this by answering common customer questions and including long-tail keywords that are more conversational. Consider creating a FAQ page with questions that customers commonly ask.

A person typing on a laptop, optimizing their website for voice search.

2. Claim your business listings

Smart speakers use business listings to retrieve information about local businesses, including hours of operation, contact information, and reviews. To ensure that your business appears accurately on voice search platforms, claim and update your business listings on platforms such as Google My Business, Yelp, and TripAdvisor.

A person updating their business listing on Google My Business.

3. Focus on local SEO

Voice searches tend to be location-based, so focusing on local SEO will improve your chances of appearing in search results for relevant voice searches. Make sure your website includes your location and neighborhood names, and encourage customers to leave reviews from their location.

A person searching for local businesses on their smartphone.

4. Create content in ways that people can consume via voice search

As people increasingly use voice search to consume content like weather updates, news, and podcasts, you need to ensure your business creates content that can be shared through these platforms. Consider adjusting existing content to a Natural Language format. You can also create new content that’s optimized for voice search, including podcasts, informational videos, and blog posts.

A person recording a podcast or creating video content.

Conclusion

With the rise of voice search and smart speakers, businesses need to adapt their SEO strategies to become voice search-friendly. By optimizing your website for voice search, claiming your business listings, focusing on local SEO, and creating content that can be consumed via voice search, businesses can take full advantage of this technology.

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A person standing in front of their business, looking out at the world.