Recently, a client contacted us requesting that we help them dominate voice searches. They wanted to be a top response when a prospect used voice searches to search for “a florist near me.”
Remember that we don’t tend to write how we talk. So, we must consider how folks use voice searches when we think about voice.
“Hey Siri, find pizza near me.”
If we were writing text for Seo, we would have written “Pizza in Bernal Heights, San Francisco.” Very different.
The tool we use to understand the questions people ask around is Answer the Public. So, of course, we entered “Voice Search.”
Top Answers:
- What is voice search?
- How Voice Search Works?
- What is voice search optimization?
- Why is voice search not working on Chrome?
Although the first three options are rather broad, the fourth tackles a particular issue. Considering content optimization for voice search, it would be my preferred choice.
Dominating Voice Search: How to Become the Top Choice for “Florist Near Me”
In today’s world, where convenience reigns supreme, voice search has emerged as a game-changer for businesses striving to capture local customers. Picture this scenario: a potential customer asks their smart device, “Find a florist near me,” and you want your business to be the first one recommended. Here’s how to position yourself as the go-to choice for local floral needs.
Understanding the Power of Voice Search
Voice search isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a fundamental shift in how consumers discover and engage with businesses. With the rise of virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, more people are turning to voice search to find products and services in their vicinity.
Optimizing for Local Intent
When someone uses voice search to find a florist nearby, they’re likely ready to purchase. That’s why optimizing your online presence for local intent is crucial. Start by ensuring that your business information—such as your name, address, and phone number—is accurate and consistent across all online platforms.
Creating Conversational Content
Voice search queries tend to be more conversational, so your content should reflect that. Instead of targeting generic keywords like “florist” or “flower shop,” focus on long-tail keywords that mimic natural language. For example, optimize your website for phrases like “Where can I find a florist near me?” or “Best florist for same-day delivery.”
Leveraging Structured Data Markup
Structured data markup helps search engines better understand your website’s content, making it more likely to appear in relevant voice search results. Implement schema markup for your business information, including details like your operating hours, customer reviews, and accepted payment methods.
Optimizing for Mobile
Voice searches are predominantly performed on mobile devices, so optimizing your website for mobile is non-negotiable. Ensure that your site loads quickly has a mobile-friendly design, and features clear calls to action, making it easy for users to contact or visit your business.
Encouraging Customer Reviews
Positive reviews play a significant role in voice search rankings, so actively encourage satisfied customers to leave feedback on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and Facebook. Respond to reviews promptly and professionally to demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.
Staying Ahead of the Competition
Voice search optimization is still a relatively untapped opportunity for many businesses, so there’s ample room to gain a competitive edge. By implementing voice search best practices early on, you can establish your brand as a trusted authority in your local market and capture valuable leads before your competitors do.
Tracking Performance and Iterating
As with any digital marketing strategy, it’s essential to track the performance of your voice search optimization efforts and make adjustments as needed. Monitor your rankings for key voice search queries, track website traffic and conversion changes, and gather customer feedback to refine your approach over time.
How Do You Create Content for Voice Search?
Creating content for voice search requires an approach that differs slightly from traditional, text-based SEO. Here’s a breakdown of how to optimize your content for those virtual assistant queries:
Key Strategies to Dominate Voice
Target Natural Language and Long-Tail Keywords:
- Conversational Style: People speak differently than they type. Use long, full-sentence phrases mirroring how people might ask questions out loud. (Example: “What’s the best way to remove oil stains from clothes?” rather than “remove oil stains”).
- Question-Focused Keywords: Consider questions your target audience might ask and weave them naturally into your content. Use tools like AnswerThePublic (https://answerthepublic.com/) to get ideas.
Write Concise, Clear Answers:
- Direct Solutions: Provide the answer upfront, followed by a more detailed explanation if needed.
- Avoid Jargon: Use simple language anyone can understand.
Embrace Structured Data (Schema Markup):
- Help Search Engines: Schema gives search engines specific information about your content.
- Use Appropriate Schemas: Utilize FAQPage, HowTo, or other schemas to highlight the question-answer format. Check out Schema.org for available types.
Optimize Your Site for Featured Snippets:
- Answer Search Queries Directly: Featured snippets are prized for voice search since they’re often the spoken result.
- Formatting Matters: Use lists, tables, or short, well-defined paragraphs for easy extraction.
Additional Considerations:
- Local SEO: Many voice searches are “near me” based. Ensure your business information is up-to-date.
- Mobile-First: Voice search is often done on mobile devices. Test your site for responsiveness and page speed.
Writing for Voice Search
Let’s say you have a blog post on gardening. Here’s how to adjust a section for voice search:
- Original: “Planting tomatoes requires full-sun locations.”
- Voice Optimized: “Can I plant tomatoes in a shady spot? No, tomatoes need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.”
Tools to Help:
- Google Search Console: Check your performance report for queries that bring voice traffic.
- Keyword Research Tools: Semrush (https://www.semrush.com/) and Ahrefs (https://ahrefs.com/) have options to filter for question-based keywords.
Conclusion
When we think about dominating voice search, consider how we ask questions, especially around local search:
- Businesses: “Find Italian restaurants near me”
- Directions: “How do I get to [place]?”
- Hours of Operation: “Is [store] open now?”
- Events: “What concerts are happening this weekend?”
Contact us if you’d like to discuss voice optimization tactics to improve your visibility on voice search.
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