Voice search is now a widely used searching method, with 41% of adults using voice search at least once per day.
Considering the latest technology embraces and utilizes voice control – think Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and even Siri and Cortana for mobile and tablet devices – it was only a matter of time before voice search strategies dominated the online marketing world.
So, how do you optimize your copywriting for voice search? Let’s look at how to write your copy and content to be armed for voice-search battle.
How Important Is Optimizing Your Content For Voice Search In 2021?
“Alexa, how important is preparing your content for voice search?”
“Cortana, how can I beat my competition with an SEO strategy?”
By simply asking your robotic bestie these questions, you’re proving how fundamental it is to optimize your copywriting and content writing for voice search.
But, why is voice search so widely used and loved? The answer is simple. Literally. The magic of voice search lies within its simplicity and the minimal amount of effort involved.
Almost 90 million US adults own a smart speaker device. These include (but are not limited to) Amazon Alexa, Apple Homepod, and Google Nest Hub. Consider that 55% of households are expected to own a smart speaker device by 2022, alongside the 46% of searches who search for local businesses daily, and you’ll see quickly how crucial it is to optimize your content for voice search.
How To Optimize Your Copywriting And Content Writing For Voice Search
The world of SEO is complex. With numerous factors influencing the algorithm, it’s unsurprising that many business owners are struggling to get their content seen.
However, there is one fundamental that underpins everything when it comes to search engine optimization. (And, if you need more information on how to write content for SEO, don’t underestimate the importance of enrolling in online copywriting courses to give you an advantage over your competition).
Search Engines Favor a Valuable, Positive User Experience.
Above all else, the content you’re publishing must give value to the reader.
Once you’ve strategized this, you can begin to optimize your content for search engines; in this case, for voice search.
Here are 3 elements to implement into your voice search strategy so that Alexa and Cortana read your content to the thousands of voice search users.
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List Your Business On Google My Business
If your business thrives on local customers, like a beauty salon or restaurant, you must get your brand listed on Google My Business. There are other online local search directories; however, Google is the most commonly used.
Ensure you complete your listing using your brand’s tone of voice, utilizing the keywords, and conveying the benefits in as few words as possible.
Then, make sure the necessary details that you’ve written in your listing are also on your website, ensuring you double check to make sure it’s all correct. Incorporate location-based keywords in your website content, image tags, and tags.
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Use Long-Tail Keywords
As technology advances, Amazon and Google (amongst other brands) are working hard to encourage a casual tone with their smart speakers to mimic a spoken conversation. Therefore, the length of the sentences and keywords should mimic this, too. People search in complete sentences when they use voice search. We automatically use complete sentences (e.g., what is the tallest building in the world?) when we voice search, rather than fractured sentences (e.g., tallest building in the world) when we type.
Long-tail keywords are simply multiple-word keywords. You can use a range of SEO tools to find them and inspire your content. Answerthepublic and Google Search Console are fantastic assets to your keyword research kit.
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Consider The Search Intent Carefully
Search intent is important with search engine optimization.
It becomes fundamental to optimizing for voice search.
As a rule of thumb, smart speakers tend to be used for questions, meaning the search intent is informational. Remember, there are 4 types of search intent:
- Informational intent
“Alexa, what will the weather be like tomorrow?”
“Alexa, how do I make a birthday cake?”
“Alexa, when is Halloween?”
- Navigational intent
“Alexa, what is PayPal’s website?”
“Alexa, take me to my Facebook notifications.”
Note: it’s uncommon for navigational queries to be asked with voice search.
- Transactional intent
“Alexa, buy me a new lamp.”
“Alexa, add milk to my shopping list.”
“Alexa, where can I buy lengthening shampoo and conditioner?”
- Commercial investigation
“Alexa, what’s better – an iPhone or a Samsung?”
“Alexa read me a review on the newest Dyson vacuum cleaner.”
Once you have considered the search intent and specifically factored in voice search, you’re able to create written content that is optimized and prepped for an Intelligent Personal Assistant to read back to your ideal buyer.
Optimize Your Copywriting For Voice Search To Build Your Brand
While voice search hasn’t taken over marketing entirely, it’s indeed beginning to dominate the way we use search engines (and at our copywriting agency, we’ve seen it in action!).
The importance of voice search optimization will likely continue to grow over time and definitely needs to play a role in your search engine optimization strategy.
If optimizing accurately, you’ll gain a broader brand reputation, instill confidence and trust within your searchers and gain more local business.
