The rapid evolution of technology has led to the emergence of voice SEO, or voice search, which is quickly making waves in the digital landscape.  As smart speakers and voice assistants become all the rage, businesses can’t afford to miss out on this trend. In this article, we’ll explore the rise of voice SEO, the key differences between voice and traditional search, and how businesses can ride the voice search wave by optimizing their content. We’re even sharing how one well-known business optimized their business using this technology.  Let’s get started and talk about how voice search is changing the game!

The Growing Importance of Voice Search

Voice search has experienced exponential growth in recent years, mainly due to the widespread adoption of smart speakers like Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Apple HomePod. Additionally, the integration of voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa into smartphones and other devices has made voice search more accessible and convenient.  Optimizing your website for voice search is essential to ensure your business reaches its target audience effectively. An experienced SEO agency can help you achieve this by implementing strategies such as long-tail keywords and conversational language that match the way people speak. By doing so, your website is more likely to appear at the top of search engine results pages when users conduct a voice search using their preferred voice assistant.

Current research shows there are 4.2 billion voice assistants in use as of 2023, worldwide.  This number will reach 8.4 billion by 2024, making it crucial for businesses to adapt and ensure their content is optimized for voice search. Voice search offers users a more natural, hands-free way to find information, making it an attractive option for multitaskers and those seeking instant results.

Differences Between Voice and Traditional Search

• Query Length: Voice searches tend to be longer and more conversational than traditional text searches. People tend to use more natural language and full sentences when speaking, while text searches often consist of short phrases or keywords.
• Search Intent: Voice searches often have a higher intent, as users typically seek immediate answers or solutions to their problems. In contrast, text searches may involve more general browsing or research.
• Local Searches: Voice search users frequently look for local businesses, services, or information, and voice search results tend to load faster by 52% than the average search results. As a result, optimizing content for local search is essential for businesses looking to capitalize on voice search traffic.

Optimizing Content for Voice Search

• Focus on Long-Tail Keywords: Since voice searches tend to be longer and more conversational, targeting long-tail keywords that resemble natural language can help your content rank higher in voice search results.
• Use Structured Data: Structured data, or schema markup, helps search engines understand your content better, increasing the likelihood of appearing in voice search results. Implementing structured data on your website can improve your chances of being featured in voice search snippets.
• Optimize for Local SEO: Since voice search users often search for local information, ensure your business is listed on Google My Business and other local directories. An experienced SEO agency can help you optimize your website for local SEO and improve your chances of appearing in local search results.
• Create Conversational Content: Write content that answers common questions or provides solutions to problems in a conversational tone. This approach resonates with voice search users and may improve your chances of being chosen as a relevant search result.
• Optimize for Mobile Devices: Voice searches often occur on mobile devices, so make sure your website is mobile-friendly, loads quickly, and provides a seamless user experience.

Introducing “Dom”

Want to hear about a business that has successfully optimized their operations using voice search? It’s Dominos Pizza.

Back in 2014, the company introduced “Dom”, their AI-powered voice assistant, to improve the customer ordering experience, and has reached half a million orders this way since the launch. By incorporating voice search technology, their aim was to make the process more convenient and efficient for their customers. 

So what exactly did they do to leverage voice search?

1. First up is Dom, the AI-powered voice assistant

Domino’s introduced Dom in 2014 as a virtual assistant to help customers place orders using voice commands. Dom can answer questions, provide menu recommendations, and process orders quickly and efficiently.

2. Integration with Amazon’s Alexa

In 2020, Domino’s integrated Dom with Amazon Alexa, allowing customers to place orders using Alexa-enabled devices like the Amazon Echo. Users simply have to enable the Domino’s skill onto their device, and link their account to enjoy a seamless voice ordering experience.

3. Compatibility with Google Assistant

Domino’s also made it possible for customers to order using Google Assistant on their smartphones or Google Home devices. This integration expanded their reach to users who prefer Google’s ecosystem.

4. In-car voice ordering

Domino’s partnered with Xevo, a connected-car platform, to offer in-car voice ordering. This allowed drivers to place orders through their vehicle’s infotainment system using voice commands, making it convenient for customers on the go.

Domino’s recognizes the significant impact of technology in boosting their sales. Mobile devices contribute to 50 percent of their digital sales, demonstrating a growing trend among customers who prefer to place orders using their smartphones and tablets.  By leveraging voice search, Domino’s enhanced customer experience, increased their digital sales, and strengthened their position as a tech-savvy and innovative brand in the pizza industry.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! The voice search revolution is transforming the way we engage with technology and access information. For businesses ready to embrace these changes and optimize their content for voice search, the sky’s the limit.  By zeroing in on conversational keywords, harnessing the power of structured data, and giving local SEO the attention it deserves, businesses can supercharge their online presence and connect with even more customers through voice search.  So get moving and ride the voice search wave to new heights of success!