Revealed: The benefits of voice search for businesses
-Digital expert Fasthosts explores the ways businesses can benefit from voice search.
-Voice search optimiSation is a MUST if you want to keep ahead of the curve
-By 2024, there will be nearly 8.5bn voice search devices in use worldwide
We’ve all heard of voice search, and most of us have used it at some point. With UK voice search transactions forecasted to be worth up to £3.5bn by just 2022, however, business should be treating it with particular importance.
Voice search is only going to become more prominent, so it’s crucial that businesses consider it when mapping out their website.
What is voice search?
Voice technology allows users to ask questions and raise queries through spoken commands. Compatible devices scour the internet for relevant information and speak back an instant, helpful response. It’s estimated that, by 2024, there will be up to 8.5bn voice search devices in use worldwide.
The benefits and challenges:
Benefits:
Because spoken dialogue is more natural than the typed alternative, voice search allows consumers to communicate with their search engine more easily.
Voice search is a completely streamlined process, that allows for complete efficiency.
Voice search offers straightforward and to-the-point answers, which is ideal for consumers who rely on prompt immediacy.
Challenges:
Voice search doesn’t yet offer 100% accuracy.
Voice search isn’t compatible with the complete spectrum of accents.
Privacy remains a key concern for consumers.
How to optimise for voice search
Voice search optimisation follows a different set of rules to regular search engine optimisation, so it’s important to have an awareness of where to start:
Consider the way consumers actually talk, and optimise for questions and longer queries rather than focussing on short and snappy words.
Target ‘near me’ searches, as these make up a large bulk of voice queries.
Make it easy for Google to pull answers by including clear and direct FAQs in your on-page content.
Ensure all content is colloquial and fluid, and reads as though part of a conversation.
Don’t forget to prioritise your website’s mobile performance, as this is where the bulk of voice searches are made.
For more information, visit https://www.fasthosts.co.uk/blog/the-benefits-of-voice-search-for-businesses/
Fasthosts has been a leading technology provider since 1999, offering secure UK data centres, 24/7 support and a highly successful reseller channel. Fasthosts provides everything web professionals need to power and manage their online space, including domains, web hosting, business-class email, dedicated servers and a next-generation cloud platform.