As voice search becomes increasingly prevalent, we’ve gathered insights from entrepreneurs and digital marketing experts on optimizing content for this growing trend. From incorporating natural language keywords to optimizing for a conversational tone, here are the top four techniques shared by owners and digital marketing managers to enhance your SEO content writing for voice search.
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Incorporate Natural Language Keywords
Optimizing content for voice search requires a distinct approach compared to traditional text-based SEO strategies. One effective technique I’ve utilized is focusing on natural language and conversational keywords. With voice search, users are more likely to ask full questions rather than typing fragmented keywords. For instance, instead of typing “best pizza in LA,” a voice search user might ask, “Where can I find the best pizza in Los Angeles?” By incorporating these full questions and conversational phrases into your content, you can significantly improve your chances of appearing in voice search results.
In my experience, creating an FAQ section is particularly beneficial for capturing voice search queries. I remember working with a client in the restaurant industry who saw a substantial increase in traffic after we implemented this strategy. We included common questions like, “What are your opening hours?” and “Do you offer gluten-free options?” Not only did this enhance the user experience, but it also aligned perfectly with the natural language patterns of voice search users. This approach, combined with thorough keyword research, can make your content more accessible and relevant to the growing number of voice search users.
Brandon Leibowitz, Owner, SEO Optimizers
Implement Structured Data Markup
One effective technique for an SEO content writing service to optimize content for voice search is the implementation of structured data using schema markup. This ensures content is “voice-ready” and easily understood by voice search algorithms. Here’s how to apply this technique:
- Implement Local Business Schema – Add the Local Business schema to your content. This helps search engines understand key details about the businesses, such as name, address, phone number, and operating hours. This structured data is crucial for local SEO and increases the chances of being found through voice search.
- Focus on Three Pillars: Content, Authority, and Trust
Content – Create and regularly update high-quality, relevant content, including blog posts, FAQs, and customer reviews. Optimize each piece with keywords that potential customers might use in voice searches. Use conversational language that matches natural speech patterns.
Authority – Build authority by consistently posting well-researched content and engaging with the audience. Mark up this content with schemas to help search engines recognize expertise and relevance.
Trust – Gain trust by highlighting positive reviews and ratings. Implement the Review schema to showcase these, demonstrating reliability to both search engines and users.
- Utilize FAQ Schema – Many voice searches are questions. Adding an FAQ section and marking it up with FAQ schema can directly address these queries, making it easier for voice assistants to pull accurate answers from the content.
- Employ Speakable Schema – For content suited for voice search, such as news articles or blog posts, use the Speakable schema. This helps voice assistants identify and read aloud the most relevant parts of the content.
- Ensure Consistent NAP Information – Consistency in Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) information across all platforms is key. Use structured data to mark up this information, aiding search engines in verifying the business details.
- Optimize for Mobile – Since many voice searches are conducted on mobile devices, ensure the content is mobile-friendly. Implement responsive design and optimize load times to improve user experience and search rankings.
By following this strategy and consistently updating content with structured data, an SEO content writing service can significantly enhance clients’ visibility for voice search queries, ensuring their businesses are easily found by potential customers using voice assistants.
Robert Downey, Co-Founder, Simply Be Found
Target Conversational Voice Queries
I emphasize conversational keywords as well as natural language. Voice search queries are usually more casual and question-based than traditional text searches. People tend to ask questions in full or speak in complete sentences when using voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa.
First, I find common questions related to what I am writing by using AnswerThePublic or Google’s “People also ask” section. This gives me an understanding of how people naturally ask their queries. Then, I include these questions and answers directly in the content, often using headings and subheadings that are written as questions.
For instance, when writing on SEO strategies, a subheading like, “How do I make my website’s SEO better for use with voice search?” could be included, followed by a concise, informal response. This would not only target voice search queries but also improve overall legibility and content usability. Moreover, always avoid jargon that might confuse voice search users.
Fahad Khan, Digital Marketing Manager, Ubuy Nigeria
Optimize for Conversational Tone
One effective technique for an SEO content writing service to optimize content for voice search is to focus on natural language and question-based formatting. This approach leverages the conversational tone that users typically use when interacting with voice search devices like Google Home, Amazon Echo, or smartphones.
To implement this, start by identifying common questions that potential customers might ask related to your business or industry. Use tools like Answer the Public, Google’s “People also ask” feature, or keyword tools that specialize in question-based queries to gather these insights. Once you have a list of relevant questions, integrate them into your content as headings or key points.
Next, craft the content to answer these questions directly and succinctly. The answers should be concise yet informative, ideally structured in a way that they can stand alone if pulled directly by a voice search device. This means each answer must provide complete information without requiring the user to read additional content for context.
Additionally, incorporate long-tail keywords that mimic how real people talk. This includes more conversational phrases and complete sentences rather than the more traditional keyword phrases seen in typical search queries. For example, instead of optimizing for “best SEO strategies,” you might optimize for “What are the best strategies for SEO in 2024?”
Finally, ensure that your content is structured clearly with proper use of HTML tags like headers and lists, which help search engines understand the organization of your content and the hierarchy of information. This structural clarity, combined with a focus on natural, conversational language, significantly enhances the suitability of your content for voice search queries, making it more likely to be featured in voice search results.
John Reinesch, Founder, John Reinesch Consulting