It’s no surprise that voice search is gaining traction and growing in popularity. With Siri and Alexa already being common terms within the English language, voice assistants are only becoming more advanced. With current technology, it’s possible to use natural language to address voice assistants. This provides arguably the most convenient method of AI help. Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Voice Search?
Voice search is a way of searching with speech rather than text. Voice search uses speech recognition to identify a query and then finds the result according to this. The reason this is so effective is because it combines natural language processing with the actual way users speak.
Within site search, it is already acknowledged that users need to be able to search the way they speak. As in, they use the same conversational tone that they speak in. Simply having voice recognition identify this removes the step of typing.
When the typing element is removed, it allows for even more natural language. This could be a long structured sentence with more detail, than the shortened version that might be typed in. This has opened the language people use to search in.
Voice Search In 2024
Today, many people use voice assistants. It is a hands-free and immediate way to find answers to your queries. New advancements in AI technology such as ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini have both incorporated voice search into their modules.
AI can leverage natural language processing to understand more complex queries than before. Therefore, it only makes sense that voice search aligns with this.
What’s Different About Voice Search?
Using voice search creates more of a sense of engagement between the user and the AI system. The different voices or names given to the voice assistants take on characteristics of their own.
Specific users’ voice and speech patterns can be understood in order to offer more personalized results. There is the potential to move into longer conversations that can be used to find specific results in a streamlined manner.
As we move forwards, the younger generations will feel more comfortable with this type of search. As the benefits are made clear, the technology will continue to grow to evolve according to demand.
A Holistic Approach
Voice assistance can be used as part of a holistic approach to optimizing your website. It should be used in tandem with other traditional SEO techniques. For example; high quality and relevant content, optimized user experience and a fast and streamlined website are all important. Making sure that your overall website is optimized ensures that you will gather all the available benefits from voice search.
Optimizing Content
In order for voice search to be compatible with your website, your content should follow certain guidelines. Data research should be available to understand what language people use to address your products, in order to anticipate their needs and request.
Keywords should be featured heavily, in order to achieve the results. The tone should be conversational, in order to mirror the way that users will search. Back all of this up with strong social content, engagement and linking.
Optimizing Site
In addition to content, your site must be overall optimized. Make sure to consider the following elements:
- Optimized SEO
- Mobile device optimization
- Website security
- Content is indexable
- Content is visible
- Structured data is available
Conclusion
Voice search has many benefits. It’s a whole new method of searching that aligns with the modern times. The ability for users to search in the most natural way than ever before is definitely an appeal. The easier it is for shoppers to find their results, the higher your conversions and overall brand engagement will be. Implementing your own voice search means that you stay aligned with the evolving tech landscape, and don’t fall behind.