As of 2014, 55% of teens and 41% of adults use voice search more than once a day. Voice search is a new way that search engines use techniques like Natural Language Processing and Text-to-Speech to understand the meaning of a search request and return the most accurate solution. As more people are expected to use this new way of search, how will it change the world of SEO and how should marketers optimize our sites and content? Take a look at this presentation. We will give you an easy-to-understand and clear answer.
2. W H A T I S V O I C E S E A R C H ?
"Google’s Voice Search uses a combination of Natural
Language Processing (NLP) and Text-to-Speech (TTS)
to understand a user’s voice search request. This is
then processed in a powerful database which aims to
match the question with an answer which is then
returned to the user, rather than a list of search results
as you see with Google & Bing."
- Asim Ahmed
3. W H A T I S V O I C E S E A R C H ?
As the dominant leader of search engines, Google first
introduces Knowledge Graph in 2012 to unveil the beginning of
semantic search - a way that search engines learn to
understand the intent implied behind a search query.
Following up in 2013 is the roll-out of Algorithm Hummingbird
that pays more attention to the context/meaning/conversation
of the queries rather than keywords.
4. W H A T I S V O I C E S E A R C H ?
Voice search is another form of semantic search.
Search engines can analyze how search terms are used in
different contexts, which words commonly co-occur with
the key term, and other search behaviors to reveal more
about searcher's intent. Then it replies with one most
reliable result, which can be a direct answer, an action
(make a call) or even a question.
5. T Y P E S O F V O I C E S E A R C H ?
Google Now
Apple’s Siri
Microsoft’s Cortana
Amazon’s Alexa
Others, such as SoundHound (music search engine)
6. W H O U S E S V O I C E S E A R C H ?
(Google & Northstar Research, 2014)
7.
8. W A I T & T H I N K
What do we need to consider based on this research?
People ask 'real questions' as they do to other human
beings rather than keyword research.
For example, they ask 'where is Pepper Gang?' instead
of saying 'Pepper Gang address'.
9. W A I T & T H I N K
So...Are keywords still important?
>> No, and yes. Using exact keywords isn't necessary
anymore as machine learning becomes so powerful.
Instead, topics and themes that consist of popular
keywords will still be necessary.
What do we need to consider based on this research?
10. W A I T & T H I N K
Is content still necessary when Google just gives you
one simple answer?
>>Yes. Because Google's answers have 2 sources:
(1) Pull info from built-in databases for easy questions
like weather and unit conversion
(2) Quote from reliable, trustworthy content
What do we need to consider based on this research?
11. T A K E A N A C T I O N
Let's be honest. The future of voice search is still
unclear. By saying that, we mean - who knows
what innovations will be released tomorrow? But
let's face the reality...here are still a couple things
we can and should do.
How can we improve our SEO for voice search? How should we optimize?
12. T A K E A N A C T I O N
#1 Use Conversational Language
How can we improve our SEO for voice search? How should we optimize?
As the search engines focus more on the meaning
behind the queries and are designed to provide
answers directly, your content is suggested to be
written in a natural voice with phrases that your
customers use in voice search.
13. T A K E A N A C T I O N
#2 Take Advantage of Q&A
How can we improve our SEO for voice search? How should we optimize?
Answer customer's potential questions by
utilizing a Q&A content strategy. Use 'How to...',
'What is...', 'Guide to...' to address the solution on
your webpages and blog posts.
14. T A K E A N A C T I O N
#3 Find Topics through Long-Tail Keywords
How can we improve our SEO for voice search? How should we optimize?
Keyword research can bring us insights on what
customers care about and a business should
concentrate on in the content strategy. Long-tail
keywords are usually more similar to the natural
queries asked on mobile voice search. Brands are
encouraged to find out customer's search interests
through Google Keyword Planner, Google Search
Console and on-site search.
15. T A K E A N A C T I O N
#4 Provide To-The-Point Answer
How can we improve our SEO for voice search? How should we optimize?
Most people use voice search while doing other things,
and they want immediate answers right away.
Make sure your solution is straightforward, easy to read
and in a decent length so search engines are able to
pull out your content as an answer and visitors can
quickly find what they need.
16. T A K E A N A C T I O N
#5 Use Schema Markup
How can we improve our SEO for voice search? How should we optimize?
Schema markup is a way to code your page that helps
search engines return informative results for users.
Popular types include ratings, events, prices, and
locations. The markup allows search engines to quickly
identify and match your content with certain queries.
17. R E S O U R C E S
https://searchenginewatch.com/2016/02/10/voice-search-the-death-of-
the-keyboard/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-peggs/how-voice-search-is-
changing-seo_b_8926708.html
https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2014/10/omg-mobile-voice-survey-
reveals-teens.html
https://www.semrush.com/blog/how-voice-search-will-shape-seo-in-
2016/