Keywords have been a crucial part of search engine optimization (SEO) for years. They are the words and phrases that people enter into search engines to find relevant information online. However, with the rise of voice search, the way we use keywords is changing, and it’s important for businesses to adapt to this trend.
Voice search is becoming increasingly popular thanks to the rise of virtual assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant, and Microsoft’s Cortana. Instead of typing a query into a search engine, users can speak their search terms aloud and get instant answers. According to a study by ComScore, 50% of all searches will be done via voice by 2020.
So, how does voice search change the way we use keywords? First and foremost, it means that we need to think about natural language when optimizing for search engines. When we type a search query, we tend to use shorthand and omit words that we would include when speaking. For example, if we were typing a search for “Italian restaurants near me,” we might just type “Italian restaurants.” But if we were speaking to a virtual assistant, we would likely say “What are some good Italian restaurants near me?”
This means that businesses need to optimize their content for long-tail keywords, which are more conversational and mimic the way people speak. Instead of just targeting short, generic keywords like “Italian restaurants,” businesses should focus on phrases like “Where can I find the best Italian restaurants in my area?”
In addition, voice search is changing the way we use keywords in terms of search intent. When people type a search query, they are often looking for information or research. But when they use voice search, they are often looking for immediate answers and solutions. For example, if someone is looking for a recipe, they might type “how to make lasagna.” But if they are using voice search, they might say “What’s the recipe for lasagna?”
This means that businesses need to optimize their content to provide quick, concise answers to common questions. This includes creating FAQ pages and optimizing content for featured snippets, which are the answers that appear at the top of Google’s search results.
The rise of voice search also means that businesses need to think about local SEO. When people use voice search, they are often looking for businesses and services near them. This means that businesses need to optimize their content for local keywords, such as the name of their city or neighborhood.
Ultimately, the future of keywords is all about natural language and providing quick, concise answers to common questions. Businesses that adapt to this trend will be well-positioned to succeed in the age of voice search.