It’s good to talk. Well, it certainly is given the importance of voice search as consumers increasingly look for what they need through the power of the spoken word through a mobile device.

In fact, some of the numbers associated with the rise of voice search are quite staggering.

Research suggests that almost half of all searches are now voice search and that almost a third of all searches are being done without a screen.

Given its importance, here are five simple tactics to ensure your organisation comes top of the list when someone asks Alexa, or their mobile, what they are looking for.

Keep it simple

When people speak, they aren’t reciting an essay. They are speaking as if having a conversation.

So, while it is tempting to use sophisticated terminology, try and keep it as simple as possible so that any information is easy to understand and absorb.

Question time

Humans are inquisitive by nature so it’s no surprise that when they want to find something it is likely to be asked as a question.

Therefore, questions are key in voice search. Typical examples would be ‘when’, ‘how’, ‘where’ and ‘why’.

Speed king

Having a website that downloads quickly is also important, as well as being mobile-optimised. This is crucial as most voice searches are done on mobile, so if your website is not compatible then users will bounce back, which can damage your rankings.

Size matters

Long-tail keywords which contain three or more words (as well as a conversational style) are more important than ever.

In essence they are keywords that are put together to make a phrase and they now have greater importance as voice searches are generally longer than those that are typed.

Where previously someone might have typed “lasagne recipe” they are now more likely to ask “what ingredients do I need to make a tasty lasagne”.

Businesses should also research to see which phrases are being used repeatedly for their line of work, and to optimise their keywords accordingly.

Close to home

The local or ‘near me’ nature of voice search is incredibly important, with research suggesting that it is three times more likely to be local in nature.

Simple advice includes completing your local listing on Google and making sure that your business information, such as opening hours, is accurate.

It’s also important to focus on making keywords local to your geographical setting, e.g., Leamington Spa public relations agency.

Other tips include listing your company and services on online business directories, while listing your name, address and phone number (NAP), even if it’s just displayed prominently on your own website. It’s also important to uncover any listings that are incorrect, which you can do by using Google.

Content is king

Effective content boosts your SEO performance, whether that’s via voice search or by typing.

Red Marlin can advise on what would be best for your business. Email us at hello@redmarlin.co.uk and we’ll be in touch.