Additionally, nearly one-third<\/a> of the U.S. population has a smart speaker device.<\/p>\n Before we dive into tips for optimizing for voice search technology, let\u2019s first explore what voice search is and its origins.<\/p>\n Voice search eliminates a layer of effort, enabling consumers to leverage technology to answer a question or simply to find out more information about a topic.<\/p>\n Voice search functionality works through the automatic speech recognition system (ASR) to transform voice signals into text.<\/p>\n This voice recognition technology allows smart device users to search by simply using their voices.<\/p>\n The voice search technology will then translate spoken words into text.<\/p>\n Then, the search engine uses the text as if it\u2019s a standard search query and delivers relevant search results.<\/p>\n Over time, machine learning<\/a> improves to better understand natural human language and the searcher\u2019s intent to surface the best results possible.<\/p>\n Artificial intelligence (AI) assists personal voice assistant devices with audio quality, enhanced battery life, and voice control. Natural language processing<\/a> enhancements continue to better understand the questions and commands given by the end user.<\/p>\n Voice search is complex.<\/p>\n However, having a basic understanding can help guide your voice search optimization endeavors.<\/p>\n Any time a voice search query is conducted, a voice search assistant will, in turn:<\/p>\n Virtual assistants dominate the global smart speaker market at 82%<\/a> market share. Wireless speakers come in second, followed by other devices.<\/p>\n However, it\u2019s important to consider that most voice searches occur on mobile devices, not smart speakers.<\/p>\n The most owned smart speaker devices<\/a>, in order of popularity, include:<\/p>\n Major players in the voice search market include:<\/p>\n In terms of leading countries, China and the United States are the largest markets for smart speakers.<\/p>\n China accounts for more than 40%<\/a> of global smart speaker shipments, while 30% of shipments go to the United States.<\/p>\n Voice search may seem like it\u2019s just started to cross the chasm, but its origins date back to over 70 years ago.<\/p>\n Audrey, in fact, was the first voice recognition device<\/a> created in 1952.<\/p>\n Created by Bell Laboratories, Audrey broke ground in recognizing digits spoken by a single voice. It paved the way for voice search technology to come.<\/p>\n Fast forward to June 14, 2011, when Google announced at its Inside Google Search event that it would start to roll out voice search during the coming days. Little did the world know then how voice search would revolutionize how we find information.<\/p>\n Over a year later, on October 30, 2012, Google released a new Google Search app for iOS. This app featured an enhanced Google Voice Search function to compete with Apple\u2019s Siri voice assistant.<\/p>\n By May 2016, 20%<\/a> of searches in the Google App were done by voice. By 2018, 27%<\/a> of the global online population was using voice search on mobile.<\/p>\n Voice search arguably delivers quicker results than if a searcher uses their mobile phone or desktop computer to type out a query.<\/p>\n Additionally, how a searcher communicates with a voice search device will be different than if they were to type out the same informational need.<\/p>\n Voice search users often talk in a more conversational, natural tone as if they are talking to a friend. They likely will use long-tail keywords in their query.<\/p>\n For example, when searching for an optometrist, prospective customers may conduct a voice search query for \u201cwhere can I find an optometrist near the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco?\u201d<\/p>\n Mobile phone users conducting a search may instead simply type \u201coptometrist near me\u201d in the search bar.<\/p>\n Both location-based search queries will return relevant search results, however, as you can see, one is much more specific (and longer) than the other.<\/p>\n Now that you\u2019re equipped with the history of Google Voice Search, the difference between a voice search query and a traditional query, and the breakdown of smart device usage, let\u2019s dive into voice search optimization strategies for your site.<\/p>\n Follow standard SEO best practices when drafting content for your web pages.<\/p>\n This includes optimizing your title tags, using schema markup<\/a> to target rich results, incorporating long-tail keywords<\/a> into your content, and more.<\/p>\n Above all, your content should be relevant and useful to the reader.<\/p>\n Prospective customers want instant answers, and if they can\u2019t find that within a few seconds of reading your content, the vast majority will look elsewhere.<\/p>\n Create a list of questions before drafting your content to ensure you address each. Avoid fluff, and focus on providing the best information possible.<\/p>\n Surface that information at the top of your article rather than making prospective customers scroll through your content to find what they need.<\/p>\n Your content must be indexed everywhere customers look, especially on major platforms such as Google Search, Google Maps, and Apple Maps.<\/p>\n A voice search query likely will have local intent, and the first place they may find you is your local business listing.<\/p>\n Additionally, your Google Business Profile<\/a> (formerly known as Google My Business) must be completely accurate with up-to-date information, as this is a common place where prospective customers will find your business.<\/p>\n At a minimum, your business should ensure the following is correct on your local listings:<\/p>\n Creating an FAQ page<\/a> is a great idea for brands, as they give the end-user a quick answer to common questions.<\/p>\n Many voice search users have a question they need to solve. An FAQ page presents answers to those common questions customers are asking.<\/p>\n Start with questions your customer service team receives most often. You can also source your questions from the Google Q&A section on your location\u2019s business listing.<\/p>\n Leverage FAQ Schema Markup<\/a> to improve your chances of appearing in a featured snippet on Search and reach the right users.<\/p>\n Keyword research<\/a> is not a one-and-done digital marketing strategy.<\/p>\n Instead, it entails consistently revising and refining to achieve maximum results.<\/p>\n When considering which keywords to target, consider how a consumer will conduct a voice search query. They\u2019ll likely ask a question.<\/p>\n Keyword research tools, such as Soovle<\/a> or AnswerThePublic<\/a>, can show you the most popular questions consumers are asking around a seed keyword.<\/p>\n Your internal team, too, serves as a great resource for question ideas.<\/p>\n Google Search is another prime place to find question ideas. Simply type your seed keyword in the search bar, and Google will auto-populate a list of ideas.<\/p>\n For example, if you\u2019re a women\u2019s retail store looking for questions to target, you may type in [cocktail dresses]. A list of popular search phrases will appear below your search.<\/p>\n If you simply add the start to a question in your search query, [where cocktail dresses], Google will surface different question keyword suggestions.<\/p>\n Consider, too, that many voice search queries are conversational in nature. If you\u2019re not also targeting long-tail keyword terms, you\u2019re missing out on a lot of voice search queries.<\/p>\nWhat Is Voice Search?<\/h2>\n
How Does Voice Search Work?<\/h2>\n
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Who Are The Major Smart Speaker Players?<\/h2>\n
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Brief History Of Google Voice Search<\/h2>\n
How Voice Search Differs From Traditional Search<\/h2>\n
How Voice Search Differs From Traditional Search<\/h2>\n
Utilize Search Engine Optimization Best Practices<\/h3>\n
Be Found Everywhere Searchers Are Looking<\/h3>\n
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Create An FAQ Page<\/h3>\n
Conduct Ongoing Keyword Research<\/h3>\n
![\"Google](\"https:\/\/marketingnewsbox.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/voice-search-what-is-it-how-does-it-work-via-sejournal-rio_seo.jpg\")
Screenshot from search for [cocktail dresses], Google, September 2022<\/em><\/span><\/div>\n![\"Google](\"https:\/\/marketingnewsbox.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/voice-search-what-is-it-how-does-it-work-via-sejournal-rio_seo-1.jpg\")
Screenshot from search for [where cocktail dresses], Google, September 2022<\/em><\/span><\/div>\nEnsure Your Site Is Mobile Friendly<\/h3>\n