Smartphones and smart home devices that utilize “voice-first” digital assistants. Like Siri, Cortana, Alexa, and Google Assistant. They are becoming an integral part of our lives. In 2015, it snipped 1.7 million voice-first devices. In 2016, that number increased to 6.5 million devices. Voice Labs predicts that in 2017. It will snip 24.5 million voice-first devices.

At present, with over 60% of all search coming from mobile devices. And in the meantime, an estimated 1 in 5 searches being voice searches. It is clear that optimizing for voice search is something. Most importantly you need to consider that.

Compounding the need to optimize for voice is the fact that voice search differs. It differs from traditional search. As it is further question driven. Rather than search term or Keyword driven.

So, what are the key things that you can do? To keep ahead of the competition and appear further. For voice search results.

Update Your Google My Business Listing

Having a claim, and up to date, Google My Business listing is a great way. To improve your chances of showing up for a voice search. Most importantly for local voice search. Factors such as your location and business category. Moreover, opening hours and phone number. All factors will be in determining your relevancy to the query.

You need help claiming. Or doing some basic steps on Google My Business. You will get a good basic intro on Google My Business. That Bright Local use Google My Business.

Often Asked Questions (FAQ) Pages

In a question form we make voice searches. Further, FAQ pages will become critical for SEO.

FAQ pages are nothing new. But the key to maximizing their utility for voice search. It is to use friendly language in them. Voice searches are extra long tail and specific. So, write the questions in a natural way, friendly form. And keep the answers short and specific.

Using this technique you may need to create enough questions (and answers). And group them at one place. Don’t restrict yourself to a single page of FAQ.

Create specific content based on answering semantic questions. People are asking can help you appear for voice searches. AND increase the scope for your site. It will feature in Google “Featured Snippets”

Use Framed Data Markup

Schema markup is code (semantic words). That you put on your website. To help the search engines return. For extra informative results for users.

Apply the correct schema markup on your site. It will become enough critical to let the search engines. To know enough detailed information regarding your content and site.

Further, it helps the search engines. To understand the context of the content. Which will be even further important. with question-based voice searches. A point to be clear on. And that is, both Rich Snippets and Rich cards doing is essential.

At the present time, having the framed markup on your website. But it won’t guarantee that it will happen. That said, in most cases. It’s good worth the effort. Because if it does happen your website can in effect stand out. And get a lot enough traffic.

The Reason You Should Care

See the difference between voice search and traditional search. You must see the rise of mobile traffic to your site. voice search gets you enough traffic. It will reduce the volume and impact of traditional search. Take a look at this video from Neil Patel

You shouldn’t rely only on traditional things. Such as, mobile and desktop SEO strategies. your share of the market could be at risk. And you may find yourself missing out. On the important part of the funnel – those that are looking to spend at this time.

With 50% of all mobile users that complete a local search. They visit a store within a day. And 18% leading to a sale within 24hrs. That is a large chunk of the market. You are trying to make sure your offer. You are giving yourself the best chance.