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What is the future of SEO?: Navigating Voice Search and AI

By Chrissie Murray on September 4th, 2024

What is the future of SEO?: Navigating Voice Search and AI

The rise of AI and voice search is shifting how we interact with search engines.

According to Google, 20% of all searches are now conducted by voice, with many researchers predicting this percentage will increase in the coming years. Instead of typing, users are increasingly speaking into their devices, utilising a more conversational tone. To align with this shift, businesses must adapt their SEO strategies accordingly, ensuring their selected keywords match the natural language used in voice searches.

In this blog, we’ll answer the question: “What is the future of SEO?” Taking into consideration the recent surge in the use of voice search and AI, we’ll provide essential insights on how to adjust your SEO strategy to stay ahead.

What is AI Voice Search Technology?

Voice search technology converts spoken words into digital data, allowing search engines to analyse and provide responses to users. Consumers are increasingly favouring voice search due to its speed, user-friendliness and hands-free functionality, making it ideal for multitasking.

As search queries are typically longer and more conversational than text-based searches, businesses must optimise content with natural language and long-tail keywords.

How Does AI Power Voice Search?

Advancements in AI have transformed voice search, changing the way people interact with their devices. This evolution is driven by sophisticated machine learning algorithms and deep learning frameworks that can understand and process natural language.

  • Machine Learning Algorithms: The algorithms analyse vast amounts of data to recognise patterns in voice queries. By continuously learning from new data, AI systems improve their ability to predict user requests and provide accurate responses.

  • Deep Learning: A specialised type of machine learning, deep learning uses neural networks with multiple layers. It excels in grasping the complexities of human speech, including accents, slang and context. This deep level of understanding is essential for accurately interpreting the true meaning behind voice commands.

How is AI Voice Search Impacting SEO?

People don’t speak the way they type.

Therefore, your business must account for more conversational queries. For example, instead of typing “Peugeot 108 car battery”, consumers conducting a verbal search may ask questions such as, “When can I buy a cheap car battery for a 2014 Peugeot 108?” or “What type of battery do I need for a Peugeot 108?”

Essentially, voice search requires you to optimise your SEO strategy to focus on how users verbally search, what phrases or long-tail keywords they use and what information they are looking to find.

What Are the Benefits of Voice Search Optimisation?

Prioritising voice search optimisation has several benefits for your business, including:

  • Increase Reach: Having your content used by voice assistants increases brand awareness, particularly in your local area.

  • Built Trust: Providing valuable information through voice search positions your business as a trustworthy option.

  • Improve User Experience: Optimising for voice search involves improving technical SEO elements, leading to an improved user experience.

 

Our Top AI Voice Search SEO Tips

  • Adopt a Conversational Approach
    When using AI voice search, people tend to ask questions in a more conversational manner, just as they would when talking to another person. To rank well in voice search results, SEO-focused content must answer consumer questions directly, skipping any unnecessary jargon.

    Want to gain a better understanding of how your customers speak and what interests them? Observe how they interact on your site and social media. This will help you understand your audience better and write in a way that makes sense to them.

  • Enhance Local SEO
    Local businesses have witnessed an increase in searches for terms such as “pet shops near me” and “cafe near me”. Because of this, businesses must ensure their name, address and phone numbers are consistent across all online platforms.

    They should also include local keywords in their content that are tailored for voice searches.

  • Improve Mobile-Responsiveness
    Voice search users expect quick answers, so it’s essential that your website is optimised for speed. Ensure fast loading times on both desktops and mobile devices by implementing a responsive design, using readable fonts and creating easy-to-navigate menus.

  • Create an FAQ Page
    Voice search often involves asking questions, therefore making an FAQ page a valuable addition to your website. By providing clear, concise answers to common queries about your products, services or industry, you can attract and engage potential leads.

The Future of SEO: Trust Our Experts to Help You Stay Ahead

At Vooba, our team of SEO experts is dedicated to staying up-to-date with both current and future SEO trends. With extensive knowledge of the impact AI voice search has on online behaviour, we continuously adapt our strategies to align with evolving consumer habits.

To find out more about how we can assist you in reaching your target audience, please get in touch. Call us today on 01798 667167, or email [email protected] and speak to one of our experienced team members today.

(+44) 01798 667167