Many experts agree that we are on the cusp of a critical shift in search functionality by consumers. With the advent of Apple’s Siri, Google’s “Ok, Google,” Amazon’s Alexa, and Microsoft’s Cortana, voice-driven searches from mobile phones and home-based speakers are exploding. In fact, Gartner research projects that 75 percent of US homes will possess a smart speaker by 2020.
These smart speakers and mobile devices enable users to perform any search for any reason, including online purchasing. As the technology improves and consumers grow more comfortable with voice assistants, purchases made through voice search are projected to increase from $2 billion to $40 billion by 2022.
Most hurdles to public use of voice search are quickly deteriorating. Currently, the demographic most comfortable with voice search in public is the 25-to-34 age group. However, the largest segment using voice search is the 35-to-44 age group. Overall, the bulk of consumers making use of voice search have an income greater than $50,000 per year. With these statistics in mind, it is easy to envision how this sea change in searching methodology will affect businesses targeting these age groups and income level.
At Hughes Media, we work to ensure every client’s online strategy takes voice search into account for optimal results. We understand Google’s search results rankings and apply this knowledge toward website development as well as in designing a successful online marketing blueprint.
Key Factors to Consider When Preparing for Voice Search
• Voice search volume is increasing. SEO pros expect voice search to cover more than 50 percent of all searches by 2020, all click-less.
• Many voice searches involve consumers asking questions about products and services. Anticipating these questions and optimizing them as FAQs on your website offers a fantastic strategy for SEO.
• In addition to SEO optimization, take into account your Google Adwords and how you structure your ad copy and keyword selection to capitalize on voice search activity.
• Structure meta tags (title tags and description tags) on your web site to take advantage of voice search by potential customers.
As technologies change, it is important to place yourself among those businesses that adapt quickly to meet them. Though consumers are growing more selective about the search results they choose to click, they are actually conducting more searches overall. This knowledge can give you an advantage over your competition by taking steps now and capitalizing through the components listed above.
We know that technology and online strategies transform with such frequency that many businesses can’t keep up with all the changes and keep focused on their expertise. At Hughes Media, we serve as a vital partner to design and keep your online presence up to date so you can concentrate on what you do best. Contact one of our marketing specialists today to explore how to exploit voice search to your advantage for optimal digital strategy.
About the Author:
Deedra Hughes
Experienced President with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry. Skilled in Digital Strategy, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Integrated Marketing, Advertising, and Pay Per Click (PPC). Strong business development professional with a Bachelor’s Degree focused in Communications from Ohio University.