The digital age is constantly changing the way people search for information. Voice search, once a novelty, is now becoming a dominant force in how users interact with technology. With the rise of voice activated assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, and Cortana, optimising for voice search has become crucial for businesses that are always aiming to stay ahead of the curve.
According to a report by Statista, it is expected that there will be 8 billion digital voice assistants in use by the end of 2024 across the world. Voice search is no longer just a futuristic concept; it’s a present-day reality that’s transforming the digital landscape. Another study by ComScore predicts that 50% of all online searches will be voice-based by 2025. This growing trend is largely driven by the increasing use of smart speakers, smartphones, and other voice-enabled devices. From what is understood, the convenience of speaking a query rather than typing it out, especially on mobile phones, has led to a significant shift in user behaviour. For businesses, this means that traditional SEO strategies need to adapt to accommodate the nuances of voice search, which is often conversational and question-based.
One of the key differences between traditional text based query search and AI based voice search is the way queries are phrased out by consumers. Voice search queries tend to be longer and more conversational. For example, a text based query might be ‘best South Indian in Delhi’, while a voice search could be ‘Where can i find the best South Indian food in Delhi?’ This shift towards natural language processing means that businesses must focus on optimising their content to match these conversational queries. According to Google, 41% of people who use voice search do so because it feels like talking to a friend. As a result, incorporating natural language and long-tail keywords into your SEO strategy is essential.
Featured snippets, also known as ‘position zero,’ are the brief, highlighted excerpts of content that appear at the top of Google’s search results. These snippets are particularly important for voice search, as they are often the source of answers provided by voice assistants. According to Ahrefs, approximately 12.3% of search queries result in a featured snippet, making it a valuable target for voice search optimization.
Local SEO also plays a significant role in voice search. A BrightLocal study found that 58% of consumers have used voice search to find local business information in the past year. Voice search queries often include phrases like “near me,” indicating a strong intent to find local services or products. Therefore, ensuring that your business is optimised for local search, with up-to-date Google My Business listings and localised content, is critical.