Voice Search Is Growing More Common: Are You Ready?
Voice search isn’t a fad. It isn’t a trend. It isn’t some new attempt at technological advancement that is going to catch on for a short time and then be forgotten about as users return to more tried-and-true methods. It’s here to stay, and it’s only on the rise. People are using it more than they ever have and more devices cater to it now than in 2017 or before. That change is going to impact your content and SEO in 2019, and you need to be ready. Do you know what type of plan you must implement as we move into the new year? As always, the internet is driven by the user, and that means constantly embracing change.
Changes in Devices
In noting that voice searches are growing more common, experts also mentioned that some of this is driven by new devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home. These systems, and the hundreds of devices that can interface with them, are making smart homes smarter than they have ever been before. People can play music, watch movies, change the temperature and much more, all with a voice command. This constant access then changes the way that they run their internet searches and the way they naturally interact with technology. They use their phones and these in-home devices to conduct their searches simply by speaking.
Added Convenience
Another reason for the change is simple convenience. It’s faster to run a quick voice search in many cases, especially for those who are multitasking. Think of a middle school teacher with a room full of children, a stay-at-home parent with two kids clamoring for their attention or a driver sitting at a red light. Voice searches are faster and easier in these settings, and people don’t want to take the time to type. Even as phones have gotten larger and keyboards have become easier to use, accurate voice search results set the bar.
Changes in Habits
Both of these factors change people’s habits. Technology rarely takes over as soon as it is introduced. People stick to the old ways and the things they’re used to. Over time, though, their habits shift. There was a time when people scoffed at the idea of talking to a television remote; now many people use Amazon FireTV devices to do just that on a daily basis. The same change is happening with smartphones and internet searches, and it’s only going to get more ingrained over time.
Questions to Ask
It’s not enough to simply realize that this trend is taking place. You must know how to respond to it, and that means asking the right questions. Here are a few to consider:
- What does the content sound like when you actually read it out loud? Read every page to someone else and it will be easier to identify what works.
- Is the content authoritative and professional while also being engaging and conversational? You do not want to sacrifice either one for the other.
- Does the content quickly address the point that the user was searching for? You don’t want to bury the information so deep that people won’t feel like it matches up with the search and won’t find it useful.
- Is it easy to understand? Does the content communicate that key point to the reader?
- How does the use of a voice application change the search terms and phrases people are likely to use? When typing, people often skip words to save time or type things out of order. When speaking, they usually put things together in a far more natural progression. Does this change the terms and phrases you want to use?
Preparing for the New Year
Addressing the change to voice search is one of the biggest things you can do in 2019. It’s time to prepare for the new year. We can help you craft ideal, engaging content that fits this trend. We can analyze your current content and revitalize it. You don’t want to get left beyond as technology shifts, and our wide range of services ensure that you won’t.