Voice Search Optimization Crucial for Local Business

Voice interaction has been linked directly to local search with an increase in phone calls.  Whether its to find restaurants, hotels, doctors, heating and air conditioning help, directions to a local address, local voice search is on the rise.

Consumers have begun to realize the value of voice-activated, user-friendly interactions.  It is predicted that by 2020 half of all online searches will be voice searches.

According to BrightLocal Study:

1. 58% of consumers have used voice search to find local business information within the last year.

2. 46% of voice search users look for a local business daily.

3. 27% visit the website of a local business after conducting a voice search.

4. 76% of smart home speaker users conduct local searches at least once a week and 53% performing daily searches.

The Breakdown

Use voice-activated devices least once per day1:

1. 41% of all adults

2. 65% of users age 25 to 49

3. 59% of users age 18 to 24

4. 57% of users age 50 and over

How voice searches are used2:

1. 51% to research products

2. 36% to add to shopping list

3. 20% to provide ratings/reviews

4. 18% to contact customer support

Primary location when using voice search3:

1. 43% at home

2. 36% in the car

3. 19% on the go

4. 3% at work

Typical next step after voice search4:

1. 28% call the business

2. 27% visit the business’ website

3. 19% visit the business’ location

4. 14% do more research on the business

5. 12% do more research on other businesses

6. Reasons why people use voice search:

7. 61% use voice search when their hands are occupied

8. 30% use it for faster results

9. 24% use it so they don’t have to type long phrases

Voice search penetration5:

1. 72% food & beverage

2. 68% health

3. 68% sports

4. 64% news/media

5. 62% lifestyle

6. 62% automotive

7. 56% retail

8. 52% travel

9. 48% real estate

10. 42% entertainment

11. 39% banking

Top 10 voice-query keywords6:

1. How

2. What

3. Best

4. The

5. Is

6. Where

7. Can

8. Top

9. Easy

10. When

Get Ready for Voice Search

It’s time to optimize your website and online media for Voice-Activated Searches (learn more basic optimization here as well as specific device optimization.)It is predicted in just two years the competition for voice search will be tight.  Starting now will ensure your business is ahead of the curve.

---

SOURCES:

1. https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/consulting/library/consumer-intelligence-series/voice-assistants.html

2. https://see.narvar.com/Connecting-with-Shoppers-Report.html?utm_source=press&utm_medium=pressrelease

3. KPCB 2016 Internet Trends

4. https://www.brightlocal.com/learn/voice-search-for-local-business-study/

5. https://www.searchenginejournal.com/voice-search-optimization-strategies/261115/#close

6. https://www.seoclarity.net/next-generation-search-voice-17099/

#dot #google #localbusinessmarketing #searchengineoptimization #searchengine #voicesearchoptimization #echo #googlehome #voicesearch #siri #alexa