This article was originally posted September 11. 2018. It has been updated.
In 2020, 30% of web browsing sessions were screenless, and global smart speaker sales reached an all-time high of 150 million units. The future is here, and the time to optimize your association’s website for voice search is now.
The catch is that voice-based search queries are usually drastically different than typed queries. When users search by voice, they form complete sentences instead of typing in keywords like in a traditional search. Eventually, old SEO methods will lose their effectiveness, and businesses will be forced to tailor their online presence to keep up with this emerging voice technology.
The key to optimization for voice search is to use natural language with direct answers to specific questions. 25 keywords trigger nearly 20% of all voice search queries. These words are how, what, best, does, free, the, new, easy, top, where, list, when, is, recipe, do, can, good, why, define, home, homes, make, I, who, and types. Try utilizing these words on your website.
Low hanging fruit: Start with your member or potential member FAQs. If you do not already have them outlined on your website, what are you waiting for? Frequently asked questions can provide the framework needed to develop a more conversational tone to answer specific questions, easily fueling your new search strategy.
Blog Post:
10-Minute SEO for Association & Chamber Websites
Hint: FAQs also offer great direction for social media, video, and PR content. Another trick for SEO is to make sure that your content is current- get rid of duplicate pages and outdated information.
The best way to prepare for this growth is to try out the technology yourself to understand the kinds of results it provides.
See Also:
Stop Wondering What to Include
in an Association Website URL
Sources: DBS Interactive Review42