7 Up-to-Date Voice Search Statistics (+ 3 Best Practices)

In recent years, voice search has become increasingly popular among users. With the rise of virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, people are now using their voices to search for information online. As a result, businesses and marketers need to adapt their strategies to optimize for voice search. To help you understand the importance of voice search and how to leverage it, here are 7 up-to-date voice search statistics along with 3 best practices.

1. The Rise of Voice Search

Voice search is on the rise, and its popularity continues to grow. According to a study by Comscore, it is estimated that by 2020, 50% of all searches will be voice searches. This statistic highlights the need for businesses to optimize their content for voice search in order to stay relevant and reach a larger audience.

2. Mobile Voice Search

Mobile devices play a significant role in the adoption of voice search. Google reports that 20% of all mobile searches are voice searches. This indicates that users find it more convenient to use their voices rather than typing on small screens. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to ensure their websites are mobile-friendly and optimized for voice search.

3. Local Voice Searches

Local businesses can benefit greatly from voice search. According to BrightLocal, 58% of consumers have used voice search to find local business information in the past year. This means that optimizing your website for local keywords and providing accurate business information can help you attract more customers through voice search.

4. Voice Commerce

Voice commerce, also known as v-commerce, is gaining traction. A study by OC&C Strategy Consultants predicts that voice shopping will reach $40 billion in the United States by 2022. This presents a significant opportunity for businesses to tap into the growing trend of voice-based transactions and provide a seamless shopping experience for their customers.

5. Voice Search and SEO

Voice search has implications for search engine optimization (SEO). When users perform voice searches, they tend to use longer, more conversational queries compared to traditional text-based searches. Therefore, businesses should focus on optimizing their content for long-tail keywords and natural language to improve their chances of appearing in voice search results.

6. Featured Snippets

Featured snippets are an important aspect of voice search optimization. According to a study by SEMrush, 40.7% of voice search answers come from featured snippets. This means that businesses should aim to have their content featured in snippets to increase their visibility in voice search results.

7. Voice Search and User Intent

Understanding user intent is crucial for optimizing content for voice search. Users often use voice search to ask questions or seek specific information. Therefore, businesses should focus on creating content that directly answers common questions related to their industry or products. By providing valuable and relevant information, businesses can increase their chances of being featured in voice search results.

Best Practices for Voice Search Optimization

Now that you’re aware of the importance of voice search and its impact on SEO, here are three best practices to help you optimize your content:

1. Use Conversational Language

When optimizing for voice search, it’s important to use conversational language in your content. Focus on answering questions and providing clear, concise information that aligns with how users speak.

2. Optimize for Local Search

If you have a local business, make sure to optimize your website for local search. Use location-specific keywords and provide accurate business information, such as your address, phone number, and operating hours.

3. Aim for Featured Snippets

To increase your visibility in voice search results, aim to have your content featured in snippets. Structure your content in a way that directly answers common questions and provides valuable information.

In conclusion, voice search is becoming increasingly popular, and businesses need to adapt their strategies to optimize for this growing trend. By understanding the latest voice search statistics and implementing best practices, businesses can improve their chances of reaching a larger audience and staying ahead of the competition.