According to many studies, the integration of voice-assisted technology has gone beyond the initial stages of first use. Now “voice” technology is starting to increase usage in homes and businesses across the country.
Is your business ready for voice?
A recent study from eMarketer.com estimates that 111.8 million people that live in the US will use a voice assistant at least monthly this year. The report also sites that this is an increase of 9.5% from 2018.
What are people using voice technology for? A 2018 study by Social Lens indicates that 40% of those that use voice search, use the technology to find a nearby store. This is the essence of what Local SEO is designed for, that micro-moment when something nearby is needed.
The steady increased use of voice by consumers has not gone unnoticed by the business community. A recent study conducted by Adobe in conjunction with Advanis shows that of 401 businesses polled, an overwhelming majority of the companies were aware of both the needs and the benefits of voice in the digital marketplace.
- 91% of 401 business decision-makers surveyed said they already are making significant investments in voice, and 94% said they plan to increase their investments in the next year.
- 95% of those surveyed agree that voice will drive conversion and increase revenue.
- 91% of 401 business decision-makers surveyed said they already are making significant investments in voice, and 94% said they plan to increase their investments in the next year.
- 95% of those surveyed agree that
- Voice will drive conversion and increase revenue.
What are the platforms being developed, and how does Local SEO enhance a business’s presence on those platforms?
Right now, we know that Amazon, Google, Apple, and Microsoft dominate the landscape when it comes to user-base.
We address the information sources used by these providers, on multiple platforms.
Optimization begins with the Google Business Profile listing
GBP (Google Business Profile) optimization is the cornerstone for preparing a business for voice search. We do this by ensuring that the listing has the correct categories, attributes, and content, and we also ensure that NAP information is consistent on all other directories and platforms. The following is a list of the big four-voice assistants and how we affect change on those platforms.
- Siri
- Search: Google – GBP Optimization
- Business listings: Apple maps – Top Tier Management
- Reviews: Yelp – Top Tier Management and Review Monitoring
- Alexa
- Search: Bing – Top Tier Management
- Business listings: Yelp- Managed Through Top Tier
- Reviews: Yelp – Top Tier Management and Review Monitoring
- Google Assistant
- Search: Google – GBP Optimization
- Business listings: Google Business Profile – GBP Optimization
- Reviews: Google Business Profile – GBP Optimization and Review Management
- Cortana
- Search: Bing – Top Tier Management
- Business listings: Bing – Top Tier Management
Reviews: Yelp – Top Tier Management and Review Monitoring
The Organic Component
Through the Local SEO service, we provide Structured Data or, Local Schema code as an organic component that will enhance business landing pages. This service creates consistency and synergy between Google Business Profile and the client’s business website. This data will be indexed by Google and used to produce enhanced results from voice search.
Google Business Profile Menu
Another way in which we improve visibility for clients is by making use of the Google Business Profile menu feature. Creating a complete and accurate menu with the GBP dashboard yields impressive results when it comes to voice search. A recent test for finding additional information through voice in a longtail search found that Google is using additional dashboard features to produce more accurate results. When using natural language in a recent search to find a Pizza restaurant that also serves lasagna, we discovered that Google digs deep for the info. The screenshot shows that Google returned Pizza Restaurants with Lasagna on the menu. Service menus can be created for most businesses.
These are just a few of the ways we are specializing our strategy to enhance voice search results. By ensuring that all data is complete, accurate, and full of unique content, we are already fulfilling Google’s best practice guidelines. This expert work will not only give businesses increased visibility but increased ranking as well.
Local SEO