How to optimize an online store for voice search?

For the last few years, voice search has become an increasingly popular way for people to interact with technology. With the advent of smart assistants like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple's Siri, this trend is on the rise.Key aspects include tailoring your website to be optimized not only for traditional searches, but also for voice queries. How to do it?

1. Natural language

When users use voice search, their queries are often much longer and more colloquial than when typing. For example, a normal search includes keywords such as "women's white shoes"; a voice query is more likely to read, "Where can I buy women's white shoes in size 38?" To optimize your e-commerce site, it's important that your content includes more natural language that matches how people speak.

How to do it:

• Create content that answers the questions. Use frequently asked questions on a relevant topic and write answers that are easy to understand.
• Have long, detailed product descriptions on your site that match the natural language of your users.

2. Long-tail keywords

Voice search is more focused on specific queries (long-tail keywords) rather than general terms. Instead of targeting broad keywords like "shoes", you should consider more specific phrases like "cheap running shoes for men size 42".

How to do it:

• Focus on specific phrases and questions in the content on your store that answer your customers' specific needs and questions.
• Create blog articles focused on specific issues or topics that users might be interested in, such as "How do I choose the right size running shoes?".

3. Page load speed

Web page loading speed is key not only for traditional search but also for voice search. Voice assistants prefer pages that load quickly and without unnecessary delays. Slow sites are ignored, which can significantly reduce visibility in search results.

How to do it:

• Optimize image size and use modern technologies (WebP or lazy loading).
• Use caching and minimize HTTP requests.

4. Mobile optimization

The majority of voice searches come from mobile devices, so it's important that your e-commerce store is fully optimized for mobile users. Google prefers websites that are responsive and provide the ultimate user experience on mobile.

How to do it:

• Simplify navigation to make it easy to find the products your customers are looking for.
• Minimize the use of animations or features that slow down the user interface.
• Ensure the e-commerce store is responsive and displays correctly on all devices.

5. Structured data and featured snippets

Structured data helps search engines better understand the content on your site and increase the chances of your online store being listed in 'featured snippets' - short answers that appear at the top of search results. These "snippets" are essential for voice search because voice assistants often draw answers from these sources.

How to do it:

• Use schema markup (structured markup) for products, reviews, FAQs, and other key information.
• Focus on clear and concise answers to questions on your content that can become the basis for featured snippets.

6. Local SEO

Voice search is focused on local queries, such as "Where's the nearest shoe store?". In case you run a brick-and-mortar store, it is important that your online store is optimized for local search as well.

How to do it:

• Update your business information on Google My Business.
• Make sure your website lists accurate contact details, opening hours and address.
• Use local keywords, such as "shoe store in Brno".

Conclusion

Voice search brings challenges but also opportunities. If you can adapt to this trend, you can gain a significant competitive advantage. The key to success is to focus on natural language, optimize for long-tail keywords, improve site speed, and don't forget mobile and local optimization. Taking these steps will make your online store better prepared for a future where voice search will continue to expand.

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