As technology continues to evolve, voice search is becoming increasingly popular among users. In fact, it’s estimated that by 2022, the number of voice assistant devices worldwide will reach 8 billion. With this in mind, businesses and website owners need to ensure their sites are optimized for voice search and featured snippets. But what exactly are featured snippets? And how can you optimize your site to appear as a top result for voice searches?
In this post, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and provide valuable tips on how to optimize your site for featured snippets in voice search. So sit tight and get ready to learn some game-changing SEO strategies!
If you are new to the concept of voice search in SEO entirely, then read my article on “Optimize Your Website For Voice Search – vSEO” first.
What are featured snippets?
Featured snippets are a type of search result that appears at the top of Google’s SERP. They provide users with quick, concise answers to their queries, without having to click through to a website. These snippets typically appear in response to question-based searches and are designed to give users an immediate answer.
There are three types of featured snippets: paragraph, list and table. Paragraph snippets display text from a webpage relevant to the query; list snippets show step-by-step instructions or bullet points related to the query; while table snippets present data in tabular form.
Appearing as a featured snippet can significantly increase your site’s visibility and traffic. However, it’s worth noting that not all search queries have featured snippets, so optimizing for them isn’t always necessary.
To optimize your content for featured snippets, focus on providing clear and concise answers within your content. Use structured data markup where appropriate and include relevant keywords in your headings and subheadings. Additionally, make sure you’re formatting your content correctly by using lists or tables where appropriate.
How to optimize your site for featured snippets
Optimizing your site for featured snippets is a great way to increase your visibility in search engine results pages. There are several ways you can optimize your site for featured snippets, including optimizing content and using structured data.
One of the most important things you can do to optimize your site for featured snippets is to create high-quality content that provides valuable information on a specific topic. This means writing content that answers common questions related to your industry or niche.
Another way to optimize your site for featured snippets is to use structured data markup. Structured data helps Google understand the content on your website and makes it easier for them to display relevant information in search results.
In addition, formatting plays an important role in getting a featured snippet. Use bullet points and numbered lists when appropriate, as they make it easy for Google’s algorithms to identify key pieces of information.
Pay attention to the types of queries people are using when searching with voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. By understanding these queries and incorporating them into your content strategy, you’ll be better able to rank highly in voice searches and potentially earn a coveted spot in the coveted “position zero” spot at the top of search results pages.
What types of featured snippets are there?
When it comes to featured snippets, there are several types that can appear in search results. The most common type is the paragraph snippet, which provides a brief answer or explanation to a user’s query.
Another type of featured snippet is the list snippet. This format presents information in bullet point form and may include numbered steps or items.
Table snippets are also commonly used for search queries that require data comparison or organization. In these snippets, tables are presented with relevant information related to the user’s query.
Video and image snippets can also appear in search results. These types of snippets provide visual content that answers the user’s question directly.
It’s important to note that not all queries will trigger a featured snippet and not all featured snippets will be displayed in every search result page. However, optimizing your website for different types of features can increase your chances of appearing as a featured result on different SERPs!
Why optimize for voice search?
Optimizing for voice search is becoming increasingly important as more and more people are using voice assistants to perform tasks. According to recent studies, 55% of households in the US are expected to have a smart speaker by 2022.
But why should you optimize your website for voice search? For starters, it can help your website rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). Voice assistants often read out featured snippets or quick answers from websites that match the user’s query. By optimizing your content for featured snippets, you increase the chances of getting picked up by voice assistants like Siri or Alexa.
Another reason to optimize for voice search is that it can improve the overall user experience. When people use their voices instead of typing on a keyboard or tapping on a screen, they’re often looking for quick and easy answers. By providing concise and easily digestible information through optimized content, you make it easier for users to find what they’re looking for.
Optimizing your site for featured snippets in voice search can help attract more traffic and provide a better user experience. It’s an essential step towards staying ahead of the curve as technology continues to evolve.
How to do keyword research for voice search
In the world of voice search, keyword research takes on a new level of importance. When people ask questions verbally, they tend to phrase things differently than they would in a typed search query. Here are some tips for conducting keyword research specifically for voice search.
First and foremost, consider the natural language people might use when asking questions with their voice. Think about how you’d ask someone in person if you were looking for information on a certain topic. Use phrases like “what,” “where,” “how” and “why.”
Next, take advantage of long-tail keywords that mimic conversational speech patterns. For example, instead of typing “best coffee shops NYC,” someone using voice search might say something like “What are the best coffee shops in New York City?”
Use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner to identify frequently asked questions related to your industry or niche. Look at what type of content is currently ranking well for those queries and try to create similar content that answers those same questions.
Don’t forget about location-based searches as many people use their smartphones to find nearby businesses via voice commands such as “find restaurants near me”. Make sure you’re incorporating geographically relevant keywords into your content strategy so that local customers can find you easily through these types of searches.
By thinking beyond traditional typed queries and focusing on conversational speech patterns, long-tail keywords and location-based searches when doing keyword research for voice search optimization, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in this ever-evolving digital landscape.
How to create content for voice search
Creating content for voice search requires a slightly different approach than traditional SEO. One of the keys to optimizing for voice search is understanding how people use their virtual assistants to ask questions and get information. Here are some tips on how to create content that is optimized for voice search:
- Answer Frequently Asked Questions – Virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri are often used to find quick answers to common questions. By creating content that answers frequently asked questions, you increase your chances of appearing in featured snippets.
- Use Conversational Language – When people use voice search, they tend to use conversational language rather than formal keywords or phrases. Focus on using natural language in your content that mirrors the way people speak.
- Consider Contextual Search Queries – People using virtual assistants may be looking for more than just an answer; they may be seeking additional context or related information about a particular topic.
- Optimize Your Site Structure – Structuring your site in a logical way can help improve its visibility in voice searches by making it easier for algorithms to understand your site’s hierarchy and organization.
- Keep Content Short and Sweet – Keep in mind that most users want brief answers when using their virtual assistant, so aim for short-form content (around 40-50 words) whenever possible.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way towards optimizing your site’s content for voice search and capturing those coveted featured snippets!
Conclusion
Optimizing your site for featured snippets in voice search is becoming increasingly important as more people rely on their smart devices to perform searches. By implementing the strategies and techniques outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of appearing as a featured snippet and capture valuable traffic to your website.
Remember to focus on creating high-quality content that provides value to users and answers their queries directly. Use long-tail keywords that are conversational and optimize for question-based searches.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the voice search landscape and staying ahead of the competition. So start optimizing today and reap the benefits of being featured!
