Ever since Yahoo and Google became the default search engines on the Internet, looking up the websites you want to visit invariably involved typing keywords into a search bar and then pressing the ENTER key.

But things are changing with smartphone Internet search, and the proliferation of voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant smart devices have made voice search increasingly popular. Now you can just say the word or phrase you need information on, instead of typing it in the search bar.

Better for Users

Many users consider voice search a lot more practical for smartphones and smart homes.

• Users find it more awkward and difficult to enter keyword text with the smaller buttons on the smartphone screen. Instead, they can just tap the microphone icon in the search bar and then say what keywords they want the Internet search to use. At home, when you have a smart voice assistant you can just ask aloud for the info you want while you relax on your couch.
• Now people can search much more quickly, because it’s much faster to say words than to type them. It takes only a few seconds to ask even a long question, but it can take you a full minute to type in that same question into a search bar.
• Productivity improves as you’re able to get more things done in a period of time. That’s a natural consequence when you save time.
• Voice search is also suited for people with certain disabilities. Those with vision or hand mobility issues will obviously find voice search much more usable than the traditional method of typing words in a search bar.

Adapting to the Change

Websites and businesses must adapt to these developments, or else they may get left behind. The fact remains that Internet through mobile devices are now more prevalent than desktop PC internet use. When you add the Internet usage of personal voice assistants, then it becomes even more evident that voice search is the future of search.

What this means is that businesses must rethink how they optimize their search through particular keywords. When people voice their keywords, they don’t just use the basic keywords. Instead, they use natural questions.

• “Siri, who did the Lakers draft in the first round in 2012?”
• “Alexa, which are the best coffeemakers under $300?”
• “Google, what are the most fuel efficient cars today?”

As you can see, the voice search keyword phrases are longer and more detailed. If you want your website to be among the highest ranked search results, then you better make sure that these exact questions appear on your web pages as well. You have to learn how to anticipate these kinds of search terms to get your website ahead of the competition.

Since questions will be in vogue, you need to focus more on your FAQ pages. Your blog posts should anticipate these questions and topics as well. If you don’t have the answers the users are looking for, then they’re less apt to find your website when using voice search online.