Tuning your eCommerce site for voice search

Mobile-first approach to online shopping is fast catching up, and voice search makes it even easier to find and buy a product in the digital space. Usage of voice search apps have become popular in the recent years. With Google and Android apps, 20% of all search queries are through voice search.

Methods to implement voice search in eCommerce site effectively

• Voice search is different from typical search because customers will search for products by saying in full sentence. E.g.: Where can I buy affordable UV-protected sunglasses in Atlanta? So, anticipate specific words in search queries like ‘best,’ ‘affordable,’ ‘discount,’ ‘lightweight’ and so on. Prepare a list of questions that customers might ask and answer them on your website either in product section or FAQs/support section.
• Use schema markup extensively for product description including name, brand, size, rating, review count, availability status, etc.. This will help voice searchers to have a quick preview of your site. When they find the necessary information immediately even before opening the page, the customer may get closer to buying decisions.
• Meta tags and meta descriptions need to be tuned for voice search. Tags should have phrases that are commonly used by voice searchers. Even the meta description should have an answer to the common questions asked by searchers with the information they need immediately.
• Navigation for mobile pages should be as simple and straightforward as possible. Within a few touch inputs, the customer should be able to find and buy the desired products on your mobile page. Optimizing a mobile page for voice search includes proper placement of toolbars, CTA buttons, and uncluttered page layout.
• Fast loading time is essential in eCommerce business and crucial when customers use voice search. The voice search algorithm prioritizes sites with faster loading time when it picks search results for voice queries. Determine your page load speed and optimize frequently.
• Using website traffic analytics, make note of typical search engine phrases using which you get traffic. This can be used for voice search queries as well. Google Analytics, Google Adwords, and AdSense can be of great help in being an effective voice search strategy.
• Focus on long-tail keywords that are relevant to voice search. If we compare typical keywords like ‘eCommerce marketing’ with voice search phrases, say, ‘How to market products effectively in eCommerce industry?’, voice inquiries are longer. Incorporate such options for higher ranking.

Voice search is vital for eCommerce growth because it is…

Hands-free experience

Voice search is entirely ‘hands-free’ which means if the customers’ hands are busy (say, cooking), they can still access the eCommerce site and search or explore products. Smart speakers like Amazon Echo, allows customers to place orders simply taking their voice command as input. This adds to the customers’ convenience and enhances their shopping experience to a large extent.

Quick and efficient

Voice search is quicker than typing. On an average, a customer can speak more words than type. Also, customers who don’t like typing on the mobile phone will find it comfortable using voice search. Accuracy and efficiency of voice recognition have also improved in search engines like Google. Digital assistants like Apple Siri and Amazon Alexa encourage customers to use voice search.

Conclusion

Search algorithm has evolved from keyboard inputs to voice commands. To be able to adapt to this changing search habits, we need a well-planned voice search strategy for eCommerce. Enjoy a competitive edge and enhance customer experience by adapting voice searches.

The Commerce Shop is here to help you make your eCommerce websites, voice-search-friendly.
Get in touch.