Voice search is the act of using a “digital assistant” to search for a piece of information on the internet. It is a trend that we largely started to see in 2015 and has been steadily rising ever since.

Many brands have launched AI (artificial intelligence) digital assistants, some of the most popular being Amazon’s Alexa, Microsoft’s Cortana, Apple’s Siri and Google’s Google Assistant. Originally, digital assistants were found in smartphones. But now these companies are also offering voice-activated devices (or speakers) that are used for voice search in the home. The devices are spreading the reach of digital assistants past smartphones and into the homes of consumers.

 According to LSA Insider (Local Search Association), in 2015, virtual assistants like GoogleNow, Siri and Cortana jumped from a statistical zero to 10% of overall search volume globally. In May 2016, Google announced that 20 percent of the queries on its mobile app and on Android devices are voice searches. 

How is voice search being used?

As technology is gradually improving, so is voice search technology. Now, instead of just recognizing a voice command, digital assistants are able to understand voice commands and respond accordingly.

In many cases, people find it easier to speak than to type out a search. Because of this, voice search is being used for many different reasons, including:

• Location-based searches
• Directions
• Entertainment
• Reminders and scheduling

What is the difference in typing a search query and speaking a text query?

When a user types a search query into a search engine, the user will most likely type the search in as few words as possible. This is different in comparison to voice search because when a user speaks a search query they are more likely to speak in full sentences instead of short keywords.

For example, if someone is searching for a nearby auto repair shop, they would type the following in a search engine:

“Auto repair shops”

And they would speak the following to a digital assistant:

“Where can I get my car repaired?”

Another difference between voice and text search has to do with how quickly a user expects to get an answer. When a user types a query into a search engine they are usually okay with researching, or looking at multiple sites until they find the answer they are looking for. With the voice search trend, users expect an answer right away and don’t want to waste their time searching.

Does voice search change search engine optimization?

We have all been told that SEO should be a top priority, but with the rise of popularity in voice search do we need to add voice as a consideration in SEO strategy? One of the SEO experts at CarCareCONNECT compiled a list of optimization strategies for voice search. Click through the SlideShare below to learn some of the tips they recommend.

How can your auto shop use voice search?

It is crucial for auto repair shops to be aware of the voice search trend. When someone searches for an auto repair shop it is most likely a location-based search, which is one of the main reasons people are using voice search. Make sure that your contact information and hours of operation are updated so that a customer can find you when they ask their digital assistant for directions to the closest auto repair shop.

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(Image Source: www.Amazon.com)