How to Develop SEO Tactics for Different Virtual Assistants

For a digital marketing strategy to be effective, it must account for many different factors. Along with mobile and web searches, voice searches using virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa also offer prime opportunities to marketers trying to reach as many people as possible. However, optimizing your content for voice searches isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition.

Understanding Ranking Factors

Ranking factors are the criteria used by search engines to evaluate search results. Understanding ranking factors is crucial for search engine optimization (SEO), which increases the visibility of your business online. Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa all pull their information from different sources, which means they use different ranking factors to prioritize search results.

For example, Siri pulls information from Yelp when answering user questions. Alexa also sources information from Yelp, as well as Bing, Microsoft’s proprietary search engine, and Yext, a data management tool. Google Assistant pulls information from your Google My Business listing, which includes contact information, reviews, hours of operation, and more.

What This Means for Voice Search SEO

Because each virtual assistant is deriving their information from different data sources, the answers provided also differ. That means establishing a single SEO strategy for all voice searches will be less impactful than optimizing content to meet the criteria of each virtual assistant.  

When it comes to Siri and Alexa, establishing a solid presence on Yelp is a must. The first step is to ensure your Yelp business profile is not missing any vital information, which can lower your rank. Keyword use is also important, as using relevant keywords improves your chance of being included in search results.  You must also ensure you’re engaging your customers when it comes to reviews. Use social media and other channels to put out a call for reviews and respond to them appropriately when they’re posted.

As for Google Assistant, pay close attention to your Google My Business listing. Once again, make sure the listing includes all relevant information about your business. Also, make sure the information provided is accurate. When it comes to the content itself, the more conversational, the better.

Voice searches are more conversational than text searches, which is why Google is so highly invested in its BERT algorithm. This algorithm provides context to the words and phrases used when a person is searching for something on the internet, which provides a greater understanding of the user’s intentions and ensures more accurate results.  

What This Means for Your Business

Developing the proper SEO tactics for different virtual assistants can give your business the boost it needs. SonicSEO.com is always happy to talk with our clients about marketing endeavors to ensure they meet and exceed your expectations. We stay on the cutting edge of digital technology, including voice searches, to provide the most accurate and effective guidance possible. Contact us today to discuss your strategy.