#voicesearchstudy

Voice search, the technology that allows users to perform a search on the internet by verbally asking a question on a smartphone, smart device or a computer, is growing exponentially. In fact, some SEO specialists predict that by the end of this year, half of all searches across the Internet will be voice searches.So, the question that naturally follows is: How do you optimize your site for voice search?To help come up with an answer, Backlinko analyzed 10,000 Google Home search results and compiled the findings on what comes up in a voice search. More specifically, they investigated the role of 11 potential ranking factors (such as  Page speed, Schema, and HTTPS) on voice search results.Here’s a summary of some of their most interesting discoveries: PageSpeed seems to play a major role in voice search SEO. The average voice search result page loads in 4.6 seconds (52% faster than the average page). HTTPS websites dominate Google’s voice search results (70.4% of Google Home result pages are secured with HTTPS) Google prefers concise answers to voice search queries. The typical voice search result is only 29 words in length. Authoritative domains tend to produce voice search results significantly more than non-authoritative domains. Content with high levels of social engagement tends to perform well in voice search (the average voice search result has 1,199 Facebook shares and 44 Tweets). Writing easy-to-read content may help, as the average Google voice search result is written at a 9th-grade level. Google tends to source voice search answers from long-form content. (The average word count of a voice search result page is 2,312 words. Appearing in a Featured Snippet can help you rank in voice search. 40.7% of all voice search answers came from a Featured Snippet. For detailed data and insights, check out the full study here. Source: Backlinko and Squirrly Read the full article