Tapping Into the Benefits of Voice Search Optimization
Voice-activated virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa are changing how consumers search for information and interact with businesses. Thanks to the proliferation of smartphones and smart speakers, voice search has seen significant growth in recent years, with 44% of all internet users using voice search as of this year.
Users now speak to their devices to find answers, make inquiries, and even conduct financial transactions. For banks and credit unions, this new search method enhances the customer experience and opens new opportunities for reaching your target audience. Therefore, optimizing your bank or credit union’s website for voice search is becoming increasingly crucial in today’s digital landscape!
The Benefits of Voice Search Optimization
Enhanced Customer Experience
One of the primary benefits of optimizing for voice search is that it enhances the overall customer experience. When users can easily find information or perform banking tasks by speaking naturally, it streamlines their interactions with your institution. This convenience can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty as 71% of consumers prefer voice search instead of typing into an online search engine.
Improved Accessibility
Voice search can make your services more accessible to a broader audience. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals with disabilities and those with difficulty typing or navigating traditional websites and apps. In fact, about 14% of people with a disability have a mobility disability where they have no use of hands and arms. This makes voice search ideal for catering to this audience with a hands-free voice search option. Overall, this will demonstrate your financial institution’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility!
New Search Opportunities
With 42% of consumers making finance-related voice searches, this sector is among the most common where a voice assistant is used. Additionally, 49% of consumers search for local services using phrases like “near me” using a voice assistant. Due to the potential for voice searches with local intent, users are likely to ask questions such as, “Find a credit union near me” or “What are the nearest ATMs?” Optimizing for voice search allows your bank or credit union to appear high in the local voice search results to attract potential customers in your area.
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Enhanced Customer Experience
The first step to optimizing for voice search should be to choose the right keywords. Much like SEO, voice search optimization relies on relevant keywords. These should be long-tail keywords such as “SUM ATM in Quincy, MA” or “best local bank in Wrentham, MA” because voice search inquiries are traditionally longer than any typed out. With many voice searches being location-based, your bank or credit union’s online listings should also be accurate and optimized for local search. This includes updating your Google My Business profile and monitoring online reviews.
Mobile Optimization
With over 56% of voice search users searching for brands on their smartphones, ensuring your website is mobile-friendly is essential! To keep the process seamless for these users, having a website that loads quickly and is responsive on mobile is vital to fully generating leads from of these searchers.
Content Research & Creation
Content creation is a very valuable tool for voice search optimization! First and foremost, it is recommended to identify common voice search queries related to financial services in your area. Creating blog posts, FAQs, and other website content that mirrors natural language patterns that answer specific common voice search inquiries will allow you to rise in the rankings against the competition.
Looking to optimize your financial institution’s website for voice search? Strategis is a full-service marketing agency developing strategies proven to increase (ROI) through a wide range of methods. Book a 30-minute introduction call with us or contact us directly!
