In January 2018 alone, consumers conducted over 1 billion voice searches. By 2020, it’s estimated that 30% of all online searches will take place without the use of a screen.
Needless to say, voice search is set to make serious waves in the not-so-distant future.
As more users seek out the convenience of using their voice to search online, you have to consider how this will impact mobile websites.
As of now, your main concern doesn’t need to be with designing a website that literally talks back to visitors. We have microinteractions and conversational UIs that can help with that. Instead, what you should do is consider the relationship between voice users and search.
Here are some things to think about as you approach the design of mobile websites in 2019 and beyond:
1. Place Answers to Common Queries at the Top
According to a Bright Local survey from 2018, 28% of voice users will call a business immediately after finding them in search.
So, while it’s important to have a well-designed website that appeals to local shoppers or customers, it’s just as important to get them the information they need right away. And when someone is using their phone and their voice to look up a website, chances are good they’re looking for a shortcut to get in touch.
But making a call isn’t the only kind of action a voice user might want to take in this instance. Think of other ways in which they’d want to engage with your client’s website or business:
- To get the brick-and-mortar store’s hours of operation;
- To find a live chat or support portal for help with a product or service;
- To make a reservation or appointment;
- To get information about current sales or free shipping offers.
Google/Peerless Insights provide some insights into the types of information most commonly sought out by voice users in search: – Read more
