Story Based Question
You manage an online store selling custom-made furniture. After spending a lot of time optimizing your site for voice search, you’re eager to know how well it’s performing. You’ve noticed a slight increase in voice search traffic, but you’re not sure if it’s significant. You think: “How do I track specific performance metrics for voice search to see if my efforts are paying off?”
Exact Answer
To track performance metrics for voice search, monitor organic search traffic, use Google Search Console to track queries, analyze the use of featured snippets, and review mobile and local search performance.
Explanation
Tracking voice search performance metrics requires focusing on data sources that provide insights into how your content is being found through voice queries. Since voice search often pulls from organic search results and featured snippets, you can use tools like Google Search Console, analytics platforms, and performance tools to get a better understanding of how your site is doing. Here’s how to track your performance:
- Monitor Organic Search Traffic
- Voice search pulls results from organic search rankings, so monitoring your organic traffic is essential. If your voice search traffic increases, it’s likely your SEO efforts are working.
- Use Google Search Console
- Google Search Console provides valuable insights into the queries that lead people to your website. Look for question-based keywords, long-tail phrases, and local searches that might align with voice search behavior.
- Analyze Featured Snippet Performance
- Voice assistants often pull answers from featured snippets. Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to see if your content is ranking for featured snippets, which are a key part of voice search.
- Review Mobile Search Performance
- Since most voice searches happen on mobile devices, make sure your mobile traffic is strong. Use Google Analytics to monitor how your site performs on mobile and whether users are engaging with your voice-search-optimized pages.
- Track Local Search Metrics
- Local voice searches are common, so focus on tracking how well your content performs for location-based queries. Google My Business insights and local search tools can help you monitor how you’re ranking for “near me” queries.
Example
Let’s say you’re tracking the performance of your custom furniture store’s voice search optimization efforts. Here’s what you could do:
- Step 1: Monitor Organic Traffic
You check Google Analytics and notice an increase in organic traffic, specifically to pages like “custom-made wooden desks” and “handcrafted dining tables.” You see that more people are coming to your site, possibly through voice searches. - Step 2: Use Google Search Console
In Search Console, you filter by queries that include phrases like “What is the best desk for a home office?” and “Where can I buy a custom table?” These are the types of questions people are likely to ask through voice search. You see a steady increase in clicks for these long-tail keywords. - Step 3: Analyze Featured Snippet Performance
You run a check on SEMrush and find that your page about “best home office desks” now ranks in the featured snippet position for related voice search queries. - Step 4: Review Mobile Performance
You check Google Analytics and see that your mobile traffic is on the rise, with a noticeable increase in users from voice-enabled devices. - Step 5: Track Local Search Metrics
You check your Google My Business insights and see that more people are finding your store through local searches like “custom furniture near me.” Your location-based voice search optimization seems to be paying off.
Now, when someone asks their voice assistant, “Where can I buy a custom table near me?” your store’s page is more likely to show up in the response.
Tracking performance for voice search involves monitoring organic traffic, using Google Search Console for queries, analyzing featured snippet performance, and reviewing mobile and local search metrics. These insights help you see if your optimization strategies are working.