subject: Apple Siri And Its Influence On Local Seo [print this page] In simple terms, one may define Apples Siri as an advanced voice recognition application which enables users to use their cell phones using verbal commands. For many it is just an added trick their smart phone performs in the form of sending out verbally narrated text messages, checking the weather conditions and making phone calls; there is a lot more potential this unique tool offers especially in the form of local search engine optimization.
In addition to acting like a personal assistant, easily accessible in-depth information that Siri is able to easily access has resulted in enhanced functionality of this application.
Applications in Local Search
Consider a situation where you are required to find an ATM in an unknown city. Siri can give you access to the nearest ATM machines by simply responding to your query, Find me an ATM. This means that the voice controlled and automated search processes minimizes the hassle for a user to look up ATM Machines in XYZ area in a traditional way on search engines.
How does this Work?
While it isnt exactly clear how this application gathers and processes data, it is assumed that information is typically extracted from publically available internet based data sources such as Google Places and other such similar websites. SEO Vancouver experts predict that soon this application will be able to draw more information from third party applications, hereby eliminating irrelevant traffic from some traditional websites.
Making your Website More Accessible for Siri and Other Such Voice Recognition Tools
While most website owners are getting frantic about to leverage this tool and implement strategies for mobile optimization, little do they realise that the rules arent new as long as you have taken into consideration the basic norms of mobile based optimization and local search engine requirements.
1. In addition to taking into consideration easy accessibility of your website on the go, it is time to also consider whether or not Siri can access relevant information from your website with ease.
2. Make sure that you have created a version of your website that is designed specifically for an Apple or mobile platform. A number of open source development tools now offer mobile ready themes that can be easily implemented without making any large investments.
3. If you havent already done it, it is now time for you to prominently place your physical address, local contact details and other information such as operating hours to ensure optimized benefits of local search.
4. Avoid using obstructive content in the form of flash presentation, heavy image files and JavaScripts. Priotize the flow of your information. It doesnt make sense for you to bury all the important information in the form of PDFs and inaccessible sub pages on your website.
5. In addition to this, it is now time for you to get more active on the internet and improve your online presence. In addition to being active on all major social media websites, it is important that you get yourself registered on platforms such as Google Places, Bing Local, Yelp, Yahoo Local, Urbanspoon, Foursquare, Yellow Pages, Superpages, and Citysearch.
Siri and other such voice activation applications are in the position revolutionize how search takes place in a routine way. It is crucial for websites and businesses to jump onto the bandwagon earlier so that they can easily establish a leading position before the competition begins to pour in.
