Voice Searches are different from traditional typing-based searches and tend to be more conversational. People speak with speech recognition tools like they are talking with their friends. Hence, they ask questions instead of writing keywords.
Studies found that one is more likely to use voice assistants when in a hurry. During this time, high chances are of them taking some action.
To target these users, voice search optimization becomes a key as it will help your website acquire the top spots in featured snippets and local search results.
However, Alex, Siri, and other voice assistants provide a single answer, so your site requires a different approach for SEO, and this guide is just right for that.
Here, we will explain 7 strategies that can make your website voice search friendly, along with the top reasons why it is essential in the first place.
Why Does Voice Search Optimization Even Matter for SEO Success?
You can no longer ignore voice search; if you do, your competitors will serve your customers. Each day, countless individuals ask their smart devices questions such as, “Where’s the best Voice search SEO service near me?”, or, “How to optimize for voice search?”.
If you do not optimize your site for voice search, you will lose customers (real people who actually want what you offer). Now, you may ask why so; it is because Google prioritizes sites that are optimized for voice search and pushes unoptimized ones lower in rankings. Thus, your buyers will be unable to find you as your content does not match how they search.
Facts show that over 50% of searches are now voice-based, and this percentage will keep increasing as people prefer the convenience of speaking over typing.
Do you even know how people talk to Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant? If not then let me tell you. They do not talk the way they manually type search requests.
Instead, use a conversational, or I say, more natural tone. For instance, they will say, “Where can I find fresh pastries near me?” but while typing, their most likely search query would be, “Best bakery New York”.
Hence, adjusting the content to match real-life user questions will increase your chances of being the first answer people hear. That means more traffic, more customers, and more sales drives at your doorstep.
7 Powerful Voice Search Optimization Tips For Higher Rankings
Now, it is not limited to ranking higher in search results but it is about being chosen as the one answer voice assistants trust. This will require you to change your approach and adjust with Voice search SEO. To help you noticed by Google, we have come up with the below 7 strategies.
It will not only reveal how you can fine-tune your content for voice-driven searches but also ensure your brand is always the first to be heard.
1. Talk Like Your Customers
The key to ranking in voice search is to speak the way your customers do. Internet users don’t use complicated words, or I say, jargon words when they talk to voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. They speak naturally like they would with their close ones. So, your content should match that but how you would do it? Of course, we will help you through it:
Use Simple, Everyday Language
Write your content the way people talk with each other and, avoid jargon or technical terms. Keeping sentences short will signal to Google that your posts are easy to understand.
So, instead of, “We offer artisanal bread crafted with organic ingredients.” you should say, “We bake fresh, organic bread every day.”
Answer Questions:
When people use voice search, they ask full questions, so write your content in a way that directly answers those questions.
So for this, you can add an FAQ section with real customer questions. Additionally, use question-based headers like, “What’s the best bakery near me?”.
Mirror Customer Phrases
Check how your customers speak in reviews, emails, and conversations, and use those exact phrases in your content.
2. Go Beyond Basic Keywords
Well, using just one or two words of keywords won’t help you rank in voice search local results. For voice search optimization, you need to focus on long-tail phrases as full sentences match more how actually people will give queries.
Here is how you can use this Voice search tip:
Put down the exact words your customers might use when searching for your product or service.
For instance, do not say, “bakery”. Instead, use, “Where can I find a bakery that sells fresh sourdough bread near me?”. Also, add phrases that begin with who, what where when, why, and how.
Use Google’s “People Also Ask” Section as it will already tell you what people are searching for.
For this, you just have to simply type the main keyword into Google and check the “People Also Ask”, section and you will get the real gem. Now, copy the relevant questions and answer them in your content. Want a bonus tip? Format them in a simple Q&A style.
Create voice-friendly blog content that focuses on problem-solving and directly answers common customer questions.
For this, you can title your blogs as questions: “How to bake the perfect croissant?” and give step-by-step instructions to break down the answer.
Moreover, you should always test your content by reading it aloud, and if it sounds natural when spoken, then it will be perfect for search engines.
3. Structure FAQs in a Q&A Format
The FAQ section of your website should feel like a real conversation with your customers. So, the voice search tip is that you must avoid stuffing random questions, and instead organize them how your customers speak.
Here’s how you can do voice search optimization:
Group Related Questions Together
You can ensure a smooth and natural flow, by grouping questions based on topics This version will help visitors find answers faster and improve their experience.
Use Actionable Answers
Voice search users expect instant, actionable answers. So, please avoid vague responses because your answers should solve a problem instantly. Want to know how? See below:
Do not write, “We deliver cakes quickly.”
Rather go for, “We deliver within 2 hours in New York. Order by 4 PM for same-day service.”
You can see for yourself how the second answer gives clear steps and removes confusion.
Optimize for Follow-Up Questions
Voice search often leads to follow-up questions, so, when answering a query, keep it conversational. This will keep users engaged and encourage action.
In place of, “Can I order a custom birthday cake?”
Opt for this, “Yes! Choose from our designs or send your own. Start your order here: [Link].”
Add a ‘Still Have Questions?’ Section
Even with the best FAQ, Voice search users might have more questions. So, you must offer an easy way to contact you at the end, such as a live chat with the team for instant answers, call us CTAs, or email support.
4. Own the “Near Me” Searches
Do you know when people search through voice assistants for services or products, they often add, “near me” at the end? So, if you don’t show up, they will find your competitors instead. Thus, you should follow the below voice search optimization steps and make sure your business appears in voice search local results.
Add Your Location Everywhere
Google needs to know exactly where you are to show your business in, “near me” searches.
- Update your website by adding your city and neighborhood to the homepage, service pages, and contact page.
- Use location-based keywords and avoid just saying, “Best Hair Salon,” instead say, “Best Hair Salon in Austin.”
- Write a strong About Us section and include business keywords naturally.
Get Reviews from Local Customers
Voice searches prioritize businesses with good reviews so you should always encourage happy clients to leave feedback. You can ask in person or offer a small reward such as a 10% discount on their next visit for leaving a review.
Moreover, make sure to respond to these reviews.
Get Listed on Local Directories
Your business should have an active account on Google Business Profile, Yelp, and other industry-related directories with complete and correct details. The more trusted sites mention your business, the better your chances of ranking in voice search local results.
Create Local Content
You should start writing about your city and current trends to attract local voice searches. This is one of the best voice search optimization strategies to stand out in the competition.
5. Speed Up Your Website
For voice search, fast-loading pages are even more important because people expect instant answers. Here’s how you can make your website lightning-fast and improve your rankings in voice search results.
- Minimize Unnecessary Plugins and Code
- Enable Lazy Loading for Images and Videos
- Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN)
- Optimize Web Hosting and Server Response Time
- Contact Speed Optimization experts to get up to 2 seconds of page load time in GTMetrix.
6. Keep Schema Updated
Schema markup has an impact on helping search engines like Google understand your website content better. Here’s an example: when someone asks a voice assistant about a nearby salon, Google can pull up the most relevant information about a business that is optimized for voice search.
Here’s how to keep your schema updated:
- Use structured data to mark up services offered by your brand.
- You should add schema for reviews, FAQs, and business hours.
- Do not forget to use Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool to verify your schema is correctly implemented.
By following the above voice search tips, you will help your business dominate in voice search results.
7. Optimize for Featured Snippets
Voice assistants read answers from Google’s Featured Snippets. If your content appears there, it becomes the first response people hear. Here’s how you can make your content snippet-friendly and dominate the Voice search SEO.
- Try to answer the main question in the first 50 words. Plus, start your content with a clear, direct answer as Google prefers short, precise responses for snippets.
- Give a format to your content for easy scanning as Google loves organized content. For this, you can use clear headings, bullet points, and numbered lists to structure your answers. This makes it easy for voice search engines to pick up your response.
- You are most likely to get top spots on voice searches if your content includes numbers, prices, or comparisons, use tables.
Example: If writing about, “Calorie count of different bakery items,” create a table:
| Item | Calories |
| Croissant | 250 |
| Muffin | 400 |
| Donut | 350 |
- Add a summary box at the end as voice search results often come from summary sections. For this, you can include a short recap at the end of your post to reinforce the key points.
However, voice search optimization can feel tricky, but we make it easy. Our experts help businesses rank for voice queries, secure Featured Snippets, and boost local search visibility. You can read the below section to learn more about our services.
Still, Need Help on How to Optimize Content for Voice Search?
As you now know making your site voice search friendly is no longer optional. You can execute the above Voice search tips on your business and see the significant changes. But if getting your content voice search ready is asking for too much effort on your website, there is still no need to worry. In this situation, professional Voice search optimization services come to the rescue, just like ours.
If you want your business to show up when customers ask Siri or Alexa for a product or service that you also offer, contact us right away. Our voice optimization experts will prove game-changing for your site. So, let our team allow to take your brand to the heights of voice search SEO.
