Voice search isn’t just a trend – it’s reshaping how people interact with search engines. From asking Siri for the nearest café to checking the weather with Alexa, more users are speaking their searches instead of typing them. With over 1 billion voice searches happening each month, it’s clear that businesses need to optimise for this growing technology if they want to stay visible online.
So, how do you adapt your SEO strategy to meet this shift? Let’s explore how to optimise your content for voice search and stay ahead of the curve.
Why Voice Search Matters for SEO
Voice search changes how people phrase their queries. Instead of typing short, choppy keywords like “plumber London”, users are more likely to ask full, conversational questions like “Who’s the best plumber near me available today?”
Which means search engines are shifting focus. They now prioritise natural, conversational content that directly answers questions. Voice search also heavily favours featured snippets, local listings, and fast-loading mobile-friendly sites – so if you’re not optimising for these, you’re missing out on valuable traffic.
Key Factors for Optimising for Voice Search
1. Use Conversational, Long-Tail Keywords
People speak differently than they type. Voice queries tend to be longer, more specific, and structured like questions. Instead of targeting “best laptop,” try incorporating phrases like “What is the best laptop for working from home?”
Use tools like AnswerThePublic, Google’s ‘People Also Ask’, or even your customer support emails to identify these spoken-style queries.
✅ Tip: Start building out FAQ-style content with natural phrasing to match how people speak.
2. Target Featured Snippets
When someone asks their voice assistant a question, the answer is usually pulled from a featured snippet – the box of information at the top of a Google search result.
To increase your chances of landing this spot:
- Answer common questions in 40–60 words
- Use bullet points or numbered lists
- Structure your content with clear headers and subheadings
✅ Tip: Format your answers clearly and concisely, and use schema markup where appropriate.
3. Optimise for Local Search
Voice search is often used on the go – for example, “Where’s the closest pharmacy open right now?” That means “near me” queries are on the rise, and local SEO is more important than ever.
Make sure your:
- Google Business Profile is up to date
- Business hours, phone numbers, and locations are accurate
- Pages include local keywords (e.g., “care home in Orpington”)
✅ Tip: Add location pages or create blog content that mentions your service area.
4. Improve Website Speed & Mobile Friendliness
Voice search users want answers fast – and so does Google. If your site is slow or hard to use on mobile, it won’t rank for voice queries.
Use Google PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse to test your site’s speed. Ensure your design is fully responsive and avoid intrusive popups.
✅ Tip: Aim for your pages to load in under 3 seconds – especially on mobile.
5. Add a Helpful FAQ Section
Most voice searches start with words like who, what, when, where, why, and how. Adding an FAQ section to your site is a great way to incorporate these phrases naturally.
Structure each FAQ with:
- A clear, natural-sounding question
- A short, direct answer (ideally under 60 words)
- Use of relevant keywords throughout
✅ Tip: Consider the top 5–10 questions your customers ask and turn those into optimised content.
The Future of Voice Search: Are You Ready?
With the rise of smart speakers and AI assistants, voice search is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s a must. As the technology evolves, search engines will continue rewarding brands that understand how to talk like their users.
By adapting your SEO strategy now, you can position your business to win in a world where search is becoming increasingly conversational and local.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick checklist:
- ✅ Identify voice search-friendly keywords
- ✅ Update your FAQ and service pages with natural phrasing
- ✅ Optimise your site for mobile and speed
- ✅ Review your local SEO setup
- ✅ Aim for featured snippets with clear, concise answers
Voice search is changing the game – but with the right strategy, you’ll be ready to play.