Voice search is no longer just a futuristic idea—it’s a powerful tool that businesses must harness to remain competitive in today’s SEO landscape. With 28% of consumers in the US and UK using voice assistants daily, optimizing for voice search is no longer optional—it’s essential.

This guide outlines eight practical strategies to ensure your website is ready for voice search dominance. From conversational keywords and local SEO to technical optimizations and emerging voice-specific features, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re just starting or refining your strategy, these tips will help you stay ahead.

 

1. Speak the Language of Conversational Keywords

 

Voice searchers use natural, conversational language. Instead of typing “best Italian restaurant NYC,” they might ask,“Where’s the best Italian restaurant in New York City?”

To rank higher, always focus on long-tail keywords that reflect how people talk. Use tools like AnswerThePublic and AlsoAsked to uncover popular questions in your niche.

Example:

A meal delivery service might target questions like, “What’s the healthiest meal delivery option?” Creating content that directly answers these questions increases the chances of coming in voice search results.

 

2. Capture Position Zero with Featured Snippets

 

Featured snippets—short, concise answers at the top of search results—are gold for voice search. Virtual assistants often pull information directly from these snippets.

To win a featured snippet:

• Answer common questions clearly.
• Use bullet points, numbered lists, or short paragraphs (40-50 words).

Example:

A skincare brand could publish “How to” posts like “How to get rid of acne scars,” formatted with step-by-step instructions. This structure boosts their chances of owning position zero.

 

3. Focus on Local SEO

 

Voice searches often have a local intent, such as “coffee shops near me” or “nearest gas station.” To optimize for this:

• Claim and update your Google Business Profile.
• Use local keywords and create city-specific pages.
• Encourage customer reviews to enhance visibility.

Example:

A home services company could target “near me” keywords and implement the LocalBusiness schema markup, helping search engines associate them with specific areas.

 

4. Speed Is Everything: Optimize Page Load Times

 

Voice search users expect instant answers. Slow-loading websites risk losing both traffic and rankings.

Quick fixes:

• Compress images.
• Minify CSS and JavaScript.
• Use browser caching and reduce redirects.

Example:

An e-commerce store with slow load times due to large images can boost performance by resizing images and optimizing code. Faster sites are more likely to rank in voice search.

 

5. Use Structured Data for Clarity

 

Structured data helps search engines to know your website’s content. For voice search, use schemas like LocalBusiness, Restaurant, and Product to highlight important details like hours, address, and reviews.

Example:

A sushi restaurant implementing RestaurantSchema could improve visibility for voice queries like, “What’s the best sushi spot near me?”

 

6. Write Voice-Friendly Content

 

Voice search demands content that’s easy to understand and quick to digest. Follow these tips:

• Answer questions directly.
• Use simple language and short sentences.
• Organize content with headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs.
• Match titles to conversational queries.

Example:

Retailers with multiple locations can create individual pages for each store, including maps and directions to improve voice search visibility.

 

7. Improve Accessibility

 

Voice search is a lifeline for users with visual or mobility challenges. Accessibility improvements can benefit both these users and your voice search rankings.

Key practices:

• Add alt text to images.
• Use clear anchor text for links.
• Include captions for videos and transcripts for audio.
• Implement semantic HTML.

 

8. Leverage Voice-Specific Features

 

Stay ahead by exploring emerging voice search technologies:

• Develop Alexa Skills or Google Actions to engage users.
• Use speakable markup to highlight audio-friendly content.
• Optimize for voice shopping platforms like Amazon and Walmart.

 

Get Ready for the Voice Search Revolution

 

Implementing these eight strategies will position your business to capture the increasing audience of voice search users.

Pro Tip: Put yourself in your audience’s shoes—how would they phrase their queries when using a voice assistant? Conduct your own voice searches, study the top results, and adapt your strategy accordingly.

By embracing these practices and continually refining your approach, you’ll stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of voice search SEO.

 

If you’re finding it all overwhelming and confusing, don’t worry—our monthly SEO packages are here to help. Let the experts handle it for you!