Ever ask Siri or Alexa a question about a nearby business? You’re not alone. Voice search is booming, and if you’re a small business owner with an online presence, you need to be ready for it. But how to optimize for voice search? Don’t fret, we have you covered.
Let’s explore voice search optimization and equip you with powerful tips to help local customers find your business through voice search with ease.
What Is Voice Search Optimization?
Imagine this: a customer walks by your store but isn’t quite sure if you’re open or what you sell. Instead of fumbling with their phone, they whip out their trusty voice assistant and ask, “What’s the best [your product/service] near me?”
This is the magic of voice search. Optimizing for it means tailoring your online presence to appear at the top of search results for spoken queries. Since people speak differently than they type, voice search queries are phrased naturally, like questions or conversational statements.
Why Should You Care About Voice Search Optimization?
Here’s why voice search optimization should be a top priority for your business:
- Local Visibility: Voice search is heavily weighted towards local results. People use it to find restaurants, plumbers, electricians – you name it, especially businesses in their immediate vicinity. Optimize for voice search, and you’ll be there when those crucial searches happen.
- Future-Proofing Your Business: Voice search is exploding in popularity. In fact, over 1 billion voice searches are made each month. By getting ahead of the curve now, you’ll be well-positioned to capture a larger slice of the local market as this trend continues.
- SEO Synergy: Many voice search optimization techniques also benefit your traditional SEO efforts. Think of it as a win-win for your overall online visibility.

How Voice Search Optimization Differs from Traditional SEO
Regular SEO focuses on ranking high for keywords people type into search engines. On the other hand, voice search optimization prioritizes:
Long-Tail Keywords
People ask questions using voice search, not just single words. Think about how your ideal customer would phrase their search for your business.
Target longer, more specific keywords throughout your website content. For example, instead of “plumber,” aim for “best emergency plumber near me.”
Natural Language
Voice search queries sound like everyday speech. Instead of stiff, keyword-stuffed content, write your website copy in a conversational way, just like you’d talk to a customer face-to-face.
How to Optimize for Voice Search – 10 Tips for Success
Here’s how to optimize for voice search successfully:
Claim and Optimize Your Google My Business Listing

This is ground zero for local SEO and voice search. If you haven’t already, claim your free Google My Business listing. Follow the verification process to confirm ownership and ensure your business appears on Google Maps and in local search results.
Complete all sections of your listing with accurate and up-to-date information. This includes your business name, address, phone number, and website URL.
Also, choose the most relevant category that describes your business, and be sure to update your hours of operation regularly for any seasonal changes or holidays.
Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Google My Business listing. Positive reviews are a trust signal for voice assistants and can significantly influence your search ranking.
Respond to all reviews promptly and professionally, thank positive reviewers, and address any concerns raised in negative reviews.
Use Long-Tail Keywords Organically
Researching long-tail keywords is crucial for voice search optimization. Start with defining your ideal customer profile.
Understanding their demographics, interests, and pain points will help you determine the types of questions they might ask to find a business like yours.
Then, research relevant keywords. Several free and paid keyword research tools can help you identify relevant long-tail keywords. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush allow you to search for keywords based on location and search volume.
Next, put yourself in your customer’s shoes. How would they phrase a question to find your business through voice search? For example, instead of just “plumber,” target keywords like “emergency plumber near me open late” or “best drain cleaning services [your city].”
Lastly, don’t stuff your website with keywords unnaturally. Instead, weave them organically throughout your website content, ensuring they flow smoothly and read naturally.
Focus on incorporating long-tail keywords into your page titles, meta descriptions, headers, and throughout your website copy.
These are all good long-tail keywords, but the first one takes the cake because it is optimal for voice search:

Speak the Language of Your Customers
Ditch the jargon and technical terms. Here’s how to write website copy optimized for voice search:
- Conversational Tone: Imagine you’re explaining your product or service to a friend. Use everyday phrases and write in a clear, concise, and engaging way. Avoid overly technical language or industry jargon that your target audience might not understand.
- Focus on Benefits: People searching by voice are looking for solutions. Highlight the benefits your business offers and how your products or services can solve their problems.
- Readability Is Key: Use short sentences, bullet points, and clear headings to break up your content and make it easy to read and understand.
Add FAQs in Your Website Content
A dedicated FAQ page is a goldmine for voice search optimization. However, you should also incorporate FAQs into your blog posts and other site pages.
Identify the questions your customers frequently ask and provide clear, concise, and informative answers in your FAQs. The more comprehensive your FAQ section is, the better your chances of ranking for relevant voice search queries.
As for your dedicated FAQs page, structure it in a way that’s easy for voice assistants to understand. Use clear question formats and answer directly within the first paragraph or two, mimicking how people speak naturally when asking questions.
Don’t just answer the most basic questions. Anticipate more specific questions potential customers might have and address those as well. This demonstrates your expertise and establishes you as a valuable resource.
For instance, this is 2020 Vision Digital’s dedicated FAQs page that covers a lot of ground:

Mobile-First Is a Must
The vast majority of voice searches happen on smartphones. So, you must adopt a mobile-first approach for your website. It needs to have a responsive design that adapts to and functions seamlessly across different screen sizes and devices.
Moreover, it must load quickly. Voice search users are looking for quick solutions. Use website speed testing tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify areas for improvement.
Optimize your website images, minimize code, and leverage caching mechanisms to ensure your website loads quickly on mobile devices.
Lastly, make it easy for mobile users to contact you directly from your website. Include a prominent click-to-call button on your mobile website that allows users to initiate a phone call with a single tap.
Write Content to Appear in Featured Snippets

Optimizing your content to appear in a Featured Snippet is a fantastic way to grab the top spot for voice search queries. It’s because over 70% of voice searches pull results from Featured Snippets and the People Also Ask feature.
Here’s how to increase your chances of landing a Featured Snippet:
- Target Answer-Focused Keywords: Look for keywords that users would naturally ask questions about when searching for your business. These keywords are prime targets for Featured Snippets.
- Structure Your Content with Clear Answers: Organize your content with clear and concise answers to potential questions within the first paragraph or two of your web pages. Bullet points and numbered lists can also be helpful for structuring your content for Featured Snippets.
- Optimize for Readability: Featured Snippets are typically short snippets of text displayed in search results. Ensure your answer is readable and easy to understand within the limited character count.
Use Question-Based Keywords
Voice search queries tend to be phrased as questions. Incorporating words like “how,” “why,” “where,” and “what” into your content can significantly improve its alignment with these natural search patterns.
For instance, an online makeup store could benefit from using phrases like “Where can I find the best makeup deals?” or “What is the best shade of durable red lipstick?”
Structure your blog content around high-volume question-based search terms and use these insights to craft compelling ad copy that resonates with voice search users.
Make Your Content Speak
High-quality, informative content is essential for both SEO and voice search optimization. Research your target audience and understand their needs and interests. Create content that addresses their pain points, answers their questions, and provides valuable information.
If you’re a local business, create content that highlights your local presence. Target local keywords, write blog posts about local events or attractions, and showcase your involvement in the community.
Also, experiment with different content formats like blog posts, how-to guides, video tutorials, and customer testimonials. This keeps your content fresh and engaging for your audience.
Tailor Content for Each Voice Assistant Platform

While the overall goal of voice search optimization remains consistent, there are subtle differences between how each smart speaker platform retrieves information. Here’s how to adjust your approach for the leading devices:
- Google Assistant: Since Google Assistant prioritizes featured snippets and local SEO results (the 3-pack displayed for local searches), focus on providing high-value content and claiming your Google My Business listing.
- Alexa: Alexa leverages Bing for search, so optimize your website for Bing Places listings and aim for the featured snippet position. Additionally, a well-maintained Yelp profile can also boost your visibility.
- Siri: Similar to Google Assistant, Siri relies on Google’s search results. Prioritize securing the featured snippet and optimize for local SEO to improve your ranking in the 3-pack.
By understanding these platform nuances, you can refine your voice search strategy for each device and maximize your chances of reaching potential customers.
Track, Analyze, and Adapt
Voice search optimization is an ongoing process. You need to stay ahead of the curve by monitoring and improving your performance.
Use website analytics tools like Google Search Console to track your voice search ranking for relevant keywords. See which keywords you’re ranking for and which ones you need to improve on.
You must also stay up to date on different voice search trends since it’s still evolving. Keep yourself informed on the best practices by following industry publications and attending relevant marketing conferences.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different voice search optimization techniques. A/B test multiple meta details, headlines, and content formats to see what resonates best with your audience and performs well in voice searches.
Optimize for Voice Search to Get Found!
Now that you know how to optimize for voice search, you can be on your way to dominate voice search results and attract new customers actively looking for what you offer.
Don’t forget that voice search is all about convenience and getting quick local results. So, make it easy for people to find you with the information they need, and you’ll become a voice search success story.
You can consult with a reputable and professional digital marketing company like 2020 Vision Digital to ensure your voice search optimization is done correctly and consistently.
If you want to top voice search results and see your business grow, consult with us today!