Introduction to Voice Search – Are you ready?
Here are some sobering facts. They call this a “hook“, the idea is that it gets you to keep reading! But seriously, as a business owner or even an SEO consultant you need to know this information:
ACT NOW! Voice Search SEO is something to adopt now because the playing field is still fairly even and you have a real chance of getting in on the action whether you are a local business or a multinational. It´s fair game for all with the right approach So skipping past this article could be the most expensive mistake you make as a business owner for a very long tim. Like all tech – education amongst business owners is sometimes slow on the uptake and so you can either be a “NIMBY” or a dynamic entrepreneur and get in on this NOW!
Why you must read this article if you are a website owner
- By the end of 2025 at least 75% of households are predicted to have at least one smart speaker with voice search
- The global voice search market is projected to grow from $17.33 billion in 2025 to $61.27 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 17.1% during 2025-2033
- It could (and should) be your website giving the answers to Chat GPT, Gemini, Alexa and all the rest of the AI powered voice search engines.
Key Stats about Voice Search and the importance of Voice SEO
Great hook hu? Thank you very much! But it´s all true and I cannot emphasis (or emphasize depending on your geographical persuasion) enough the sheer importance for any business in Voice Search Optimisation today, because tomorrow someone else will have beaten you to the post. They may laugh at me today and dismiss my strong opinion but I shall remain bold on this because I have seen SEO evolve over my 30 years in the sector and so I am not making wild claims to sell you our services!
“Within the next 10 years, the majority of searches will be voice-driven”. (Neil Patel – neilpatel.com)
But 10 years does not mean that we can procrastinate, ACT NOW to be ahead of the game because the trend is catching on and if you are not already taking action – you are missing out.
“Hey Google – Help!”
Imagine this scenario: You’re in the kitchen, your hands deep in a bowl of cookie dough, when a question pops into your mind: “How many tablespoons are in a cup?” In the past, you’d have to stop what you’re doing, wash your hands, and type the query into your phone. But today, you simply ask your voice assistant and get an instant response. This is the magic of voice search, and it’s revolutionizing the way we seek information.
As a website owner, understanding and optimizing for voice search is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about voice search SEO, from the basics to advanced strategies. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of how to make your website heard in the age of voice assistants.
What is Voice Search?
Before we dive into voice search SEO (optimisation) techniques, let’s first understand what voice search is and how it differs from traditional text-based search.
Voice search refers to the use of voice commands to perform searches on the internet, a device, or an application. Instead of typing a query, users speak their request, and a voice assistant (like Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa) provides a spoken response.
For example, instead of typing “weather forecast for today,” a user might ask, “Hey Google, what’s the weather like today?” The voice assistant then reads out the current weather conditions and forecast.
Voice SEO – Can You Afford to Wait?
In this video we summarise the content of this article and ask the question “can you afford to wait before implementing a voice seo strategy?”.
Why is Voice Search Important?
I for one didn´t realise just how much I now turn to ChatGPT, Gemini, Bing or others for answers to queries but I do it all time time, including when something pops into my head in the car because I can get answers to my questions cleverly through my car hands-free system by saying “hey ChatGPT” and my little American friend springs to life. I can later refer to the conversations at home or in the office and hey presto – job done!
But here´s the thing – Imagine you are a business personan who spends a lot of time on the road as I do. Voice search and integration makes life so much simpler, You can’t browse the internet when driving but you can shout out to your voice assistant friend.
Here are some of the real life examples of how I use voice search (and I am a middle aged grumpy old man so imagine the younger generations!)
- Ask questions about my trip “is there a faster route?”
- Send messages to people “let my colleague know that I am running late”
- The list goes on..
This is all very interesting I hear you say, but at the same time as I rub my crystal mind reading ball I can hear you thinking “but how does him sending messages and consulting traffic ahead help my business?” Am I right?
It is true that the early days of voice search were more based around scheduling appointments and sending messages but now they are reaching a whole new level.

Tapping into Local Searches with Voice Search SEO
Why Local Voice Queries Are the Hidden Goldmine for Businesses
Picture this: Someone is driving through town and asks, “Hey Google, where’s the best sushi restaurant nearby?” Or perhaps they say, “Which stores accept American Express here?” These are real-time opportunities for businesses to connect with potential customers who are ready to take action.
Voice search isn’t just about finding answers—it’s about finding your business. The shift toward voice queries has created a surge in local search volume, giving savvy businesses a chance to thrive by meeting users where they are: on the go and ready to spend.
When it comes to voice search, local SEO reigns supreme. In fact, studies show that 58% of voice search users look for local business information. This includes queries about directions, operating hours, menu items, and even specific payment options. Whether someone is searching for “coffee shops near me” or “where can I buy an air fryer today,” voice search delivers results designed to provide immediate answers—and drive customers to local businesses.
For your business, this means being ready to respond with precise, actionable, and localized content that makes you the preferred choice.
How can you make sure you’re the one they find? By optimizing your online presence through Voice Search SEO to dominate local voice search results.
How does voice Search Work?
If we are going to embark on the journey of optimising out website for voice search then we need to take the time to understand the fundamentals of how voice search works. So how exactly does voice search work? There are a number of core elements that (more or less) explain the process from voice prompt to instantaneous results being spoken back to you.
1. Speech Recognition: When a user speaks a query, the voice assistant uses speech recognition technology to convert the audio into text.
2. Natural Language Processing (NLP): The text is then processed using NLP algorithms to understand the context and intent behind the query. NLP has advanced at incredible rates. For those of us old enough to remember the early days of voice recognition software for typing up long documents, it involved hours of training the software to our voice and still required endless corrections.
NLP now understands not just the words regardless of your accent or style of speaking but can filter out noises, work out who is who (and who to listen to) and understand that emptions and intent in your voice. All of this means that the AI can understand not just the words that you ask but the context in which you are asking them.
3. Information Retrieval: The interpreted query is used to find the most relevant information from the search engine’s index. In the time it takes you to draw a breathe, the voice search AI will identify all it needs to know (for example your location if you are asking something like “where can I get a good coffee around here?”, then it will find the most relevant sources (we will come on to local voice SEO later), filter that data from irrelevant data, and prepare to deliver the response.
4. Response Generation: The voice assistant formulates a response based on the retrieved information and speaks it back to the user. It will be adapted to the needs of the user and also usually offer other help too. For example, to use the earlier example of wanting a coffee shop, it may offer to open your map to give you directions to walk there or offer to tell you what customers say about the location(s) selected and so on.
To illustrate, let’s follow the journey of a sample voice query:
User: “Hey Google, how do I bake chocolate chip cookies?“
1. Speech Recognition: Google Assistant converts the spoken query into text: “how do I bake chocolate chip cookies”.
2. NLP: Google’s algorithms interpret the text, understanding that the user is asking for a recipe or instructions.
3. Information Retrieval: Google searches its index for the most relevant, high-quality chocolate chip cookie recipes.
4. Response Generation: Google Assistant reads out a step-by-step summary of the top recipe, with an option to send the full recipe to the user’s device.
Google Gemini – A Real Test (by me!)
So the other day I was in a nearby city but not the one I live in so I don´t know it very well. Lunch time was approaching and huger set in. I grabbed my mobile and said the famous words “hey Google!”. Gemini sprung to life and I thought I would try something very specific. My prompt was “I´m hungry and fancy a Greek meal. Is there a Greek place nearby that is open and accepts American Express?”
Points to my prompt:
- I wanted to see if it could locate me
- I wanted to see how well it understood my natural language (note the words I used, I did not say where I was or the word “restaurant”
- I wanted it to check opening times in real time
- I wanted to specifically check the payment method (for those of you in the USA, you may not know but in Europe Amex is accepted in far less places than other card types).
Gemini returned a recommendation of a Greek restaurant that was a few minutes from my location. It confirmed that they accepted the payment type I wanted to use, commented that they were open now, offered me their website to see the menu, their telephone number to call and also commented on the local reviews and what people say about the restaurant.
Within 30 seconds of taking my phone out of my pocket I had a place to eat and yes – it got everything right! As I say and nibbled on the starters I had a browse and there were actually several restaurants in the area but without calling none gave me all the answers to my questions online. So if I have to call for the info, how would Gemini know the answers?
Takeaway from my experience:
AI search is here and now. Those who are already thinking ahead are winning the race but the scope is beyond comprehension and whether you have a local business or, like us work around the globe, the time is now to reserve your seat because the show has only just begun!
An overview of the Voice Search Processing Workflow
This diagram summarises the process mentioned above from the moment you speak to your voice assistant to how your response is returned back to you – all in the blink of an eye:


Voice Search vs Traditional Search – A Webmaster POV
So, just how does all this voice search process fit in with a website and what makes a website rank in the voice search charts?
As a webmaster, the rise of voice search presents both challenges and opportunities. It requires a shift in our thinking about keywords, content structure, and user intent. We need to optimize our websites for conversational queries, provide direct answers to questions, and ensure our content is easily accessible on mobile devices. By understanding how voice search works and adapting our SEO strategies accordingly, we can ensure our websites are not only heard but also rank well in this new era of search.
Voice Search Optimisation Techniques
Now that we understand the importance and mechanics of voice search, let’s explore some key strategies for optimizing your website.
Keyword Research for Voice Search
What type of keywords do I need to use for voice SEO? Traditional keyword research focuses on short, typed queries. However, voice search keywords tend to be longer, more conversational, and often phrased as questions.
For example, instead of “cookie recipe,” a voice search user might ask, “how to make chocolate chip cookies from scratch.”
To find voice search keywords, consider using tools like:
- Answer the Public: Generates questions and phrases around a given topic.
- Google Autocomplete: Shows common search queries related to your keywords.
- SEMrush’s Keyword Magic Tool: Provides question-based keyword suggestions.
- There is no substitute for experience – feel free to reach out to our Voice Search SEO specialists for a free consultation about how we can help your business!
When choosing keywords, aim for natural, conversational phrases that match how users speak. Remember, if a user in New York is looking for a Pizza they are likely to ask “Hey (Google / ChatGPT / Alexa etc), what´s the best pizza place near me in New York City?”
By focusing our keywords and developing a natural conversational flow, we can strategically begin to make our content more accessible to users and in turn voice search engines.
Creating Voice Search-Friendly Content
How do I create content to help with voice search SEO?
With your voice search keywords in hand, it’s time to create content that caters to spoken queries. Here are some tips:
- Structure your content around questions and answers. Use question-based headings (e.g., “What is…”, “How to…”), followed by concise answers.
- Use simple, easy-to-understand language. Avoid jargon and complex sentence structures. That´s not to say you should over-simplify things. Remember that E-E-A-T is vital but you can break down your deeper knowledge and combine this with “snippets” of direct simple briefer responses.
- Provide direct, conversational answers. Imagine you’re explaining the topic to a friend.
- Use bullet points or numbered lists for step-by-step instructions or key takeaways.
- Optimize for featured snippets (more on this in the next section)
Optimizing for Featured Snippets
What is a featured snippet? I knew you would ask that! Featured snippets, also known as “position zero“, are the boxed results that appear at the top of Google’s search results. They provide concise, direct answers to user queries and are often read aloud by voice assistants. Wouldn´t it be lovely if your content was snippeted? (I think that´s not a real word but you know what I mean – if you were featured in the snippets!). So, how do you increase your chances of appearing in the featured snippets?
To increase your chances of winning a featured snippet:
- Directly answer the question in a concise, clear manner (40-50 words).
- Place the question and answer together in your content, with the question in a header tag (H1, H2, etc.).
- Use proper formatting, such as bullets or numbered lists for steps or ingredients.
- Provide additional context or details after the direct answer.
Remember that there are only a few places at the top so whether you are a local business or a multinational global corporate organisation you have to get everything absolutely spot on to get your content featured right up there – show them you are the best of the best and ensure that you give people (and AI search engines) what they need – fast takeaway answers that are accurate!
Technical Elements for Voice SEO
Now, let’s talk about the technical side of things. While content and keywords are important, there are some behind-the-scenes factors that can significantly impact your voice search performance.
Think of it like this: if your website is a car, technical SEO is the engine that makes it run smoothly. Without a well-tuned engine, your car won’t perform at its best, no matter how shiny the exterior is.
Here are some key technical SEO enhancements to focus on:
Site Speed
In the fast-paced world of voice search, users expect instant answers. If your website takes too long to load, they’ll likely bounce and find another source. Use tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights to analyse your site speed and identify areas for improvement.
If your site is not fast then a voice search engine cannot process the information quickly enough and yes, we are talking milliseconds so if your site is taking anything more than this to load at least the readable content then it needs a technical SEO overhaul.
Mobile-Friendliness
Most voice searches happen on mobile devices, so it’s crucial to have a mobile-friendly website. Ensure your site is responsive, meaning it adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes. One thing that can help with mobile optimisation is to have a site that may even reduce the amount of “fancy” content on mobile devices. Images for example may look nice but overdoing them can slow down mobile versions.
It´s not unusual for us to make certain elements only visible on desktop (and maybe tablet) versions of websites, and a slightly more stripped back version for the mobile user without of course reducing the quality of the user experience.
Leveraging Structured Data (Schema Markup)
What is Schema markup? Structured data, or schema markup, is a code that helps search engines better understand your content. By using structured data, you can explicitly tell search engines what your content means, rather than relying on them to infer it.
Schema markup can be put in at code level or with plugins, depending on how your website it set up. If you use WordPress for example then using SEO plugins such as Rankmath (transparency note, that´s an affiliate link so we get a small commission if you sign up through that link but I do recommend RankMath as part of a holistic and strategic approach to SEO and cover more about them here) will help you by adding the appropriate markup to things like FAQ blocks, videos and so on.
By using structured data within your content, the search engines know which bits of a page to go to to get the best information fast so it really can help with voice SEO.
Local SEO for Voice Search
Remember that story about the person searching for the best sushi restaurant nearby? That’s where local SEO comes in. When someone uses voice search to find a business, they’re usually looking for something in their immediate vicinity. That’s why it’s crucial to optimize your online presence for local searches.
Think of it like this: your Google My Business profile is your storefront in the voice search world. It’s often the first thing people see (or hear) when they search for businesses like yours. So, make sure it’s in tip-top shape!
Here’s what you can do:
- Claim and verify your Google My Business listing. This is the foundation of your local SEO efforts.
- Ensure your business information is accurate and up-to-date. This includes your address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and categories.
- Add photos and videos to showcase your business. This helps potential customers get a feel for your brand and offerings.
- Encourage customers to leave reviews. Positive reviews not only boost your credibility but also improve your visibility in local search results.
- Respond to reviews, both positive and negative. This shows that you’re engaged with your customers and care about their feedback.
In addition to your Google My Business profile, you can also optimize your website content for local voice search by:
- Incorporating location-specific keywords. For example, if you’re a bakery in London, you might use keywords like “best bakery in London” or “artisan bread in London.”
- Creating location-specific landing pages. This can help you target specific neighbourhoods or areas within your city.
- Building local citations. This means getting your business listed on relevant online directories and platforms.
By focusing on local SEO, you can ensure that your business is front and center when people use voice search to find products or services in your area.



Voice Search SEO for National and International Businesses
We have talked about local businesses throughout this article and local businesses really have a chance to leverage voice search through an effective voice SEO plan to drive users with real buying intent to their businesses but what about if your business model is not a local business? Perhaps you are an online store covering a national or even international client base or perhaps you are a service based business or corporation.
Does Voice Search SEO apply to non-local businesses?
The answer is that it absolutely does. Not everyone using voice search is looking for a local service. They may be asking questions with varying levels of user intent but many of which can lead to your information being delivered. Whether you are a mail order parts supplier for domestic appliances or a financial services organisation offering national coverage, by creating content that answers questions through a well planned voice SEO campaign you can reap the rewards of voice search.
But how does just answering questions drive me sales leads?
It´s not all about just answering questions, it´s about providing a valuable source of useful information that users and likewise AI powered search engines can use. If they trust the content that you are publishing and then they are very likely to use your business when they need to purchase whatever product or service you are offering
Case Study – We Practice What we Preach!
We ranked number 2 in 3 days – In a Fiercely competitive marketplace.
Well, let´s be honest, the SEO company that ranks first for SEO whether it´s niche or not, when all of the competitors are experts in the very task of SEO are obviously doing something right!
For those of you who dont know, this website is relatively new at the time of writing and when I say “relatively”, It´s hot off the press and in fact is still being worked on but we were formed after our principle´s 3 decades in corporate and consulting in the area of Web Design and SEO so whilst our site is new, our experience and authoritativeness certainly isn´t.
However, by taking the time to invest in a truly holistic approach to SEO and in particular make out content user-centric, educational and voice SEO friendly, within a few weeks we already rank number one in multiple search platforms in specific niches like holistic SEO which is our speciality.
We are not geographically targeting a particular local audience because our service (and indeed out specialists) are based around the world but within a few weeks we have built the trust of the search engines by delivering quality, fact checked content.
I earlier asked some questions about “Holistic SEO” to Perplexity AI and as you can see, the sources are always shown.


Even though the search engines have not had time to update out favicon yet, we are being used as a top source of information. I certainly don´t mind being sandwiched between SEMRush and Neil Patel (there´s another sobering thought!)
So, if a user is asking questions, in this case about SEO whether it was in a particular town or at whatever level, and they click to see (or ask) the sources, don´t you think there is a strong likelihood that they will click through to the website or make contact with the source that the search engines are naturally trusting as the leading authority on the subject?
This highlights what we have been saying for many years and has recently been well documented. That modern algorithms, in particular AI and voice search are, despite the high tech elements, driving back the good old fashioned way business has always been done. Establish yourself as a leading authority on whatever your sector might be and people will talk about you and trust you. This is where E-E-A-T and user intent should be at the very heart of your SEO in general, and especially in your voice search SEO planning.
Bringing it all together: Your Voice Search SEO Action Plan
So there you have it – your comprehensive guide to navigating the exciting world of voice search SEO. We’ve covered everything from the rise of voice search and how it works to specific optimization techniques and the importance of local SEO.
Remember, voice search is not just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how people interact with the online world. By optimizing your website for voice search, you’re not just keeping up with the times; you’re positioning your business for greater visibility, engagement, and success in the years to come.
Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways:
- Embrace the Conversational: Think like your audience speaks, and optimize your content for those natural, question-based queries.
- Content is King, but Context is Queen: Provide clear, concise answers that directly address user intent.
- Mobile Optimization is a Must: Most voice searches happen on mobile, so ensure your site is responsive and lightning-fast.
- Local SEO for the Win: For businesses with a physical presence, local voice search optimization is your golden ticket to attracting nearby customers.
- Don’t Forget the Technicals: From site speed to schema markup, technical SEO plays a crucial role in voice search performance.
Now it’s time to put this knowledge into action! Start by reviewing your website content and identifying areas for improvement. Conduct thorough keyword research, optimize your Google My Business profile, and ensure your site is mobile-friendly.
And remember, the world of SEO is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest trends and updates, and continue to refine your strategies to ensure your website remains at the forefront of voice search results.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need expert guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of Holistic SEO specialists. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of voice search optimization and achieve your business goals.
Ready to make your website heard in the age of voice search? Let’s get started! Contact us today for a free Voice SEO consultation or indeed a consultation about any aspect of your online presence or digital marketing – wherever you are in the world or whether your organisation is big or small. We would love to hear from you and maybe even work with you to get your website ranking at the top of the voice search results. If we can do it for us, we can do it for you!
Voice Search SEO – Frequently Asked Questions
To sum up, here are some of the most common questions we have been asked recently about voice SEO. As always, you are welcome to contact us if you want to know anything else – or just for a chat!
What is voice search?
Voice search allows users to search the internet, a device, or an application using voice commands instead of typing. It offers a convenient and hands-free way to find information, complete tasks, and interact with devices.
How does voice search work?
Voice search involves a combination of technologies, including speech recognition, natural language processing (NLP), information retrieval, and response generation. The device captures the user’s voice, converts it to text, interprets the query’s meaning, searches for relevant information, and provides a spoken response.
Why is voice search important for businesses?
Voice search is important because it’s a growing trend, with an increasing number of people using it to find information, products, and services. Optimizing for voice search can enhance a business’s visibility, drive traffic, and improve customer engagement.
How can I optimize my website for voice search?
Optimizing for voice search involves targeting conversational keywords, creating question-and-answer-style content, using structured data, ensuring mobile-friendliness, and maintaining a fast-loading website.
What are some common voice search queries?
Common voice search queries often include questions, location-based searches (u0022near meu0022), and requests for information on specific topics.
How can I track the success of my voice search optimization efforts?
ou can track the success of your voice search optimization efforts by monitoring key metrics like organic traffic, featured snippet visibility, and conversion rates. Tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Bing Webmaster Tools can provide valuable insights.
What are featured snippets, and why are they important for voice search?
Featured snippets are concise, direct answers that appear at the top of search results. They are often read aloud by voice assistants, making them crucial for voice search visibility.
How can I improve my local SEO for voice search?
You can improve your local SEO for voice search by optimizing your Google My Business profile, incorporating location-specific keywords into your website content, and encouraging customer reviews.
What is the future of voice search?
The future of voice search is expected to be driven by advancements in AI, NLP, and smart home integration. Voice commerce and multimodal search are also likely to play a significant role in shaping the future of voice search.
Where can I find more information on voice search optimization?
You can find more information on voice search optimization through various online resources, including industry blogs, SEO guides, and tutorials.