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How Voice Search is Changing the Way We Find Information Online

A cartoon of a man leaning on letters that say SEO, next to a title relating to voice search

Voice search has quickly become a transformative trend in how people search for information online. Whether it’s asking Siri for the weather, querying Alexa about local shops, or using Google Assistant to find dinner options, it is no longer a futuristic tool – it’s here and it’s thriving.

For businesses, this shift has significant implications. Optimising for voice search is now critical to staying visible and accessible to customers who rely on voice-activated technology.

In this blog, we’ll explore what voice search is, why it matters for businesses, and how you can optimise your online presence to thrive in this evolving digital landscape.

Voice search allows users to speak directly to their devices – smartphones, tablets, smart speakers, or computers – to perform online searches. Using advanced technologies like speech recognition and Artificial Intelligence (AI), devices translate spoken queries into search results.

For example, a user might ask their phone:

  • “Where’s the nearest Italian restaurant?”
  • “What time does Tesco close in Epsom?”
  • “How do I bake a Victoria sponge cake?”

Instead of typing out the query, voice search technology instantly processes and delivers results.

Why are Voice Searches Important for Businesses?

1. They Are On The Rise

With the increasing popularity of smart speakers (like Amazon Echo and Google Home) and voice assistants, voice search has become a daily habit for millions of users. According to Statista, over 50% of searches globally are now conducted via voice.

Additionally, 71% of consumers prefer voice over typing when searching for quick answers or local information. Businesses that fail to optimise for voice search risk missing out on valuable opportunities to connect with customers.

2. They Are Local

Voice search is inherently location-based. People often use it while on the move to find immediate solutions:

  • “Find a plumber near me.”
  • “Coffee shops open now in Guildford.”

In fact, according to Think with Google, near-me searches have grown by over 500% in recent years. If your business isn’t optimised for these local searches, you could be overlooked in favour of competitors who are.

3. They Are Conversational

Unlike traditional text searches, voice search queries are longer and more conversational. People tend to speak in full sentences or questions, such as:

  • “What’s the best gym in Reigate for beginners?”
  • “How much does an MOT cost near Woking?”

Optimising for these natural language queries can help businesses rank higher in search results, particularly for featured snippets and local search results.

1. Focus on Conversational Keywords

When optimising for this type of search, think like your audience. People speak naturally when using voice assistants, so target long-tail keywords and questions. Use tools like AnswerThePublic to identify common questions people are asking in your industry.

For example:

  • Instead of “coffee shop Surrey”, optimise for “Where can I find a coffee shop near Guildford High Street?”

2. Optimise for Local SEO

Most voice searches are location-specific, so optimising for local SEO is essential. Steps include:

  • Ensuring your Google Business Profile is complete and accurate. Include business hours, services, and location.
  • Targeting phrases like “near me,” specific postcodes, and landmarks.
  • Encouraging customer reviews – voice assistants often pull recommendations from businesses with positive reviews.

For example, a hair salon in Croydon could optimise for phrases like:

  • “Best hair salon in Croydon town centre.”
  • “Haircuts near CR0 postcode.”

Voice assistants often read out featured snippets – concise answers displayed at the top of Google search results. To improve your chances:

  • Provide clear, structured answers to common questions.
  • Use headings, bullet points, and concise explanations.
  • Add FAQ sections to your website that address popular queries.

For example, a blog titled “How to repair a leaking tap” could answer the query: “How do I fix a leaking kitchen tap at home?” in a simple, step-by-step format.

4. Ensure Your Website is Fast and Mobile-Friendly

Voice searches are often performed on mobile devices, so your website must:

  • Load quickly (ideally under 3 seconds).
  • Be mobile-optimised and easy to navigate.
  • Deliver clear, relevant information on the first page.

Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can help identify areas for improvement.

5. Use Structured Data (Schema Markup)

Structured data helps search engines understand your content better. By adding schema markup to your website, you can improve your chances of being featured in voice search results. Learn more about structured data from Schema.org.

The Role of Voice Search in the Future of SEO

Voice search is no longer a passing trend – it’s the future of SEO. As technology evolves, we can expect voice queries to become even more accurate, integrated, and widespread. Key trends include:

  • Voice Commerce: People using voice assistants to make purchases, such as “Order dog food from Amazon.”
  • Integration with Smart Devices: Homes, cars, and wearables are becoming voice-activated, increasing opportunities for local businesses.
  • AI-Powered Search Enhancements: Tools like Google’s BERT and MUM (Multitask Unified Model) are improving search engines’ understanding of natural language.

Businesses that adapt to these changes now will stay ahead of the competition and capture growing voice search traffic.

Optimising for voice search requires a strategic approach, including conversational content, technical SEO, and local optimisation. An experienced SEO agency can help you:

  • Identify voice search opportunities relevant to your business.
  • Optimise your content to target natural, spoken queries.
  • Improve your local search presence with hyper-local SEO strategies.

Don’t Let Your Business Be Left Behind

Voice search is here to stay, and businesses that fail to optimise for this growing trend risk losing valuable visibility in search results. 

By targeting conversational queries, focusing on local SEO, and delivering content that answers users’ spoken questions, you can ensure your business stays competitive in an AI-driven digital world.

Ready to optimise your business for voice search? Contact us today for a free SEO audit and expert advice on staying ahead of the competition. Let’s help you connect with customers searching for you – by voice!