In today’s fast-moving digital world, voice search is changing the way people find information. With smart speakers, virtual assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, and voice-activated search becoming more common, businesses need to keep up. If you haven’t thought about Voice Search Optimisation before, now’s the perfect time to start. Ignite Search, one of Australia’s leading digital marketing experts, has been helping businesses adapt to these changes with real-world strategies. This guide will break down Voice Search Optimisation in simple terms and show you how to make it work for your business.
What is Voice Search Optimisation?
Voice search optimisation (VSO) is the process of tweaking your website and content so that it ranks well in searches made through voice assistants. Unlike text-based searches, voice queries are usually longer and sound more like natural conversation. For example, instead of typing “best coffee shop Perth,” a voice search user might ask, “Where’s the best coffee shop in Perth?” This shift means businesses need to rethink their approach to SEO to stay relevant.
Why Voice Search Matters for Businesses
Voice search isn’t just a novelty—it’s quickly becoming a major part of how people look up information. More than half of consumers use voice search daily, and this number keeps rising. Nearly half of voice searches are for local businesses, which means if you rely on local customers, voice search is something you can’t afford to ignore. People love voice search for its speed and hands-free convenience, especially when driving or multitasking. As search engines continue to prioritise voice-friendly content, businesses that don’t optimise for it risk getting left behind.
How to Optimise Your Website for Voice Search
1. Use Conversational Keywords & Long-Tail Phrases
People don’t talk like search engines. They ask full questions and use natural language. Instead of targeting short keywords like “gluten-free cake recipe,” aim for conversational searches like “How do I bake a gluten-free cake?” Local businesses should include phrases like “Which bakery near me sells fresh sourdough?” to show up in location-based results.
2. Optimise for Featured Snippets
Voice assistants love pulling answers from featured snippets—those quick, highlighted answers at the top of Google’s search results. To boost your chances of being featured, answer common customer questions clearly and concisely. Using structured data markup and formatting answers in easy-to-read lists or bullet points can also help.
3. Improve Website Speed & Mobile Friendliness
Most voice searches happen on mobile, so if your website is slow or hard to navigate, you’re already at a disadvantage. Make sure your site loads quickly by compressing images and using a reliable web host. Consider enabling Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) for faster performance and ensure your website design works well on all screen sizes.
4. Leverage Local SEO
If you run a local business, voice search can be a game-changer. Make sure your Google Business Profile is up to date with accurate contact details, opening hours, and location information. Using local keywords like “best hair salon in Fremantle” and encouraging customers to leave reviews can boost your chances of appearing in voice search results.
5. Write Content in a Natural, Conversational Tone
Because voice search mimics natural conversations, your website’s content should too. Avoid robotic or overly technical writing—stick to a friendly, easy-to-read tone that feels like you’re having a chat with your audience.
6. Use Structured Data & Schema Markup
Search engines rely on structured data to understand website content better. Adding schema markup to your site helps Google pull relevant information for voice search results. Businesses should mark up important details like location, business hours, FAQs, and product details to increase their chances of showing up in voice search answers.
Future Trends in Voice Search Optimisation The voice search landscape is evolving fast. AI-driven virtual assistants are becoming more advanced, meaning search results need to be more accurate than ever. We’re also seeing a rise in multimodal search, where voice, text, and visual search combine for a smoother experience. On top of that, searches are becoming more personalised, adapting to user behaviour and preferences.
Final Thoughts: Take Action Today Voice search isn’t the future—it’s happening right now. Businesses that start optimising today will have a head start on those that don’t. Making your website voice-friendly will help you stay visible and relevant as more people turn to voice assistants for everyday searches.
Need help getting started? Ignite Search can take the guesswork out of Voice Search Optimisation. Our team of SEO experts can guide you through the process and help you implement strategies that work.
📞 Get in touch today for expert advice on Voice Search Optimisation!
