Voice Search: 5 Best Practices to Drive Traffic & Improve Rankings

With the rise of digital assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, voice search is changing how people find information online. In fact, more users are relying on voice search for quick, hands-free answers. The Web Guys is monitoring this shift, which has created a new challenge—and opportunity—for businesses looking to enhance SEO performance. Here are five of the best practices to optimize for voice search and stay ahead of the curve.

1. Focus on Conversational Keywords

Voice searches tend to be longer and more conversational than typed queries. Instead of typing “best pizza NYC,” a voice user might ask, “What’s the best pizza place near me?” To adapt, use long-tail keywords and natural language that mirrors how people actually speak. Tools like AnswerThePublic or Google’s “People Also Ask” feature can help you identify common questions and phrases.

2. Optimize for Featured Snippets

Many voice assistants pull answers directly from featured snippets (a.k.a. “position zero” on Google). To increase your chances of landing there, structure your content clearly. Use headings, bullet points, and concise answers to common questions. Focus on giving quick, accurate responses to “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” and “how” queries.

3. Improve Your Local SEO

Voice search is heavily used for local queries like “Where’s the nearest coffee shop?” To capture this traffic, make sure your Google Business Profile is fully optimized—accurate name, address, phone number, hours, and reviews. Use local keywords in your content and ensure your site is listed on relevant local directories.

4. Speed Up Your Site and Make It Mobile-Friendly

Voice searches often happen on mobile devices, so a fast, mobile-optimized site is crucial. Google prioritizes page speed and mobile usability in its ranking algorithm. Compress images, utilize responsive design, and minimize loading times to enhance the user experience (and improve search engine rankings).

5. Create FAQ Pages

FAQs are a goldmine for voice search optimization. Since many voice queries are questions, a well-structured FAQ page can help you rank for multiple voice-related queries. Use simple, clear answers and organize them in a way that’s easy for both users and search engines to scan.

Voice search is no longer a trend—it’s a fundamental part of how users find information. By using conversational language, targeting featured snippets, focusing on local SEO, optimizing your site speed, and building solid FAQ pages, you’ll be well on your way to improving your voice search visibility and driving more traffic. Contact The Web Guys in Scottsdale, Arizona, at (602) 613-2933 to discover how we can help expand your online presence. With offices in Indiana, Michigan, Florida, and Arizona, we proudly serve companies across the nation. 

 

Cecilia Decima, “Voice Search Optimization for SEO: The Rise of Voice Search,” WSI (blog), April 8, 2024.