Voice search is rapidly transforming the way people interact with technology, and it’s already becoming a game-changer in the world of digital marketing. With the increasing use of smart devices like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, and Apple’s Siri, businesses need to adapt to this shift in consumer behaviour. The ability to speak naturally into a device and get immediate results is changing the expectations for online search—and businesses that optimise for voice search will be ahead of the curve.

If you’re wondering how to prepare your business for the rise of voice search, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Voice Search is the Next Big Thing  

Voice search is fast, convenient, and hands-free, making it ideal for busy people on the go. According to a study by ComScore, it’s predicted that by 2024, nearly 50% of all online searches will be voice-based. This growth is driven by the widespread adoption of smart speakers, voice assistants, and the increasing accuracy of voice recognition technology.

Consumers love the simplicity of asking a question and getting an instant answer without needing to type or scroll. For businesses, this shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity. If you can optimise your content for voice search, you’ll not only improve your search engine rankings but also make it easier for potential customers to find you.

How Does Voice Search Work?  

Voice search allows users to speak their queries rather than typing them into a search engine. The device’s voice assistant processes the spoken words, converts them into text, and then searches the web for the most relevant information.

Key Differences Between Voice Search and Text Search:  

• Natural Language: People tend to use natural, conversational language in voice search, which means they ask questions more like they would in a real conversation. For example, instead of typing “best coffee shop Sunshine Coast,” they might ask, “What’s the best coffee shop near me?”
• Question-Based Queries: Voice searches often take the form of questions. Users are more likely to ask, “How do I fix a leaky tap?” rather than just typing “fix leaky tap.”
• Local Search Focus: Many voice searches are local in nature, with users looking for nearby businesses, restaurants, or services.

How to Optimise Your Business for Voice Search  

To prepare your business for the rise of voice search, it’s essential to adapt your SEO strategy. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your content is ready for voice-based queries.

1. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords  

Since voice search is more conversational, the keywords people use tend to be longer and more specific. These are known as long-tail keywords. For example, instead of targeting “digital marketing agency,” you might focus on phrases like “What is the best digital marketing agency on the Sunshine Coast?” By optimising for these types of queries, you’ll be more likely to appear in voice search results.

How to Identify Long-Tail Keywords:  

• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, AnswerThePublic, or SEMrush to find long-tail keyword variations.
• Think about the questions your customers might ask about your products or services and create content that answers those questions.

2. Optimise for Local Search  

Many voice searches are conducted on mobile devices, with users looking for local services. To take advantage of this, ensure your business is optimised for local SEO. This means:

• Claiming your Google My Business listing.
• Ensuring your contact information, address, and opening hours are up to date.
• Adding location-based keywords to your website’s content.

Voice search often provides “near me” results, so having accurate, local information will increase the chances of your business showing up in relevant searches.

3. Use Structured Data and Schema Markup  

Structured data helps search engines understand the content on your website better, and using schema markup can make your business more visible in voice search results. Schema markup provides additional context about your website’s content, such as reviews, pricing, and business hours.

For example, if someone searches, “What are the hours for a digital marketing agency on the Sunshine Coast?” Google can pull this information from your schema markup and provide an immediate, accurate answer.

4. Optimise for Featured Snippets  

Featured snippets are short answers to search queries that appear at the top of Google’s results page. These snippets are often used by voice assistants to provide direct answers to user questions. To optimise for featured snippets, focus on:

• Creating clear, concise answers to common questions.
• Using headers to break up your content and make it easy for search engines to find relevant information.
• Providing useful, value-driven content that directly addresses user queries.

For example, if someone asks, “How can I optimise my website for SEO?” a well-structured blog post that answers this question could be featured in a snippet.

5. Ensure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly  

Many voice searches are done on mobile devices, so having a mobile-friendly website is crucial. If your website isn’t optimised for mobile, it will likely perform poorly in voice search results. Make sure your site loads quickly, is easy to navigate on small screens, and provides a seamless user experience.

You can use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool to check how well your website performs on mobile devices and identify areas for improvement.

6. Write in a Conversational Tone  

When optimising your content for voice search, it’s important to write in a natural, conversational tone. Since voice search queries are often more conversational, your content should reflect this style. Focus on answering questions directly, using simple language, and avoiding jargon.

For example, if someone asks, “What is voice search?” your content should provide a straightforward, concise answer in a conversational tone, like: “Voice search allows users to speak their queries instead of typing them into a search engine.”

Conclusion: Preparing Your Business for Voice Search  

Voice search is here to stay, and its usage will only continue to grow in the coming years. By optimising your business’s online presence for voice search, you’ll be better positioned to capture this audience, improve your search rankings, and stay ahead of your competition. Whether it’s focusing on long-tail keywords, enhancing local SEO, or ensuring your website is mobile-friendly, these steps will help you prepare for the next big thing in search.

Need help optimising your business for voice search? Our digital marketing team on the Sunshine Coast is here to guide you through the process and ensure your brand is ready for the future of search.