Siri, Alexa, Cortana, OK Google … Voice search is becoming increasingly popular among consumers, as the technology gets better and as we get more comfortable with it. Voice search is a convenient way for people to get the information they need without typing or scrolling through a website. As a small business owner, optimizing your website for voice search can help you reach a larger audience and improve your online presence.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio.
Before you optimize your website for voice searches, go through the steps for local search engine optimization (SEO), and making sure that your site is mobile-friendly. Because most voice searches are for local services and done through mobile devices, then ensure that your website meets your web visitor’s expected use.
With this foundation, take a look at how your content is written and presented. Is the tone conversational, does it sound natural?
Understand How Voice Search Works
Voice search technology relies on natural language processing (NLP), which allows users to speak to their devices as if they were talking to another person. The search engine then processes the voice input and provides the most relevant results.
Identify Your Target Audience’s Voice Search Queries
Knowing the queries that your target audience uses for voice search is essential for optimizing your website. Unlike traditional keyword research, voice search queries are conversational and longer, focusing on questions and phrases instead of specific keywords. Researching your target audience’s voice search queries can help you create content that answers their questions and addresses their pain points.
What are they actually asking?
Use Conversational Language in Your Content
Voice search queries are conversational, so use conversational language in your website. Focus on creating content that answers your target audience’s questions in a natural, conversational tone. Keep your content concise and to the point for improving readability.

Provide Accurate and Detailed Information
Accuracy and detail are crucial. Ensure your website provides accurate and up-to-date information about your business, products, and services. Provide detailed information about your business to help search engines understand what you offer and how you can help your target audience. Try to anticipate their questions, what they’re actually asking.
Incorporate FAQ Pages
Incorporate a frequently asked questions (FAQ) page on your website. Create a list of common questions your target audience may have and provide detailed answers. This can help rank your website higher in voice search results and improve your website’s authority and trustworthiness.
Final Thoughts On Voice Search
Optimizing your small business website for voice search is becoming increasingly important. Consumers are becoming more likely to speak into their smart phone or car dashboard to find a product or service near their location. The major steps to make your website “voice searchable” is to make it sound as natural and conversational as you can. You customers are speaking. Is your website ready to “talk back”?