8 Effective Ways to Optimise Your Website for Voice Search

Voice search is changing the way people find information online. More websites are adapting their SEO strategies to cater to voice searches, but it requires a different approach compared to traditional search. If you want to stay ahead, here are eight ways to optimise your site for voice search and improve your chances of appearing in results.

Mel Gibbons

25 March, 2022

1. Get answers to the 5 Ws (and How)

People use voice search to ask specific questions, so your content should provide clear answers to:

Who
What
Where
When
Why
How

Including these in your content helps voice assistants pull relevant responses directly from your site. Make sure your contact details and key business information are up to date so potential customers can find what they need easily.

2. List a Google Business Profile

If you have a local business, a well-optimised Google Business Profile (GBP) formerly known as a Google My Business (GMB) profile is essential. Many voice searches are location-based, meaning Google pulls information from GBP’s.

How to optimise your GBP listing:

Ensure your business name, address and phone number are correct.
Use long-tail keywords in your description.
Add high-quality images.
Keep business hours up to date.
Encourage and respond to customer reviews.

3. Improve Your Page Speed

Slow websites frustrate users and negatively impact rankings. Since voice search is about quick answers, your site needs to load fast.

Ways to speed up your site:

Compress images
Enable browser caching
Minimise HTTP requests
Use a content delivery network (CDN)

4. Use Long-Tail Keywords

Voice searches tend to be longer and more conversational. Instead of ‘best coffee shop Adelaide” users might ask, “Where’s the best coffee shop near me that’s open now?”

How to optimise for long-tail keywords:

Create content that answers common customer questions.
Write in a conversational tone.
Use natural phrasing instead of keyword stuffing.

5. Optimise Your Landing Pages

A strong landing page ensures visitors stay on your site and take action. If your page doesn’t match search intent, users will leave.

Best Practices:

Ensure content is relevant to the user’s search.
Make the copy engaging and clear.
Include a strong call to action (CTA) to encourage conversions.

6. Make Content Conversational

Search engines favour content that sounds natural. Write as if you’re answering a real person’s question.

Tips for conversational content:

Use simple, direct language.
Structure content in a Q&A format.
Address customer pain points directly.

7. Focus on Local Content

When you create content for voice searches, don’t forget to generate content that can draw more buying interest from your local customers. You can also focus on local events or news that can help bring more attention to your business.

Since many voice searches are location-based, creating localised content improves visibility.

Ways to create local content:

Write blog posts about local events and news.
Include location-specific keywords.
Optimise “near me” searches.

8. Ensure Mobile Optimisation

Most voice searches happen on mobile devices, so your site needs to be mobile-friendly.

Key mobile optimisation steps:

Use responsive design.
Ensure fast loading speeds.
Keep content easy to read on small screens.

Keep SEO and Voice Search Working Together

Voice search doesn’t replace traditional SEO – it complements it. Continue optimising your site for both to maximise traffic and conversions. A well-rounded SEO strategy improves visibility, attracts more leads, and ultimately boosts sales.

Final Thoughts

Voice search is here to stay, and optimising your website now will help you stay ahead. Implement these strategies, monitor your site’s performance, and keep refining your approach. The more accessible and user-friendly your website is, the better your chances or ranking in voice search results.