Voice search is no longer a novelty; it’s now a key part of how users interact with the web. With smartphones, smart speakers and virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant becoming part of daily life, businesses must adapt.

Around 20.5% of people worldwide use voice search, which is around 1 in 5 actively using voice search on a daily basis. Therefore, you could be missing out on valuable, high-intent traffic if your website isn’t optimised for voice search. This is especially important for users looking for quick answers or local services on the go.

How is Voice Search Different?

Voice queries differ from traditional search in both length and tone. Instead of typing short phrases like “SEO tips”, people are more likely to ask fully formed questions, such as:

  • “What are the best SEO tips for local businesses?”
  • “How can I make my website faster for mobile users?”

These searches are longer, more conversational and often more intent-driven, meaning the user expects a direct, spoken answer. This change in behaviour requires businesses to rethink how they structure and write online content.

Try and Use Natural Language

When optimising for voice search, you need to be writing in a more conversational tone. Use complete questions and phrases that reflect how someone might talk out loud.

A simple but effective tactic is to add an FAQ section to your pages. This allows you to include natural, question-based content without disrupting the flow of your main copy. Tools like Google’s “People Also Ask” can help you identify common voice-style queries in your niche.

Focus on Featured Snippets

Voice assistants often pull answers directly from featured snippets, which are the boxed answers you see at the top of Google results. To increase your chances:

  • Answer questions in 40–60 words
  • Use lists, steps or bullet points
  • Structure content with clear headings

This helps search engines understand your content and makes it easier to extract direct answers.

Optimise for Local Voice Searches

Many voice searches have local intent. People often ask things like, “Where’s the closest Italian restaurant?” or “Plumbers near me.”

Make sure your website is optimised for local SEO. This includes:

  • Listing your business on Google Business Profile
  • Using consistent contact details (name, address, phone number)
  • Optimise your website for local keywords in your page content

Also, embed maps, opening hours and directions to help voice assistants serve up your site.

Write for Humans, Not Just Search Engines

Good voice-optimised content is clear, helpful and written in plain English. 

  • Avoid jargon. 
  • Keep sentences short. 
  • Prioritise readability over keyword stuffing.

Remember, you’re writing for a real person who’s speaking into their phone or speaker, not a machine.

Voice search is growing fast, and it’s changing how people find information online. Optimising your website now will help you stay ahead of the curve. Focus on conversational content, clear structure, local SEO and fast website performance.

Voice Search and AI Search Share the Same Foundation

Many of the techniques that improve voice search visibility are now essential for AI search optimisation too. Tools like Google’s AI Overviews and ChatGPT pull from structured, natural-sounding content to generate answers. If your content is already optimised for voice, you’re one step ahead in being surfaced by AI. At Pod Digital, we see voice search and AI search as two sides of the same coin. We’re helping clients stay discoverable in both.

Voice search isn’t the future; it’s already a key part of how people browse and buy. At Pod Digital, we’re already ahead of the curve. Get in touch today and let us help make sure your website is ready to answer when your customers ask.