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How to Target Keywords for Voice Search Optimization

   By: Hayden Jarman


Voice search is reshaping how we find information.


Think about it: How often do you say, "Hey, Google, where's the nearest coffee shop?" instead of typing it out?

That shift is why businesses need to get serious about optimizing for voice search. With 8.4 billion voice assistants projected globally by the end of 2024, staying relevant means making your content work for the way people speak.

Let's cut through the noise and figure out exactly how you can rank for voice search queries.

 

Table of Contents:

 

🤖 Are You Voice Search Ready? Diagnostic Quiz 🔍

Answer these quick questions to evaluate your website's readiness for voice search!

1. Do you use conversational, question-based keywords?


2. Is your website optimized for mobile devices?


3. Do you use schema markup to structure your data?


4. Is your Google My Business profile updated and optimized?


5. Does your site load in under 3 seconds?


 

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Why Voice Search Is Different

Voice searches aren't like traditional searches. They're conversational, natural, and packed with intent. Instead of short phrases, people ask full questions.


For example:

  • Traditional search: "best pizza NYC"
  • Voice search: "Where's the best pizza place near me?"


Voice search also leans heavily on local results. 76% of voice searches are for nearby businesses, and mobile voice queries are three times more likely to focus on local information than text searches.



Here's how they compare:

Search Type Typical Query Style Device Purpose
Text Search "Coffee shop NYC" Desktop or mobile General research
Voice Search "Where can I get coffee nearby?" Smart speakers, smartphones Immediate action



To win at voice search, you need to meet users where they are---on their phones, smart speakers, and even car dashboards.

Learn More: Optimize your strategy with our local SEO guide.
 


Focus on Conversational Keywords

Voice search mirrors how people talk. Instead of short-tail keywords, you need natural, question-based phrases. Think about what someone might actually ask their smart assistant.


Examples:

  • Traditional keyword: "plumber NYC"
  • Voice search keyword: "Who's the best plumber near me?"


Tools like SEMrush or AnswerThePublic can help you uncover these conversational queries.
 

Build Content Around FAQs

Voice assistants prioritize direct, simple answers. Structuring your content as FAQs ensures you're hitting the mark. Answer common questions concisely while weaving in keywords.


Example:

  • Question: "How do I optimize for voice search?"
  • Answer: "Focus on conversational keywords, improve mobile speed, and use structured data."


Dive deeper into SEO-friendly website development.


Optimize for Local SEO

Voice search loves local. To capture this traffic, make sure your local SEO is airtight:

  • Claim and update your Google My Business profile.
  • Use "near me" and location-based phrases naturally.
  • Ensure your NAP information (Name, Address, Phone) is consistent everywhere.


Learn More: Master multi-location SEO.


Prioritize Mobile Optimization

Most voice searches happen on mobile, so your site needs to load fast and look great on any device.

  • Ensure it loads in under three seconds.
  • Use a responsive design that adjusts to any screen.
  • Keep navigation clean and intuitive.

Including key entities in your content builds authority. These names, places, and products are connected to voice search optimization:

Category Examples
People Danny Sullivan, Neil Patel, Rand Fishkin
Organizations Google LLC, Amazon.com, Inc., Apple Inc., Microsoft Corporation
Places Mountain View (Google HQ), Seattle (Amazon HQ), Cupertino (Apple HQ)
Things Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Microsoft Cortana, Smart Speakers



Use these naturally in your content. For instance, if you're talking about voice assistants, mention Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa to align with what users are searching for.
 

What Voice Assistants Look For


Relevance

Your content needs to answer questions directly. If someone asks, "How do I rank for voice search?" and your page offers a clear, step-by-step explanation, you're more likely to rank.


Speed

A slow site? Forget about it. Pages need to load in under three seconds to even stand a chance. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to test and improve performance.


Structured Data

Schema markup helps search engines understand your content. Use it to highlight FAQs, products, and local business information.


Learn More: Understand the importance of schema.
 

Mobile-Friendliness

If your site isn't mobile-friendly, you're missing out. Make sure buttons are easy to tap, text is readable, and images don't slow down the experience.
 

Tools You Need for Voice Search Optimization

The right tools can make all the difference.

Here are a few essentials:

Tool Purpose
Google Analytics Track voice-driven conversions.
BrightLocal Monitor local SEO performance.
SEMrush Discover long-tail voice keywords.

Voice search isn't static.

Here are trends shaping the future:

  • Smart Speaker Growth: By 2025, 75% of households will own smart speakers.
  • Local Query Dominance: Expect even more searches like "pizza near me."
  • Personalized Results: Voice assistants are getting smarter, delivering results tailored to individual preferences.


Learn More: Keep up with the latest in SEO and local trends.


Voice Search Mistakes to Avoid

Don't let these common pitfalls hold you back:

  • Ignoring local SEO.
  • Keyword stuffing conversational phrases.
  • Skipping schema markup.


These are all signals search engines look for when ranking content for voice queries.



How to Target Keywords for Voice Search Optimization - infographic
 


Final Thoughts

Voice search is here to stay, and it's only getting bigger. Optimizing for it doesn't mean reinventing the wheel---it's about meeting users where they already are. Focus on natural keywords, local SEO, and mobile optimization, and you'll stay ahead of the curve.

Start now and make your content a voice search powerhouse.

 


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