Voice search optimization: how to improve your findability in 2025
Voice-controlled search is no longer a thing of the future. From "Okay Google, where is the nearest Etos?" to "Alexa, what are the opening hours of café De Roos?", voice search is becoming an increasingly important part of our digital routine. Local businesses and service providers, in particular, can benefit from this.
- 20% of mobile searches are voice-activated: Voice search is growing exponentially with smart speakers and mobile use
- Local and conversion-oriented: Voice queries are often action-oriented with "near me" and "open now" intentions
- FAQ optimization is crucial: Use natural questions as H2 titles with direct answers in the first paragraph
- Structured data is essential: LocalBusiness, FAQ schema, opening hours markup for voice assistants
- Mobile speed is mandatory: Voice search happens on mobile, fast loading time and clear CTAs are crucial
- Use natural language: Write like people talk, short sentences, informal tone where appropriate
The numbers don't lie. According to Think with Google, 27% of the global online population actively uses voice search on mobile devices, and this percentage is growing year after year. For marketers, this means a new opportunity to be found, but also a different approach to SEO strategies.
Why voice search is different from traditional search
Longer and more conversational search queries
Where people normally type "marketing agency Antwerp", they say to their phone: "What is the best online marketing agency in Antwerp?" This shift from short keywords to complete sentences requires a different content approach.
“More than 50% of adults use voice search daily, and 20% of all mobile searches are done via voice.”
Source: Think with Google - Voice Search Statistics
Strong focus on local results
Voice searches often have a local character. ComScore research shows that 58% of voice searches are focused on local business information such as opening hours, addresses and contact details. This makes local SEO more crucial than ever.
Answers instead of links
With voice search, the assistant usually reads out one answer. So your goal is not just to be in the top 10, but to become the specific answer that is read out. This makes featured snippets and position zero crucial.
Practical strategies for voice search optimization
1. Answer direct questions in your content
Structure your content around frequently asked questions that your target audience has. Start paragraphs with questions and provide a clear, complete answer directly below. This approach is perfectly in line with AI-driven content strategies.
Example:
H2: How much does a Shopify webshop cost?
Answer: A Shopify webshop costs between €29 and €299 per month, depending on your chosen subscription and required functionalities.
2. Optimize for "near me" searches
Make sure your Google Business Profile is fully completed with:
Correct NAP data (Name, Address, Phone number)
Current opening hours
Customer reviews
Relevant categories and services
Also, use local search terms in your content. Instead of just "SEO specialist," write "SEO specialist Mechelen" or "local SEO expertise in Flanders." You can find more tips in our guide on local SEO in Belgium.
3. Implement structured data markup
Search engines understand your content better with schema.org markup. Three important types for voice search. You can find more details about technical implementation in our guide on structured data for Google visibility.
LocalBusiness Schema:
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "LocalBusiness",
"name": "ClickForest",
"address": {
"@type": "PostalAddress",
"streetAddress": "Zwarte Leeuwstraat 78A",
"addressLocality": "Bonheiden",
"postalCode": "2820",
"addressCountry": "BE"
},
"telephone": "+32473846627",
"openingHours": "Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00"
}
</script>
FAQ Schema for frequently asked questions HowTo Schema for step-by-step plans and instructions
4. Improve your site speed and mobile experience
Voice searches mainly happen on mobile devices. Google's Core Web Vitals are essential:
Loading time under 3 seconds
Mobile-first responsive design
Clear navigation and touch-friendly buttons
Readable fonts without zooming
You can find specific tips for e-commerce in our guide on mobile optimization for e-commerce.
“Voice search is fundamentally different from text search - people ask complete questions instead of typing in keywords.”
Source: Search Engine Land - Voice Search Optimization Guide
5. Use natural, conversational language
Write like people talk, not like they type. This means:
Using contractions (we're, you'll, can't)
Informal tone where appropriate
Short, clear sentences
Avoid jargon and technical terms
This approach aligns with modern AI copywriting techniques and better prompt writing.
6. Focus on featured snippets
Featured snippets are voice search gold. To conquer position zero:
Answer specific questions in 40-60 words
Use bullet points and numbered lists
Optimize for "what is", "how does it work", "why" questions
Structure content with clear headings
This forms an important part of modern SEO strategies and conversion optimization.
Tools for voice search research and optimization
Free tools:
AnswerThePublic: discover questions around your core topics
Google Search Console: analyze long-tail queries and impressions
Google Trends: view the popularity of question-driven search terms
AlsoAsked: visualizes related questions that people ask
Premium tools:
SEMrush Position Tracking: monitor featured snippet opportunities
Ahrefs Keywords Explorer: filter on question words and voice search intent
BrightEdge: voice search analytics and competitive insights
“58% of consumers use voice search to find local business information such as opening hours and locations.”
Source: Kleiner Perkins - Internet Trends Report
For local businesses, these optimizations are extra important, as described in our performance marketing guide.
Voice search success tips per industry
Local service providers (restaurants, hairdressers, garages)
Emphasize opening hours and location
Use "nearby", "in the neighborhood" and city names
Add menus, price lists and services
Ensure recent Google reviews
E-commerce and retail
Product-specific FAQs ("What is the best smartphone under €500?")
Comparison content ("iPhone vs Samsung")
Instructional content ("How does contactless payment work?")
Local inventory and pick-up options
For Shopify-specific optimization, check out our guide on Shopify SEO.
B2B and consulting
Industry-specific expertise ("What is marketing automation for lawyers?")
Process and methodology explanation
Case studies with concrete results
Team and company information
More about B2B strategies can be found in our LinkedIn marketing guide.
Measurable results and KPIs
Track these metrics to measure your voice search performance:
Organic traffic growth
Focus on long-tail traffic (4+ words) and conversational queries
Featured snippet wins
Monitor how many featured snippets you own for target keywords
Local ranking positions
Track "near me" rankings in Google My Business Insights
Branded voice searches
Measure how often people ask about your company via voice
“Voice interfaces fundamentally change how we interact with technology - from typing to talking is a paradigm shift.”
Source: Google AI Blog - The Future of Voice Search
Common mistakes in voice search optimization
1. Keyword stuffing in natural content Voice search requires natural language use, not forced keyword repetition.
2. Ignoring local SEO Many companies forget to keep their Google Business Profile up-to-date.
3. Overly technical answers Complex explanations don't work for quick voice responses.
4. No mobile testing Content that works well on desktop may be unreadable on mobile.
5. Implementing schema markup without testing Use Google's Structured Data Testing Tool to validate your markup.
The future of voice search and AI
Voice search is rapidly evolving due to improvements in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning. Google's BERT and MUM updates are making search engines increasingly better at understanding context and intent. This fits perfectly into the broader trend of SEO to GEO.
Emerging trends to keep an eye on:
Multimodal search: combination of voice, visual, and text
Conversational commerce: purchases via voice assistants
Hyperlocal targeting: search results within 100-meter precision
Voice SEO tools: specialized analytics for voice performance
Read more about future marketing trends in our AI marketing strategies guide.
“Structured data for FAQs increases your chances of being selected as a voice search answer by an average of 40%.”
Source: G-Squared Interactive - Voice Search SEO Tips
Getting started with voice search optimization
Start small and build systematically:
Week 1-2: Audit your current content for voice search opportunities
Week 3-4: Implement basic FAQ sections on important pages
Week 5-6: Fully optimize your Google Business Profile
Week 7-8: Add structured data to key pages
Month 2: Create new content specifically for voice queries
Month 3: Measure results and optimize further
Voice search is not a passing hype. It is a fundamental shift in how people search for and consume information. By starting with voice search optimization now, you build a competitive advantage that will still be valuable in a few years.
Ready to get started? Check out our SEO services or schedule a strategy consultation to develop your voice search strategy.
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Frequently asked questions about voice search optimization
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Voice search optimization is adapting your website and content to be found more easily in voice-activated searches via assistants such as Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa. It focuses on natural language, direct answers, and local findability.
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Due to the popularity of smartphones and smart speakers, more and more people are searching via voice. It is faster and more convenient, especially on the go or while multitasking. Google reports that 27% of mobile users worldwide use voice search.
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Voice searches are longer, more natural, and often formulated as complete questions. Instead of "pizza Amsterdam," people say, "Where can I order the best pizza in Amsterdam?" This calls for different content strategies.
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Local businesses such as restaurants, shops, hairdressers, garages, and service providers have the greatest opportunity. Voice searches often have a local character with questions about opening hours, locations, and contact information.
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Use natural, conversational language and answer direct questions in your content. Add FAQ sections, optimize for local search terms, and implement structured data markup. Also, ensure a fast, mobile-friendly website.
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Featured snippets are the short answers that appear at the top of Google search results. In voice search, these are often read aloud as the answer. By optimizing your content for position zero, you increase your chance of voice search traffic.
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Free tools like AnswerThePublic, Google Search Console, and AlsoAsked help in finding question-driven search terms. Premium tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs offer deeper voice search analytics and competitive intelligence.
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Yes, structured data helps search engines better understand and categorize your content. LocalBusiness, FAQ, and HowTo schema markup are especially valuable for voice search optimization.
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Crucial. The majority of voice searches happen on mobile devices. Fast loading times, responsive design, and mobile-friendly navigation are essential for voice search success.
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Google does not show separate voice search data, but you can analyze long-tail conversational queries in Search Console. Tools like BrightEdge and SEMrush offer more specific voice search analytics.
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Depending on your starting position, you will see initial results within 4-8 weeks. Featured snippet wins can happen faster, while local voice search often takes 2-3 months to build momentum.
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No, voice search optimization complements your existing SEO. The fundamentals remain the same: good content, technical optimization, and user experience. Voice search only requires additional tactics.
Sources and references
Voice search statistics and trends
DemandSage: "68 voice search statistics 2025: usage data and trends" - https://www.demandsage.com/voice-search-statistics/
WebFX: "10 voice search trends for 2025 and their statistics" - https://www.webfx.com/blog/seo/voice-search-trends/
Yaguara: "62 voice search statistics 2025: number of users and trends" - https://www.yaguara.co/voice-search-statistics/
Voice search optimization strategies
Circles Studio: "How to optimize for voice search in 2025" - https://circlesstudio.com/blog/optimize-for-voice-search-2025/
AIOSEO: "Voice search is becoming more popular: do this now in 2025" - https://aioseo.com/guide-to-voice-search/
Boston Institute of Analytics: "15 voice search SEO strategies for 2025" - https://bostoninstituteofanalytics.org/blog/15-voice-search-seo-strategies-for-2025/
Local voice search optimization
Localogy: "How important is local voice search optimization in 2025?" - https://www.localogy.com/2025/03/how-important-is-local-voice-search-optimization-in-2025/
Ripe Media: "Voice search optimization: 2025 guide to improving your SEO" - https://www.ripemedia.com/what-is-voice-search-optimization/
Structured data and technical optimization
Bird Marketing: "Structured data and voice search optimization" - https://bird.marketing/blog/digital-marketing/guide/voice-search-optimization/structured-data-voice-search-optimization/
Online Optimism: "Voice search optimization: strategies for 2025 and beyond" - https://www.onlineoptimism.com/blog/voice-search-optimization-strategies/
