Voice and AI-powered search are transforming how users interact with brands online—that’s why optimizing for them is one of our ‘8 Tips for a Future-Ready SEO Strategy’.
In this blog, we dive deeper into how you can get ready to connect with your audience through voice and AI-powered search, covering the specific actions to take to boost results.
Voice-enabled devices like Alexa as well as AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT are reshaping content strategies, and brands that adapt will drive better engagement and visibility.
By embracing these trends, businesses can future-proof their strategies and remain competitive.
Keep reading to learn about the impact of voice search, the role of AI-powered search in digital marketing, how audiences are using these tools, and actionable ways to optimize your content.
Table of Contents
Understanding voice search and its impact
Voice search allows users to perform searches by speaking rather than typing, offering hands-free convenience. It has grown significantly with the adoption of smart devices, wearables, and voice assistants such as Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa.
Why it matters:
- Conversational queries: Users speak differently than they type, often using natural language and full questions.
- Local focus: Many voice searches are location-based, such as “coffee shops near me,” making it crucial for local SEO.
- User convenience: Voice search enables quick access to information, enhancing user experience and driving engagement.
Brands optimizing for voice search can position themselves prominently in spoken results, capturing new audiences and improving visibility.
The rise of AI-powered search
AI-powered search uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze user behavior, predict intent, and deliver highly relevant results.
Unlike traditional search engines, AI-powered systems learn from user interactions, improving their algorithms to provide increasingly personalized experiences.
Why it matters:
- Smarter algorithms: AI refines search results by analyzing factors like location, behavior, and preferences.
- Enhanced personalization: AI delivers tailored content, making searches more efficient and relevant.
- Real-time insights: With AI, businesses can gain deeper insights into user intent and behavior, helping refine marketing strategies.
Read: ‘Is ChatGPT Telling Customers About You Yet? Optimize for AI Search’
How your audience uses voice and AI-powered search
Voice and AI-powered searches are becoming a part of daily life for internet users, from professional tasks to personal convenience.
At work, professionals use AI tools and voice assistants for scheduling, data analysis, and automating routine tasks. For B2B brands, this creates opportunities to offer content that solves specific business challenges, such as case studies or white papers optimized for voice and AI.
At home, users rely on voice assistants for hands-free convenience, including shopping, controlling smart devices, and seeking quick answers.
These behaviors highlight the need for well-crafted, conversational content and responsive experiences. User expectations are shaped by these seamless interactions, pushing brands to deliver similarly frictionless engagements.
Why it’s great for people and brands
Voice and AI-powered search benefit both users and businesses by promoting accessibility, inclusivity, and engagement.
For people: These tools enhance accessibility for older adults, non-English speakers, and those with disabilities. Voice commands eliminate barriers, making information and services more accessible. AI further customizes experiences, catering to individual preferences and needs.
For brands: By adopting these technologies, businesses can reach wider, more diverse audiences. Tailored experiences foster loyalty, while the data insights provided by AI allow for more targeted and empathetic marketing strategies. This inclusivity strengthens trust and differentiates brands in competitive markets.
7 content optimization tips for voice and AI-powered search
To succeed as voice and AI-powered search rises, businesses must adapt their content strategies to meet the needs of both technologies. Here are 7 actionable tips for your business to try:
1. Implement structured data markup
What is structured data markup?
Structured data markup is a form of code that helps search engines understand and categorize website content more effectively. It enables search engines to display enhanced search results, known as rich snippets.
Structured data markup helps search engines understand the context of your content. By using Schema.org vocabulary, you can include metadata that improves your chances of appearing in relevant search results.
How to implement structured data markup:
- Use Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper to generate structured data.
- Add relevant schema types like ‘FAQPage’, ‘HowTo’, ‘BlogPosting’, or ‘Article’ to help search engines identify content format.
- Use speakable structured data to help search engines and other applications identify content that can be read out loud devices.
- Test your markup with Google’s Rich Results Test.
By implementing structured data, you make it easier for voice and AI-powered search engines to understand and prioritize your content. Learn more about blogs that boost SEO.
2. Focus on conversational long-tail keywords
What are conversational long-tail keywords?
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific keyword phrases that reflect how users naturally speak and search. They often have lower competition and higher conversion potential.
Unlike traditional search, voice searches are more conversational. Users phrase queries as full sentences rather than short keywords.
How to identify and use long-tail keywords:
- Research common questions using tools like AnswerThePublic and Google’s “People Also Ask” section.
- Optimize for natural phrases like:
- “How do I create a content marketing strategy?”
- “What is the best way to design a business brochure?”
- Use question-based subheadings (e.g., “How does structured data help with SEO?”) to align with voice search queries.
By focusing on conversational queries, you align with how users actually search via voice assistants.
3. Optimize for featured snippets
What are featured snippets?
Featured snippets or AI Overviews are short, highlighted answers that appear at the top of Google search results. They provide quick, direct responses to user queries and are often used by voice assistants.
Since voice assistants often pull responses from featured snippets, securing this spot can boost your visibility.
How to optimize for featured snippets:
- Use clear and direct answers within your content.
- Structure content with bullet points, numbered lists, and concise paragraphs.
- Answer common questions in a format similar to Google’s featured snippet layout.
- Format headings as questions and answer them directly below.
Learn about micro-content in our blog ‘10 Content Marketing Trends to Inspire You in 2025’.
4. Improve page load speed
What is page load speed?
Page load speed refers to the time it takes for a webpage to fully display its content.
Page load speed is a major factor in SEO and voice search optimization. Voice search results tend to prioritize fast-loading pages to deliver instant responses.
Steps to improve page load speed:
- Compress images using tools like TinyPNG.
- Enable browser caching to reduce server response times.
- Minimize HTTP requests by simplifying and optimizing page design.
- Use a content delivery network (CDN) to enhance load times globally.
Faster pages mean better rankings, reduced bounce rate, improved user experience, and higher chances of being featured in voice and AI-powered search results.
5. Create FAQ pages
What are FAQ pages?
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) pages are dedicated sections of a website that address common customer inquiries in a structured and easily accessible format.
Since voice and AI results revolve around answering user questions, FAQ pages are a great format for both, i.e., voice and AI-powered search.
How to build an effective FAQ page:
- Identify common customer questions relevant to your industry.
- Write high-quality responses in a conversational tone.
- Use schema markup (FAQPage) to help Google recognize and display your FAQs in search results.
- Structure each question-answer pair clearly for easy scanning.
6. Optimize for local search
What is local SEO?
Local SEO focuses on improving a business’ visibility in search results for location-based queries. It is essential for businesses targeting a regional audience.
A large portion of voice searches are local, with users looking for businesses, services, and directions nearby. Optimizing for local SEO ensures your business appears in relevant voice search results.
How to optimize for local voice search:
- Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile listing.
Read: ‘Google Business Profile Marketing Ideas to Try’
- Ensure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms.
- Use location-based keywords (e.g., “best content agency in Toronto”).
- Encourage customer reviews, as they play a role in voice search rankings.
Optimizing for local search ensures your business is easily found when users perform location-based voice searches.
7. Use natural language processing (NLP) tools
What is natural language processing (NLP)?
NLP is a branch of AI that enables computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. It is used to improve search engine comprehension of website content.
Take your content optimization a step further by analyzing your content with NLP tools to refine its readability and relevance.
Popular NLP tools for content optimization:
- Google’s Natural Language API for sentiment analysis and keyword insights.
- IBM Watson for AI-powered content evaluation.
- Hemingway Editor to improve readability and clarity.
Using NLP tools ensures that both human readers and AI-driven search engines understand and prioritize your content.
Conclusion
Voice and AI-powered search are reshaping digital marketing, offering brands innovative ways to connect with audiences.
By understanding these technologies and optimizing content accordingly, businesses can enhance visibility, improve engagement, and stay ahead of competitors.
Contact us today to ensure your brand is ready for the future of search in 2025 and beyond!
