More and more Australians are using voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to find businesses and information online. Ignoring this trend means missing out on potential customers actively seeking what you offer. Optimising for voice isn’t about radically changing your website, but making smart adjustments to how people *search* for you.
The key difference between typing a search and speaking one is natural language. People talk differently than they type. Voice searches are typically longer, more conversational, and question-based. Think “Where’s the best coffee near me?” instead of “coffee shop Melbourne”. Here’s how we can optimise your website to capture this growing audience.
- Focus on long-tail keywords: These are longer, more specific phrases people use when speaking. Instead of targeting “plumber”, aim for “emergency plumber Sydney northern beaches”. Keyword research tools can help identify these opportunities.
- Answer common questions: Voice searches often take the form of questions. Create content that directly answers these questions. A frequently asked questions (FAQ) page is a great starting point, but consider blog posts addressing specific customer pain points.
- Improve local SEO: A huge proportion of voice searches are local. Ensure your Google Business Profile is complete and accurate, including your address, phone number, and opening hours. Encourage customers to leave reviews – these are vital for local rankings.
- Schema markup is your friend: This is code we add to your website to help search engines understand your content. It’s particularly useful for things like business hours, addresses, and product details, making it easier for voice assistants to deliver accurate information.
Don’t underestimate the importance of website speed. Voice assistants favour fast-loading websites. A slow site will frustrate users and negatively impact your rankings. Regularly analyse your website’s performance using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and address any issues identified. As voice technology continues to evolve, expect even greater integration into daily life. Preparing now will position you well for continued growth in 2026 and beyond.
The next step is to audit your existing website content and identify opportunities to incorporate long-tail keywords and answer common customer questions. A simple review of your Google Search Console data will reveal the queries people are already using to find your site – a fantastic place to start.
