How businesses can optimize SEO for voice search and AI
Voice search is already reshaping how customers find businesses today. With the rise of Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, users are asking their devices questions instead of typing them.
Simultaneously, AI-powered search engines (like Google’s Gemini and ChatGPT-based Bing search) are transforming how search results are generated, favoring direct, conversational answers over traditional search rankings.
The real question isn’t whether voice search matters, but whether your company is positioned to capture the shift before your competitors do.
Optimize for natural, conversational search queries
Search behavior has shifted from short, keyword-based phrases to longer, more conversational questions. Instead of typing “best project management software,” users now ask, “What is the best project management tool for remote teams?”
To align with this change, content should reflect how people naturally speak. Using long-tail, conversational keywords instead of traditional short-form search terms improves relevance in voice and AI searches. Structuring content in a way that allows search engines to easily extract answers also increases visibility.
One effective approach is to analyze Google’s "People Also Ask" section or use tools like AnswerThePublic to discover the specific questions potential customers are asking. By providing clear, concise, and conversational answers, businesses can enhance their presence in voice search results.
Strengthen local and industry-specific voice search optimization
More than half of voice searches have local intent, meaning users are often looking for nearby services or industry-specific solutions. Questions like “Where can I find an IT consultant near me?” or “Who offers the best cloud storage for enterprises?” are common, and businesses that aren't optimized for these searches miss out on valuable traffic.
To improve rankings for local and industry-related voice searches, it's essential to:
Claim and update Google Business Profiles to ensure accurate business details.
Maintain consistency across platforms by keeping your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) the same.
Use localized and industry-specific keywords naturally within content.
Encourage customer reviews, as higher ratings improve visibility in voice search results.
A simple way to assess current visibility is to run a voice search for relevant industry terms and check if the business appears in the results. If not, optimizing local search strategies should be a priority.
Get featured in Google’s Position Zero (featured snippets)
Voice assistants don't provide multiple search results; they choose one best answer. That answer is often pulled from Google’s featured snippets, commonly referred to as Position Zero. Securing this spot means higher visibility and a greater chance of being the response read aloud in voice searches.
To increase the likelihood of ranking in Position Zero, businesses should:
Answer common industry questions directly and concisely (preferably in 40 to 60 words).
Use a structured format, such as bullet points, lists, or Q&A sections, for better readability.
Ensure content is formatted for easy extraction, making it more likely to be used by search engines.
For example, instead of writing "Our software automates invoicing and payments for businesses," a more effective, snippet-friendly version would be:
Q: How can businesses automate invoicing?
A: Businesses can use cloud-based solutions like Zoho Invoice to generate invoices, send reminders, and integrate with accounting tools like Zoho Books.
By structuring responses in a clear and direct manner, businesses can improve their chances of appearing in featured snippets and voice search results.
Adapt to AI-powered search and content discovery
AI-powered search engines, including Google's Gemini and ChatGPT-powered Bing, are changing how content is surfaced. Rather than simply ranking pages by keyword relevance, AI tools pull direct answers from authoritative sources to provide users with instant responses. Businesses that don't adapt to these evolving search patterns risk losing visibility in AI-generated search results.
To stay competitive in AI-powered searches, businesses should:
Develop authoritative, well-researched content, such as industry reports, case studies, and expert insights.
Structure content with clear headings, subheadings, and schema markup, making it easier for AI-driven search engines to extract relevant information.
Test AI visibility by asking tools like ChatGPT, “What is the best CRM for small businesses?” If your business isn't mentioned in the response, content optimization may be needed.
Adapting content to align with AI-generated search results increases the chances of being referenced as a trusted source in AI-driven recommendations.
Improve website speed and mobile performance
Website speed is a crucial factor for SEO rankings and user experience. If a website takes too long to load, most visitors won’t stick around. Slow pages frustrate users, and they’re likely to leave before even seeing what you have to offer. Since most voice searches happen on mobile devices, a slow website significantly reduces engagement and visibility.
To enhance site performance, businesses should:
Use a mobile-responsive design to ensure compatibility across devices.
Compress large images and videos to reduce load times.
Minimize unnecessary code and plugins that slow down site speed.
Enable Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) to improve performance on mobile searches.
Run a Google PageSpeed Insights test to identify and fix technical issues affecting speed.
A simple way to assess website performance is to load the site on a slower mobile network. If navigation feels sluggish or frustrating, potential customers are likely experiencing the same issue.
Preparing for the future of searches
The way people search is evolving, and businesses that don't adjust their strategies risk being left behind. Optimizing for voice search and AI-powered SEO is now a necessity for maintaining visibility, relevance, and customer engagement.
As search behavior shifts toward voice and AI-powered queries, businesses must adapt their SEO strategies to remain competitive. Using natural, conversational keywords, optimizing for local searches, and structuring content to rank in Google’s featured snippets are essential steps for staying visible. Additionally, with AI-driven search engines prioritizing authoritative and structured content, businesses should focus on creating high-value insights and reports to strengthen their search presence.
Beyond content, website speed and mobile-friendliness play a crucial role in SEO success, as slow-loading pages negatively impact both rankings and user experience.
As voice and AI search reshape digital discovery, the businesses that thrive will be those that evolve, not just in content, but in the systems behind it.
If you're looking for a simple way to unify your tools, boost visibility, and scale smarter, platforms like Zoho One can help you get there faster.
By implementing these strategies, businesses can capture search traffic, attract more customers, and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital world.
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