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Voice Search Engine Optimization in 2025: Ultimate Guide to Ranking

Voice search engine optimization helps your eCommerce site match how people speak, especially on mobile. This blog covers strategies to improve your rankings and make shopping easier for voice users.

a woman with black hair and a black shirt
By Renee Rieder
Danell Theron Photo
Edited by Danéll Theron
Oli Kashti - Writer and Fact-Checker for Fast Simon
Fact-check by Oli Kashti

Updated July 4, 2025

a woman holding a smart phone in her hands

If you want your business to get noticed by more people, voice search engine optimization is something you can’t ignore. As more users rely on voice assistants to find products and services, it’s no surprise that 58% of consumers have already used voice search to look up information about a local business.

Voice search is changing how people look for information, and adapting to it can give you an important advantage. In this blog, we will explore practical strategies to improve your voice search presence as well as how to create personalized experiences that boost your SEO success.

» Discover how Fast Simon's AI-powered eCommerce search technology can improve your on-site discovery

Meet the Expert

Renee Rieder is an eCommerce and SEO expert with a focus on bridging the gap between user intent and search engine interpretation. She helps brands not only rank but also genuinely connect with their audience, ensuring they stand out in the competitive digital landscape.



Voice search lets people use spoken language to ask questions or issue commands to a device, instead of typing. It works through digital assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, which recognize and interpret natural speech to return relevant results.

Compared to typing a few keywords into a search bar, voice queries tend to be more conversational and reflect how people naturally speak. This shift has led to changes in how users search, what they expect, and how businesses should approach SEO.

» Here's everything you need to know about voice commerce

How Voice Search Is Changing User Behavior

  • More natural language: Voice searches are longer and more conversational. Instead of typing “best pizza nearby,” users say things like “Where can I find a really good pizza place close to me?”
  • Immediate and local intent: Voice search often reflects on-the-go needs. If someone is in a hurry or multitasking, they’re more likely to ask, “Where’s the nearest petrol station?” than to type it out.
  • Higher demand for quick answers: Users expect a direct and accurate response the first time. Voice results are typically read aloud, so people rely on devices to give them the one best option, not a list to choose from.
  • Used across multiple devices: Voice search is not limited to smartphones. It happens through smart speakers, car systems, and even TV remotes, which means websites must be fast, mobile-friendly, and technically optimized.
  • Increased use for shopping-related tasks: More consumers are using voice search to check prices, compare products, find coupons, or track deliveries. If your site doesn’t cater to these queries, you’re missing out on shoppers who are ready to act.

Did you know? By 2025, 75% of households are expected to own a smart speaker. This shift means voice search won't just be a convenience; it will be a major part of how consumers explore, decide, and buy.

» Here are the benefits of personalized search



Voice search isn’t just typing with your voice—it reflects a completely different way people interact with search engines. Here’s how it compares to traditional search across key areas:

AspectVoice SearchTraditional Search
User behaviorInvolves speaking in full sentences, often while doing other tasks.Involves typing short, focused phrases with fewer words and less context.
Search intentTypically immediate or location-based, aimed at getting quick, relevant results.Often used for research, planning, or exploring multiple options.
Query structureUsers want a single, accurate answer delivered right away.Users are willing to browse and refine their search through multiple results.
Who is it best for?Voice search is especially useful for local businesses —like restaurants, clinics, or service providers, but it can benefit any business looking to improve visibility.Traditional search is better for businesses that involve more research or comparison, like eCommerce sites, B2B services, educational platforms, or software providers.

» Make sure you understand the difference between product search and product discovery



How to Optimize for Voice Search Engines to Improve SEO Ranking

how to optimize keywords for search engines to improve seo rank


Voice search is changing how people find information online. To boost your visibility and rankings, you need to adapt your SEO to how people actually speak. Here’s a detailed guide to help you optimize your content and website for voice search.

1. Use Conversational Keywords

People talk differently than they type. They tend to use full sentences, natural phrasing, and often ask questions when searching by voice. This means your SEO strategy should focus less on short keywords and more on how people naturally speak and ask questions.

Best practices

  • Identify long-tail keywords that sound natural in conversation rather than short, choppy phrases.
  • Focus on question-based keywords starting with “how,” “where,” “what,” “why,” or “can I” as these reflect common voice queries.
  • Use tools like AlsoAsked to uncover actual questions your audience asks about your products or services.
  • Review customer service inquiries, reviews, and social media comments to find real-life language that resonates with your audience.
  • Avoid keyword stuffing and instead write as if you are directly and naturally answering a person’s question.

» Understand how to conduct effective keyword research for eCommerce SEO

2. Win Position Zero

Getting the position zero spot on Google should be part of your voice search optimization strategy. Voice assistants often read this featured snippet aloud, which can increase your chances of being the top voice search result.

Best practices

  • Keep your answers concise but comprehensive, ideally between 40 and 50 words, so they’re easy to read aloud.
  • Use bullet points or numbered lists to make step-by-step instructions easy to follow for both users and voice assistants.
  • Format content to be scannable and accessible, this helps Google to quickly extract the best answer.
  • Regularly update and improve your content based on trending questions in your niche to maintain relevance.

» Start with best practices for eCommerce site search

3. Prioritize Local Optimization

A large portion of voice searches are location-based, especially when people seek immediate help or services nearby. If your business focuses on a specific area, local SEO is important. It helps you show up in voice searches that include “near me” or other location-based terms.

Best practices

  • Claim your Google Business Profile and ensure your business name, address, phone number, and hours are accurate and consistent.
  • Use location-specific keywords throughout your website, including city names, neighborhoods, and well-known landmarks.
  • Add local business schema markup to your site to help search engines understand your geographic relevance.
  • Encourage customers to leave positive reviews that mention your location and the services you provide.
  • Create individual pages or blog posts dedicated to each location if you operate in multiple areas, including detailed directions and local tips.
  • Integrate Google Maps on your contact and location pages to enhance user experience and boost local search signals.

» Run a B2C store? Here's how to optimize your B2C search capabilities

4. Speed Up Your Website

Fast-loading websites improve user experience, especially on mobile devices, where most voice searches happen. Around 27% of people worldwide use voice search on their mobile devices. If your site takes too long to load on a smartphone, you risk losing users who expect instant answers.

Best practices

  • Regularly test your site speed with tools like PageSpeed Insights to identify performance bottlenecks.
  • Optimize images by compressing them without losing quality and using modern formats like WebP for faster loading.
  • Reduce unnecessary JavaScript and CSS files by minifying or combining them to improve load times.
  • Avoid excessive redirects that add extra loading time and frustrate users.
  • Consider upgrading to a high-performance hosting provider if your site consistently performs poorly.
  • Limit third-party scripts and plugins that slow down your website’s loading speed.

» Check out these best practices to optimize your website for mobile eCommerce merchandising

5. Add Structured Data

Structured data, or schema markup, provides search engines with additional context about your website’s content. This helps voice assistants deliver accurate answers by clearly identifying key information such as business hours, product details, or FAQs.

Best practices

  • Include key details like business hours, address, payment methods, price ranges, customer ratings, and product availability to enrich your search listings.
  • Use Google’s Schema Markup Validator tools to verify correct implementation and troubleshoot errors.
  • Update your schema markup regularly to reflect any changes in your business or offerings.
  • Add an FAQ schema to pages that answer common questions to increase the chances of appearing as rich snippets in search results.
  • Ensure your structured data matches the visible content to maintain search engine trust and avoid penalties.

» Besides voice search engine optimization, here are more eCommerce upsell tactics

6. Don’t Overlook Accessibility

Voice search engine optimization supports accessibility, especially for people with disabilities. When your website is easy to navigate and understand, it’s more likely to show up in voice search results.

Best practices

  • Provide descriptive alt text for every image, ensuring screen readers can convey meaningful information to visually impaired users.
  • Use clear and meaningful link text rather than generic phrases like “click here” to improve navigation and comprehension.
  • Add captions and transcripts for video and audio content to make it accessible and indexable by search engines.

» Improve the customer experience with AI and keep them coming back

Optimize for Voice Search

Boost your voice search rankings with Fast Simon’s AI-powered search that delivers fast, accurate, and personalized results.




Optimizing for voice search is no longer optional—it’s essential if you want to meet your customers where they are and provide a personalized, effortless experience. By focusing on voice search engine optimization, you ensure your content answers real questions quickly and clearly.

To take things further, Fast Simon can elevate your site search by delivering intelligent, natural language search experiences that truly understand your shoppers’ intent. From AI-powered autocomplete to synonym suggestions and multimodal search capabilities, Fast Simon helps your visitors find exactly what they’re looking for—fast and effortlessly.

» Book a demo to start leveraging the power of AI eCommerce site search tools

FAQs

What is voice search?

Voice search lets users speak their questions or commands instead of typing. Devices like smartphones, smart speakers, and cars use voice recognition technology to understand natural language and deliver quick, relevant answers. This makes searching faster and more convenient, especially when people are on the go.

Why does voice search matter for eCommerce?

More shoppers are using voice to find products, compare prices, or locate stores near them. If your site isn’t optimized for voice, you risk missing customers who are ready to buy.

How do I optimize my website for voice search?

Focus on conversational, long-tail keywords that mimic how people speak. Structure your content with clear, concise answers, use FAQ sections, and implement schema markup. Also, ensure your website loads quickly and is mobile-friendly, as these factors influence voice search rankings.