Voice Search and Conversational SEO
Voice Search and Conversational SEO
With the rise of smart speakers, voice assistants, and mobile voice search, the way people interact with Google has changed. For businesses, this means rethinking SEO strategies to capture voice-driven traffic and prepare for a more conversational web.
Here’s what you need to know about voice search and conversational SEO.
How Voice Search Differs from Typed Queries
Typed searches are usually short and keyword-focused: “plumber Newcastle”.
Voice searches are longer, conversational, and often phrased as questions: “Hey Google, who’s the best plumber near me in Newcastle?”
This means businesses need to:
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Target long-tail, natural language keywords.
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Optimise for local intent (e.g., “near me” searches).
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Ensure their website provides clear, direct answers to common customer questions.
Creating Content That Answers Questions Directly
Voice search is all about featured snippets and quick answers. To optimise:
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Use an FAQ format on service pages and blogs.
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Structure content with clear H2/H3 headings that match user questions.
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Provide concise, authoritative answers in the first few sentences.
The goal is to become the page that Google pulls into voice assistant results.
Structured Data and Voice Assistants
Structured data (schema markup) helps Google understand your content. For voice search, this is especially valuable:
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FAQ Schema: Boosts chances of your answers being read aloud by Google Assistant.
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LocalBusiness Schema: Ensures voice assistants can find and recommend your business details (address, phone, hours).
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Review Schema: Highlights positive ratings that build trust in voice responses.
Implementing schema improves your odds of being featured in voice-driven search results.
Voice Search Stats for Australia (2024 and Beyond)
Voice search adoption is rising in Australia:
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1 in 3 Australians now use voice assistants on mobile or smart speakers.
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Voice queries are growing fastest among 18–34 year olds, especially for shopping and service searches.
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Local intent dominates—terms like “near me” and “open now” are among the most common triggers.
For SMBs, this is a major opportunity to capture ready-to-buy customers.
Preparing for Zero-Click SERPs
Voice search often results in zero-click searches, where Google provides an instant answer without the user clicking through. To stay visible:
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Optimise for position zero (featured snippets).
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Ensure your business details are accurate on Google Business Profile.
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Build authority with E-E-A-T content so Google trusts your answers.
Even if users don’t click, brand visibility and voice mentions keep you front of mind.
Get Your Business Ready for Voice Search
Voice search isn’t the future—it’s happening now. By focusing on conversational keywords, structured data, and direct answers, your business can capture this growing segment of traffic and leads.
At Bottrell Media, we help Australian SMBs optimise for the next wave of search, including voice and conversational SEO.
👉 Book a Free SEO Strategy Session today and make sure your business is ready for the voice-first era.
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