Voice search is a search where the query is spoken instead of typed. In the Google app, a tap on the microphone icon starts it, and results appear on screen or are read aloud by an assistant.
How does voice search differ from typed search?
Spoken queries tend to be full questions, while typed queries tend to be short keywords. “Potato mash recipe” becomes “How do I make mashed potatoes?” Many voice queries concern places and opening hours. Google’s help page lists everyday uses such as directions, weather, unit conversions, translation and identifying a song by humming. Availability depends on language and region.
Voice search is about the input method. Conversational search is about a dialogue over several turns. The two can occur together.
What does it mean for SEO?
Google’s documentation describes no ranking method specific to voice search (assessment). The requirements match normal Search: crawlable, indexed pages with clear answers to concrete questions. For local queries, address, phone number and opening hours should be current and consistent across profiles and website.
For content that is meant to be read aloud, Google has speakable markup. It is labeled beta and, per the documentation, works for users in the US with Google Home devices set to English and for content published in English. By that status it does not apply to most sites.
Example
A user asks a phone, “Which pharmacy has night service today?” The answer relies on current location data and opening hours. A pharmacy whose profile and website disagree risks having the wrong hours read out.
Common questions
Do I need a separate strategy for voice search? Nothing in Google’s documentation points to one. Clear answers to specific questions and maintained local data help in any kind of search.
Sources
- Search by voice – Google Search Helpsupport.google.com
- Voice search – Google Search (ways to search)search.google
- Speakable (beta) – Google Search Centraldevelopers.google.com
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