I’ve recently taught separate classes on three different subjects: Pinterest, Digital Media, and AI. You might think they’re completely different—and in many ways, they are—but there’s a common thread running through all of them. Think of the copy you use on Pinterest, the way you name your images, or the prompts you create for AI. What ties them together?

Keywords.

I’ve spoken about keywords before because they deserve all the love and attention. The right words make your brand stand out, help your audience find you in searches, and, most importantly, allow you to address the challenges your audience is experiencing. When you use keywords effectively, your audience feels understood—and that builds trust.

But there’s one aspect of keywords gaining traction that small business owners and entrepreneurs often overlook: voice search.

Why Voice Search Matters

Voice search is changing the way people find businesses online. Instead of typing short phrases like “custom window treatments Orlando,” users are speaking their queries, often as full questions: “Where can I find custom window treatments near me?”

This conversational shift requires a fresh approach to how you use keywords. Adapting your content for voice search opens up new opportunities to connect with your audience and makes your business more discoverable in this growing trend.

7 Tips to Optimize for Voice Search

1. Use Conversational Language
Write your content as if you’re having a conversation with your audience. Natural, everyday language resonates more with how people phrase their voice searches.

2. Incorporate Question-Based Keywords
Think about the specific questions your audience might ask and include them in your content. For example:

“How do I clean custom wallpaper?”
“What’s the best way to install decorative molding?”

3. Prioritize Local Keywords
Many voice searches are location-specific. Include phrases like “near me,” city names, or neighborhoods in your content. For instance, “best decorative painters near Winter Park” helps attract local clients.

4. Use Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords align better with conversational voice queries. For example, instead of broad terms like “interior design trades,” try “how to find local wallpaper hangers for custom projects.”

5. Optimize for Mobile Devices
Most voice searches happen on mobile devices, so your website needs to be mobile-friendly. Ensure fast load times, intuitive navigation, and easy-to-read content.

6. Leverage Featured Snippets
Featured Snippets—the answer boxes at the top of Google’s search results—are often the source of voice search responses. Structure your content to answer common questions clearly and concisely to improve your chances of being featured. (For more on Featured Snippets, check out my guide linked below!)

7. Focus on Clear and Concise Answers
Provide straightforward answers to common questions. Voice assistants prefer pulling content that’s direct and to the point, so start with the key information before diving into details.

Final Thoughts

Voice search isn’t just a passing trend—it’s shaping the future of how people find businesses online. By adapting your content to this new way of searching, you can make your small business easier to discover, build trust with your audience, and stay ahead of the curve.

Want to learn more about optimizing your content for search engines? Explore my guide on Featured Snippets and how to get your content featured in Google’s answer boxes.