Voice Search Checklist
Optimizing for voice is no longer optional. Here is the tactical breakdown to get found by Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
Voice search isn’t “coming.” It’s already the primary interface for millions of users, especially for local queries. When a user asks, “Hey Siri, find a plumber,” they don’t want a list of 10 websites. They want one answer.
Here is the tactical checklist to ensure you are that answer.
1. Claim Your Maps (All of Them)
Google Assistant uses Google Maps. Siri uses Apple Maps. Alexa uses Bing/Yelp.
- Google Business Profile: Verify ownership and fill out every field.
- Apple Maps Connect: Often overlooked. If you aren’t here, you are invisible to 50% of mobile users (iPhone owners).
- Bing Places: Essential for the Amazon Echo (Alexa) ecosystem.
2. Speakable Schema
You need to tell the robot what to say. Use the speakable property in your JSON-LD schema.
This markup highlights sections of your content (like a summary or a key answer) that are most appropriate for text-to-speech conversion. It effectively hands the voice assistant a script.
3. Conversational Keywords
People type differently than they speak.
- Typed: “Best pizza NYC”
- Spoken: “Who has the best pizza near me open right now?”
Target the “Who, What, Where, When” questions in your content headers (H2s and H3s). This signals to the NLP (Natural Language Processing) algorithms that you have a direct answer to the query.
4. Speed Kills (Latency)
Voice assistants have a strict timeout. If your site takes 3 seconds to load the answer, the assistant will assume you are offline and move to the next result.
Your TTFB (Time to First Byte) must be under 200ms. Use a CDN, optimize images, and minify your code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Voice Search Optimization?
Voice Search Optimization is the process of improving your online presence so that voice assistants can read your content aloud.
Is Voice Search different from AEO?
They are closely related. Voice Search is a subset of AEO that specifically targets spoken queries and “Position Zero” results.
Do I need Speakable Schema?
Yes. It explicitly tells Google and Alexa which sections of your text are suitable for playback, increasing your chances of being chosen.
How do I rank for Siri?
Siri relies on Apple Maps Connect and Yelp. You must claim and optimize your Apple Maps profile to be visible on iPhones.
Does page speed matter for voice?
Crucially. Voice assistants have strict timeouts. If your site is slow, the assistant will skip you for a faster result.
What are conversational keywords?
These are natural language phrases like “Who is the best…” or “Where can I find…” rather than short, robotic keywords.
Do I need a FAQ page for voice search?
Yes. FAQ pages are the ideal format for voice search because they mimic the natural Q&A structure of voice queries.
How do I claim Apple Maps Connect?
Go to mapsconnect.apple.com, sign in with an Apple ID, and verify your business. This is the only way to control your data on Siri.