Voice search is changing how we browse the internet. From smart speakers like Alexa to mobile assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, more people than ever are asking questions out loud – and expecting quick, accurate answers.
If your website isn’t set up to handle voice search, you could be missing out. This is especially true for councils and local government sites, where residents often search for essential information like, “When does the recycling centre close?” or “How do I report a pothole?”
Here’s a simple guide to help make your website voice search friendly.
Why Voice Search Matters
Voice search is growing fast:
- Over 50% of all internet searches are now voice-driven.
- 71% of users prefer using voice assistants for convenience.
For councils and public services, this shift is even more important. Voice search makes it easy for people to access crucial services quickly, whether they’re looking for contact details, reporting an issue, or finding out about local events.
If your website isn’t optimised for voice search, you risk frustrating users who rely on this technology to get things done.
5 Steps to Make Your Website Voice Search Friendly
1. Use Natural Language and Long-Tail Keywords
When people use voice search, they tend to speak naturally, asking complete questions instead of typing short phrases. For example:
Typed: “Recycling hours Bath” compared to spoken: “What time does the Bath recycling centre close?”
Update your website content to include conversational phrases and FAQs that reflect how people actually speak. For councils, this could mean creating a “Common Questions” page with clear answers to queries like:
“How do I pay my council tax?”
“Where can I find parking in [your town]?”
2. Optimise for Mobile Users
Most voice searches happen on mobile devices, so your website must work perfectly on smaller screens.
Here’s how to check if your site is mobile-friendly
- Speed matters – aim for pages to load in under 3 seconds.
- Responsive design – make sure your site adjusts beautifully on any device.
- Clickable elements – buttons and text should be easy to tap without zooming in.
3. Add Structured Data (Don’t Worry, It’s Simple!)
Structured data is a small piece of code that helps search engines understand your site’s content better. Think of it as giving search engines a map of your website.
For example, councils can use structured data to highlight:
- Office hours.
- Contact details.
- Locations of key services (libraries, recycling centres, etc.).
This makes it easier for tools like Google Assistant to pull accurate, up-to-date answers for voice queries.
4. Focus on Local SEO
Many voice searches are local. Think about queries like:
- “Where’s the nearest council office?”
- “Best playgrounds near me.”
To make sure your website shows up in these results:
- Register your site with Google My Business and keep your information updated.
- Use location-specific keywords like “[Your town] council services.”
- Keep your contact details consistent across your site.
5. Make Your Content Accessible
Voice search is a great tool for accessibility, especially for people with disabilities or limited tech skills. To ensure everyone can find and use your website:
- Write in clear, simple language – avoid jargon.
- Provide transcripts for audio and video content.
- Follow accessibility guidelines for text size, colour contrast, and navigation.
Why Council Websites Need Voice Search
Optimising for voice search isn’t just a nice-to-have for councils – it’s essential. Here’s why:
- Better Service
Residents can find what they need faster and easier. - More Accessible
Voice search helps make your site usable for people of all abilities. - Cost-Effective
When people find answers online, they’re less likely to contact customer services, saving time and money.
At Zonkey, we specialise in creating user-friendly, accessible websites that meet the unique needs of councils and local organisations. From compliance with accessibility standards to managing complex directories, we’ve got you covered.
Voice Search is Here to Stay
Whether you’re running a business or a council website, making your site voice search friendly isn’t just about keeping up with trends – it’s about providing the best experience for your users.
If you’d like expert help to get your website ready for the future, contact us at Zonkey today. We’d love to help you make the most of voice search and ensure your website works for everyone.
Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash