With more Australians using smart speakers and mobile assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant every day, the way people search for your business is changing. Voice search is conversational, local, and immediate—meaning if your website isn't prepared for natural language queries, you're likely missing out on high-intent local customers right here in Brisbane.
Why Voice Search Matters for Your Business
Unlike traditional typing, where a user might search for "plumber Brisbane," a voice search user will ask, "Hey Siri, who is the best plumber near me that’s open now?" This shift toward long-tail, conversational keywords means your SEO strategy needs to evolve. Optimising for voice search isn't just about being modern; it’s about being the first answer provided by an AI assistant when a local customer has an urgent need.---
Prerequisites: What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the steps, ensure you have access to the following:- Your website’s Content Management System (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace, or Shopify).
- Access to your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).
- A basic understanding of your customers' most frequently asked questions.
- A tool for keyword research (like Google Keyword Planner or AnswerThePublic).
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Step 1: Claim and Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Voice search and local SEO are inseparable. When someone asks for a service "near me," Google pulls data primarily from Google Business Profiles. What to do: Ensure your business name, address, and Australian phone number (NAP) are 100% accurate. Add your ABN if required for verification and ensure your opening hours are up to date.Screenshot Description: You should see the Google Business Profile dashboard with a green checkmark next to "Your business is visible to customers."
Step 2: Use Conversational, Long-Tail Keywords
People talk differently than they type. Your SEO strategy should shift from short phrases to full sentences. Use tools like AnswerThePublic to find questions Australians are asking about your industry. What to do: Instead of targeting "Brisbane cafe," target "where is the best breakfast cafe in South Brisbane?"Step 3: Create a Dedicated FAQ Page
Google loves FAQ pages for voice search because they are already formatted in a question-and-answer style—exactly how voice assistants process information. What to do: Create a page titled "Frequently Asked Questions." Use H2 or H3 tags for the questions (e.g., "How much does a house wash cost in Brisbane?") and provide a concise, 40-60 word answer immediately below it.Step 4: Optimise for "Near Me" Queries
Most voice searches have local intent. To capture these, you need to mention your specific Brisbane suburb and surrounding areas naturally within your content. What to do: Don't just say "We serve Brisbane." Say "We provide electrical services to homeowners in Paddington, Milton, and Auchenflower."Step 5: Implement Schema Markup (Structured Data)
Schema is a piece of code that helps search engines understand the context of your content. For voice search, "Speakable" schema and "LocalBusiness" schema are vital. What to do: Use a plugin like RankMath or Yoast (for WordPress) to add Local Business Schema. This tells Alexa and Google Assistant exactly what your hours, prices, and location are in a language they can read easily.Step 6: Focus on Website Loading Speed
Voice search results need to be delivered instantly. If your site takes five seconds to load, a voice assistant will likely skip over you for a faster competitor. What to do: Use Google PageSpeed Insights. Aim for a mobile score of 80+. Compress your images and use a local Australian hosting provider to reduce latency for Brisbane users.Step 7: Write in a Natural, Friendly Tone
Avoid overly corporate jargon. Write as if you are speaking to a friend over a coffee at Eagle Street Pier. What to do: Read your website copy out loud. If it sounds stiff or unnatural, rewrite it. Use "we" and "you" to build a conversational connection.Step 8: Optimise for Featured Snippets
Voice assistants often read the "Position Zero" or Featured Snippet result. This is the box at the top of Google search results. What to do: Provide clear, bulleted lists or short summary paragraphs at the beginning of your blog posts that directly answer a specific question.Step 9: Make Your Site Mobile-First
The vast majority of voice searches happen on mobile devices. If your site is hard to navigate on a phone, your rankings will suffer. What to do: Check your site on your own smartphone. Are the buttons easy to click? Is the text large enough to read without zooming?Step 10: Use Regional Language
While we speak English, Australian English has its own nuances. What to do: Use Australian spelling (optimise, not optimize; colour, not color). If relevant to your brand, use local terminology that a Brisbane local might use when speaking naturally.---
Pro Tips for Success
- Tip 1: Keep answers concise. The average voice search result is about 29 words long.
- Tip 2: Use H1, H2, and H3 tags correctly. This creates a hierarchy that helps AI assistants navigate your page.
- Common Mistake: Forgetting to update your holiday hours. Nothing frustrates a voice search user more than being told a business is open when it’s actually closed for a public holiday.
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
My business doesn't show up for "near me" searches. Check:* Is your address hidden on your Google Business Profile? If you are a service-area business, ensure your service areas (suburbs) are explicitly listed. My FAQ page isn't getting traffic. Check:* Are your questions too generic? Try to answer specific pain points like "How long does [Service] take in Brisbane humidity?" The voice assistant is mispronouncing my business name. Check:* Sometimes phonetic spelling in your Schema markup can help, but usually, ensuring your brand name is consistently spelled across the web will help the AI learn the correct pronunciation.---
Next Steps
- Audit your current content: Identify which pages could be turned into Q&A formats.
- Update your GBP: Spend 10 minutes ensuring your Brisbane location details are perfect.
- Monitor your results: Use Google Search Console to see if you are appearing for more question-based queries.
Need a hand getting your Brisbane business to the top of the search results? The team at Local Marketing Group is here to help. Contact us today for a tailored SEO strategy that makes your business the talk of the town—literally.