Ranking in Voice Search: What You Need to Know

Think about the last time you asked Google Assistant or Siri a question out loud: What is the weather tomorrow? Or where’s the nearest SEO company in Calgary? Probably not long ago. All of the tasks you completed were initiated by voice activation; you didn’t type anything. You spoke, and within seconds, you had your answer. Cool, isn’t it?

Welcome to the era of voice search, where users receive instant results and spoken answers rather than scrolling through pages of search results. This shift is not just about convenience—it’s shaping how businesses are discovered online. 

However, have you ever wondered how those businesses come to the top of the voice results? Well, that’s the boon and a bane of ranking in a voice search.

So, in this blog guide, we’ll explore why voice searches matter, what it takes to rank, and how your business, whether you are an SEO company in Calgary or an online store, can adapt to the future of search.

Why We’re No Longer Typing

In today’s digital world, users are speaking more and typing less. Whether it’s asking Alexa to play a song or telling Google to find a nearby Thai restaurant, voice has become the new search interface.

But this convenience brings a challenge for businesses: how do you get chosen as the answer when there’s only one voice result?

Did you know that by 2025, the global voice recognition market is expected to grow to $26.8 billion, according to Synup. Nowadays, voice search isn’t just about visibility—it’s about becoming the trusted answer.

What Voice Search Users Want

Understanding what voice search users want as a ranking factor is the key to crafting content that earns a spot in their spoken results. Unlike traditional text searches that are often short, fragmented, or broad, voice searches are full sentences, reflecting how we naturally speak.

Here are three defining traits of voice queries and why they matter:

1. Conversational in Nature

Voice search users speak like they’re talking to a real person, not typing robotic keywords into Google.

Instead of saying “SEO Calgary.” They’ll say something clearer, such as, “Who’s the best SEO company in Calgary right now?” or “Can I hire someone to help with voice search optimization?”

This shift demands natural, flowing content that mimics everyday speech. Pages overloaded with rigid keywords won’t perform well. What works instead is content that directly answers these types of queries using clear, easy-to-understand language.

2. Local Intent

A large share of voice searches are location-based. Think about these queries:

• “Where’s the nearest SEO agency that’s open right now?”
• “Affordable restaurants near Calgary Tower”
• “Directions to the best gym in NE Calgary”

If your business doesn’t include city names, neighborhood keywords, landmarks, or a properly optimized Google Business Profile, it likely won’t show up in local voice results. To win this space, you need hyper-local SEO, combined with accurate and up-to-date business information.

3. Immediate and Intent-Driven

Voice search users typically expect fast, direct answers. They’re not browsing; they’re deciding which is the best answer to convey.

Voice search is most commonly used when:

• Driving
• Cooking
• Shopping
• Multitasking

That’s why queries tend to be short, clear commands or questions like “How much does voice SEO cost?” or “Can I find an organic marketing company near me?” or “What is the most effective voice search optimization strategy for 2025?”

Therefore, having clear and concise content that is easy to relate to and understandable will rank highest. Websites must front-load important information. Use bullet points, subheadings, and featured snippet-friendly blocks.

Rethinking SEO for Voice-First Experiences

Voice search is not just a new feature—it’s a whole new way people interact with the internet. Accordingly, conventional SEO techniques aren’t always sufficient. If you’re still focusing only on keywords and desktop optimization, you’re likely missing out on a growing share of voice-first users.

Here’s why voice-focused SEO is different—and what you need to do about it.

Traditional SEO vs. Voice Search SEO

Let’s look at the key differences between how SEO has traditionally worked and how it must evolve for voice search:

How to Build a Voice Search Strategy from Scratch

Let’s make it actionable. Whether you’re an SEO agency in Calgary or a startup just launching a website, here’s your starter roadmap:

Step 1: Speak Like Your Customer

Use tools like AnswerThePublic or Google’s “People also ask” to find real spoken questions. Then, answer them clearly in your content.

Step 2: Create an FAQ Hub

Add FAQ sections to every service or product page. Not only do they match voice queries—they’re also great for snippets.

Step 3: Use Structured Data (Schema)

Schema markup increases the likelihood that your page will show up in rich results by helping search engines “understand” it better.

Step 4: Get Local. Stay Local.

Optimize your Google Business Profile. Voice searches like “SEO service near me” depend heavily on local relevance. Over 50% of voice searches are local. If your business isn’t optimized for local SEO, key traffic from “near me” and city-based queries is being lost.

Voice Search for Local Businesses in Calgary

Local businesses benefit greatly from voice search because people often ask things like,

“Best SEO agency near me”

“Marketing services in Calgary are open now.”

To show up in these results, here’s what you need to do:

• Include “Calgary” in your page titles, content, and meta descriptions.
• Ask happy clients to leave reviews on Google—especially ones that mention your city and services.
• Add your phone number, address, hours, and a map to your website.
• Make sure your business listing is complete and accurate—this helps voice assistants find you.
• Use phrases like “SEO services in Calgary” naturally in your content.

What’s Next for Voice Search in 2025?

As voice search technology matures, it’s not just about questions and answers anymore. Here’s what you can expect shortly:

Smarter, Faster Assistants

Voice assistants are getting better at understanding accents, speech patterns, and follow-up questions. This means content must be even clearer, context-aware, and well-structured.

Voice Commerce is Coming

From booking services to making purchases, users are becoming more comfortable shopping via voice. Businesses that prepare content for product/service inquiries, comparisons, and booking options will gain an edge.

Multilingual & Regional Voice SEO

With more users speaking to devices in regional and non-English languages, businesses will need to optimize content in multiple languages, especially if they serve diverse communities like those in Calgary.

AI Will Personalize Spoken Responses

Search engines will start tailoring voice answers to individual users based on preferences, location, and past behavior. This means your content has to do more than just answer—it has to connect with intent and feel personal.

Final Word

If you’ve ever asked Siri, Google, or Alexa a question today, you already know: voice search is real, it’s growing, and it’s changing how people discover businesses.

Whether you’re an SEO agency in Calgary, a service provider, or a small business, optimizing for voice search isn’t just a trend—it’s a smart investment in how customers find you now and in the future.

By shifting your content strategy to:

• Sounds natural and conversational
• Be fast, direct, and mobile-ready
• Include local and voice-friendly keywords

You position your business to not just show up in search, but to be the one spoken result that voice assistants trust. This is why voice search is no longer optional—it’s how your customers are already searching. Whether you’re a Calgary-based business or an online brand aiming to stay competitive, now’s the time to get your website voice-ready.

So, if you need help optimizing your site for voice search? Or want to rank as the top answer your customers hear? Let’s talk.

Contact our experts today for a free consultation and see how we can help your business become the next voice search success story.