Elton TsangVoice search is not a passing trend, it is rapidly becoming how people across Ireland (and globally, of course) interact with the web. With the growing use of smart speakers and mobile assistants, voice search is fundamentally reshaping SEO. If your digital strategy hasn’t yet embraced this shift, you are already a step behind.
Why More Users Are Turning to Voice
A few years back, we talked about the rise of voice search. Now, in 2025, the simple reason voice search is gaining ground is that people just find it easier. Speaking is faster than typing, especially on the go, and smart devices are becoming better at understanding what we are asking for.
Google reports that 27% of the global online population now uses voice search on mobile, and that figure is expected to keep rising. Whether it is asking for directions while driving or checking opening hours without lifting a finger, voice search brings a hands-free convenience that’s hard to beat.
Closer to home, the growing number of smart speakers in homes like Alexa or Google Nest shows that this is not just a flash in the pan. Add to that the fact that over 90% of adults, including teenagers, now own a smartphone and use voice command daily, according to ComReg’s latest findings, and you have the perfect conditions for voice search to thrive. It is not just tech-savvy teens; more people across all age groups are using voice to search for everything from weather updates to local services.
It all boils down to speed, ease, and accessibility. People are choosing voice not just because they can but because it is quicker, simpler, and increasingly accurate.
How Voice Search is Changing the SEO Game
Speak the way people do…
Unlike text searches, voice queries are longer, more conversational, and often framed as questions. For instance, someone might type “best pizza Dublin” but say, “Where’s the best pizza place in Dublin?” Optimising content for these long-tail, spoken-style queries is essential.
Your local listings matter more than ever…
Consumers often use voice search with local intent: “nearest garden centre,” “pharmacy open late near me,” or “digital marketing agency in Dublin.”. To show up in those results:
- Make sure your Google Business Profile is fully optimised and verified.
- Keep your business information, including business name, contact number, and address, consistent across all platforms.
- Use regional terms (e.g., “estate agents” instead of “realtors”).
According to Think with Google, 76% of people who perform a local search on their phone visit a related business within 24 hours, and this figure is relevant in Ireland too, where mobile-first habits dominate.
Mobile-First and Speed-Focused
Voice searches mainly happen on mobile. If your site isn’t fast or mobile-friendly, it is unlikely to rank for voice queries. Studies show that even a 1-second delay in page load time can slash conversions by up to 20%. That’s a serious drawback.
So to stay ahead, you must have the following in place.
- Use responsive design
- Compress images
- Implement structured data (schema)
How to Better Optimise for Voice Search
- Write how people talk: Include common local phrases or questions.
- Use featured snippets: These often feed voice assistant responses.
- Focus more on local SEO: Use town/city names.
- Create FAQ pages: These naturally align with question-based search.
- Improve page speed: The faster your website is, the higher it can rank.
You will need a good SEO strategy in place in order to get yourself in a good position. We can help you with that.
AI & Voice: A Match Made in Search Heaven
Google’s AI models now better understand the context and nuance of speech. That means your content should focus less on keyword stuffing and more on answering questions clearly, conversationally, and with context.
Also, consider integrating AI chat tools or voice-based interfaces on your site, especially if your industry involves customer queries or bookings.
Industry-Specific Use Cases
- E-commerce: “Where can I buy decking boards near Dublin?”
- Healthcare: “What’s the best way to treat hay fever symptoms?”
- Hospitality: “Best dog-friendly B&Bs in Galway”
- Finance: “How do I set up a pension in Ireland?”
Each sector has unique voice search opportunities. Think about the questions your customers would ask aloud.
Measuring What Matters
Unlike traditional search, voice SEO success means tracking:
- Voice snippet visibility
- Local search engagement
- Mobile page load improvements
- Conversational content performance
Use tools like Google Search Console and Google Business Profile Insights to find the data and track improvement.
Time to Speak Up
Voice search is already shaping how consumers browse, shop, and find services. It is not a future trend; it is happening now. Businesses that move early will gain the edge, while those who fall behind will struggle to compete in voice-driven results.
Curious to learn more? Get in touch – we’re always up for a chat about strategy.
Gavin Duff