Voice Search & AI-Powered Search: What Businesses Need to Know

The way people search for information online is rapidly evolving. In 2025, voice search and AI-powered search are reshaping how customers find businesses, products, and services, making it essential for business owners and marketers to adapt their strategies.

With the rise of virtual assistants and voice-enabled devices, users are shifting from typing keywords to asking conversational, natural questions. Instead of typing “best coffee shop NYC,” a user might say, “Where can I find the best coffee near me right now?” This subtle shift changes how search engines interpret and rank content, making voice search in 2025 a critical component of your digital marketing strategy.

Why does this matter?

• Voice queries are longer and conversational: Users naturally speak in complete sentences and questions, requiring content to match this tone for better visibility.
• Expectations for instant, accurate answers: Users expect search engines to provide clear, direct answers without scrolling through multiple links.
• AI-powered search tools curate direct answers: Search engines now use AI to generate featured snippets, summaries, and voice responses, pulling content from well-structured sites.

How can your business optimize for AI-powered search?

• Use a conversational tone: Write your content as if speaking directly to your customer. This increases the chance of matching how users phrase voice searches.
• Include FAQs: Adding frequently asked questions on your website allows you to target conversational queries directly and helps search engines identify clear answers.
• Structure content for clarity: Use headings, bullet points, and concise sentences to make your content easily scannable for AI systems extracting answers.
• Target local and “near me” searches: Voice search often includes location-based queries, so optimizing your Google Business Profile and including location-specific content can boost your visibility.

AI-powered search will only continue to grow, and businesses that prepare now will have a significant advantage in reaching customers where they are searching. The goal is not just to appear in search results but to provide immediate, helpful, and conversational answers that position your business as a trusted resource.

To prepare your business and content strategy for the AI-powered search era, explore the practical frameworks and actionable insights in Large Language Models by Elizabeth Scalzo. Learn how to align your marketing approach with the future of search, ensuring your business thrives as voice and AI-powered interactions become the norm.