5 February 2025
Voice search is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s changing the way people interact with technology. Whether you’re asking Alexa to find the best pizza near you or commanding Siri to text your mom, voice search technology has brought convenience to our fingertips (or better yet, our voices). But here’s the thing: it’s not just for finding lunch spots or sending texts. Voice search is also transforming industries, real estate being one of them. So, how can you ensure your real estate business doesn’t miss out on this trend? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of optimizing your real estate marketing for voice search.
Why Voice Search Matters in Real Estate
Let’s face it: life is busy. Buyers and sellers are always on the go, and using their voice is just way easier than typing. Think about it—how many times have you turned to Siri, Google, or Alexa for a quick answer? For prospective homebuyers, voice search makes it incredibly easy to ask questions like, “What homes are for sale near me?” or “What’s the average house price in my area?”According to studies, around 58% of consumers use voice search to find local businesses. That’s a huge chunk of your potential audience! Ignoring this trend means leaving money on the table.
The good news? Optimizing for voice search doesn’t require a magic wand. It’s all about tweaking your marketing strategies to cater to this growing demand.
How Does Voice Search Differ From Traditional Search?
Before jumping headfirst into optimization, let’s make one thing clear: voice search isn’t the same as traditional search.Here’s the deal:
- Voice search is conversational: People talk to their devices the same way they’d talk to a friend. For instance, instead of typing “homes for sale Los Angeles,” someone might ask, “What are some affordable homes for sale in Los Angeles?”
- Focus on long-tail keywords: Voice searches tend to be longer and more specific. Instead of two or three keywords, you’re dealing with full phrases or questions.
- Local is key: Voice search often prioritizes local results, so it’s crucial to have your business location optimized for search engines.
Keeping these differences in mind will help you tailor your strategy the right way.
1. Optimize for Conversational Keywords
If there’s one thing you take away from this article, it should be this: think like your audience speaks. Voice search thrives on natural, everyday language.Here’s how to do it:
- Use long-tail keywords (specific phrases) instead of short, generic ones. For example, instead of targeting “Chicago homes,” go for something like “affordable family homes in Chicago suburbs.”
- Include questions in your content, such as:
- “How much does it cost to buy a house in [City]?”
- “What are the best neighborhoods in [City] for families?”
Pro Tip: Tools like AnswerThePublic can help you find questions your audience is asking online. Use these queries as inspiration for creating voice-search-friendly content.
2. Create an FAQ Section
You know those frequently asked questions you hear all the time from your clients? Why not turn them into a goldmine for voice search optimization?FAQ sections are perfect for voice search because they mimic the way people ask questions. Imagine someone asks their device, “What’s the best time of year to sell my house?” If your website has a clear, concise answer to that question, you’ve just increased your chances of showing up in voice search results.
- Make your answers clear, brief, and conversational.
- Format your content so it’s easy for search engines to find (use proper headings like H2 or H3).
Adding an FAQ page is like handing search engines a cheat sheet to your expertise.
3. Focus on Local SEO
Let’s not sugarcoat it—real estate is inherently local. People want to know about homes, schools, and neighborhoods in your area. This is why local SEO is a must-have for voice search marketing.Here’s what you can do:
- Make sure your Google My Business profile is complete and up-to-date. Include your business name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation.
- Use location-based keywords like “homes for sale in [City]” or “best real estate agents in [Neighborhood].”
- Add your business to local directories and ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) is consistent across all platforms.
When someone asks their smart device, “Find a real estate agent near me,” your business will have a greater chance of popping up.
4. Optimize for Mobile
Most voice searches happen on mobile devices. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re basically telling your potential clients to look elsewhere—ouch.A few essentials to make your site mobile-friendly:
- Use a responsive design that adapts to any screen size.
- Speed up your site. Did you know that 53% of mobile users abandon a site if it takes more than three seconds to load? Don’t let a slow website cost you leads.
- Make navigation simple and intuitive—no one likes digging through a maze to find what they need.
5. Aim for Featured Snippets
You know that box at the top of Google’s search results? That’s a featured snippet, and it’s prime real estate for voice search queries.When someone asks a question via voice search, their device often pulls the answer directly from a featured snippet. Want to get in that magic box? Here’s how:
- Write content that directly answers common questions.
- Use bullet points, numbered lists, and structured data to make it easy for search engines to crawl your site.
- Keep your answers short and sweet—Google loves concise info.
Featured snippets can be the difference between being “kinda seen” and owning the spotlight.
6. Leverage Schema Markup
Let’s get a little technical here (don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple). Schema markup is a type of code you can add to your website to help search engines understand your content better.For example, you can use schema to highlight:
- Property listings
- Customer reviews
- Your location and contact info
When search engines have a clearer understanding of your website, it improves your chances of ranking for relevant voice search queries. Think of schema markup as a translator between your site and Google—it’s worth investing the time to set it up.
7. Provide High-Quality, Informative Content
At the end of the day, voice search optimization isn’t just about technical tweaks—it’s about creating value. Your audience is looking for answers, so give them what they need.- Write blog posts that address common real estate concerns, like:
- “How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent”
- “5 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers”
- Use storytelling to connect emotionally with your readers. (After all, buying a home is one of the most emotional decisions anyone can make!)
When people find your content helpful, they’re more likely to trust you. And trust? That’s priceless.
8. Don’t Forget Smart Speakers
Let’s not ignore the rise of smart speakers like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomePod. These devices are becoming central to voice search, and optimizing for them can set you apart.- Claim your business on Alexa and Google Assistant platforms.
- Create content that can be easily read aloud—keep it clear and conversational.
- Consider investing in voice apps tailored to smart speakers.
Final Thoughts
Voice search is no longer optional in the world of real estate marketing—it’s essential. By embracing conversational keywords, focusing on local SEO, and ensuring your website is mobile-friendly, you’ll be well on your way to capturing this growing audience.Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint. Start small, test what works, and adjust your strategy as you learn. The key is to meet your audience where they are (and increasingly, that’s on voice search).
So, are you ready to let your real estate marketing speak for itself?
Soryn Jackson
Talk to houses, not just buyers!
February 22, 2025 at 8:50 PM