To optimize for voice searches, you must first build your local presence. The most important part of this process is your Google My Business Listing, which appears in users' local searches.

You'll first need to claim this listing. Next, fill in the information about your company. To verify that you're giving the correct information, Google will verify your address, phone number, and name.

Apart from this information, you will also want to:

• Check your hours of operation.
• Add stunning photos to your listing.

A complete listing will allow users to find all the information they need through voice search. You can increase traffic to your area by claiming your local listing.

You'll want to include local keywords on your website, in addition to claiming your listing. Local keywords such as "fried chicken restaurant Los Angeles" or "fried chicken LA" can drive more leads to your company.

When optimizing for local keywords, consider regional slang or dialect. For example, you might target a region where "pop" is used instead of "soda."

You should research these types of slang as users may search for them based on the dialect in their area (which might not be the same as your company's).

3. Focus on Providing Direct Answers

Answering queries directly is the best way to maximize your voice search optimization strategy.

Did you know that half of all searches are based on featured snippets? The highlighted snippet is located at the top of search results in a box.

What do featured snippets do for you? They respond to queries directly.

Featured snippets are designed to quickly provide answers for users. To be in this position you need to answer questions directly.

Let's suppose someone verbally searches for "What is fried chicken batter?"

Which example do you think is more likely for the featured snippet to appear?

Example A: Fried chicken batter is made from all-purpose flour, garlic salt, pepper, and poultry season. Flour, garlic salt, pepper, or poultry seasoning are needed to make the batter. Mix the required ingredients to make your batter.