Is Your Council Website Ready for Voice Search?

Home Website accessibility Is Your Council Website Ready for Voice Search?

Voice search is transforming how people interact with the internet. With the growing popularity of smart speakers like Alexa and mobile assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant, more users are speaking their queries aloud and expecting immediate, accurate answers.

If your council’s website isn’t optimised for voice search, you may be missing the opportunity to provide vital information effectively. Residents often use voice search to ask questions like, “When does the recycling centre close?” or “How can I report a pothole?” Ensuring your site is voice-search-friendly means making it easier for them to find the answers they need.

Here’s a guide to help you get started.

Why Voice Search is Crucial for Councils

Voice search is rapidly growing in popularity, with over half of all internet searches are now conducted via voice. 71% of users choose voice search for its convenience.

For councils and local government services, this trend is even more relevant. Residents rely on quick access to essential information about local services, events, and facilities. A website optimised for voice search ensures that users can effortlessly find:

  • Contact details.
  • Instructions for reporting issues.
  • Answers to common questions about local services.

Without optimisation, your council’s website risks frustrating users who rely on voice search technology to navigate online services.

5 Ways to Optimise Your Council Website for Voice Search

  1. Use Conversational Language and Target Long-Tail Keywords

Voice searches are typically phrased as natural questions rather than short keywords. For instance:

Typed: “Recycling hours in [Town]” compared to spoken: “What time does the recycling centre in [Town] close?”

Tailor your website content to include conversational phrases and FAQs. For councils, this might mean creating dedicated pages with straightforward answers to queries like:

  • “How do I apply for housing benefits?”
  • “Where can I park in the town centre?”
  1. Prioritise Mobile Responsiveness

Most voice searches occur on mobile devices, so it’s essential your site performs well on smaller screens. Here’s how to make sure it’s mobile-friendly:

  • Ensure pages load in under three seconds.
  • Use a responsive design so your site looks great on any device.
  • Optimise buttons and links to be easily tappable without needing to zoom.
  1. Incorporate Structured Data

Structured data is a type of code that helps search engines understand your website’s content. For councils, it’s particularly useful for highlighting details like:

  • Office hours.
  • Locations of facilities (libraries, recycling centres, etc.).
  • Contact information.

This makes it easier for voice assistants to pull accurate, up-to-date answers for users searching for council services.

  1. Optimise for Local SEO

Many voice searches are location-specific, focusing on queries such as:

“Where is the nearest council office?”

“What events are happening near me?”

To ensure your council website appears in these searches:

  • Keep your Google My Business profile updated.
  • Use local keywords like “[Your Town] council services.”
  • Ensure your contact details are consistent across all online platforms.
  1. Enhance Accessibility

Voice search improves accessibility for people with disabilities or limited tech skills. To make your site more inclusive:

  • Use clear, simple language and avoid unnecessary jargon.
  • Provide transcripts for video and audio content.
  • Follow accessibility best practices for text size, colour contrast, and navigation.

Why Councils Need to Embrace Voice Search

Optimising for voice search isn’t just about keeping up with technology – it’s about better serving your community.

Here’s how it benefits councils:

  • Improved User Experience: Residents can access information more quickly and efficiently.
  • Greater Accessibility: Voice search ensures your site is usable for people of all abilities.
  • Reduced Enquiries: When users find answers online, they’re less likely to contact customer services, saving time and resources.

At Zonkey, we understand the unique challenges councils face in delivering effective online services. From ensuring accessibility compliance to managing complex directories, we’re here to help make your website work better for everyone.

Ready to Optimise Your Website?

Voice search isn’t going anywhere. By preparing your council’s website for this technology now, you can enhance accessibility, improve user satisfaction, and stay ahead of the curve.

Get in touch with Zonkey today to learn how we can help you optimise your website for voice search and deliver a better online experience for your residents.

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash