How do I optimize my listings for Amazon’s voice search?

Since Apple launched Siri, voice search has steadily become a part of everyday life. And with Amazon’s Alexa now in millions of homes, voice search isn’t the future anymore—it’s the present.

If your listings aren’t optimized for voice search yet, you’re missing out on a growing segment of customers who use their voices to shop. The good news? It’s not too late to catch up. In this blog, we’ll walk you through practical tips to help you optimize your listings for voice search and stay ahead of the curve. 

Optimizing for voice search is different from traditional search. People talk to Alexa as if they’re asking a person, so your listing has to cater to how people speak, not just how they type. Here’s how to get your listings voice-search ready:

Use natural language in your content

People talk to Alexa the way they’d speak to a friend. They don’t say “buy antibacterial hand soap 12oz”; they say, “Alexa, find me a hand soap that kills germs.” Start by rephrasing your bullet points and product description in a way that sounds natural. This doesn’t mean sacrificing keywords—it means weaving them into conversational phrases.

Example: Instead of “ soap for kitchen and bathroom,” try “a hand soap that’s perfect for the kitchen or bathroom.”

Focus on long-tail keywords and questions

Voice search queries are longer and more specific. Identify long-tail keywords and common questions people might ask about your product. Think of phrases like “What’s the best…” or “Where can I find…” and integrate them into your listing.

For example:

Instead of “Bluetooth earbuds,” go for something like “Bluetooth earbuds with long battery life for working out.”

Add question-based phrases in your description, such as “Looking for earbuds that last all day?”

Add key information early in the title

Voice search truncates product titles, so make sure the most important details are up front. Prioritize essential features at the beginning of your title. Think of it as making sure Alexa mentions the top benefits first when she reads out your product title.

Example: Instead of “XYZ Brand Bluetooth Earbuds with Noise Cancellation and Long Battery Life,” try “Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Earbuds with 12-Hour Battery.”

Optimize bullet points for voice-friendly phrasing

People typically ask for simple, clear answers in voice search. Make each bullet point short and specific, and avoid overly complex language. Use bullet points to highlight direct benefits and avoid unnecessary adjectives that don’t add value.

Example: Instead of “This high-quality, ultra-durable bottle keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours,” try “Keeps drinks cold for a full 24 hours, with durable construction that lasts.”

Include relevant FAQs in the product description

Adding an FAQ section in your description allows you to directly address common voice search queries. This helps Alexa pull relevant information to answer questions.

Example FAQs:

“Is this hand soap safe for sensitive skin?”

“How long does the battery last on a single charge?”

“What’s the size of this product?”

Make sure to phrase them as questions, then provide concise answers.

Use structured data in backend keywords

Ensure your backend keywords cover long-tail queries and variations. Include phrases that capture different ways people might ask for your product, even if it sounds repetitive. Amazon’s algorithm will pick up these variations, improving your visibility in voice search.

Example: For a coffee maker, include keywords like “easy coffee maker,” “coffee machine for home,” and “best coffee maker under $50.”

Focus on clear and relevant benefits, not features

Voice shoppers are often looking for solutions, not just specs. Highlight benefits and solutions that your product offers in simple terms. Focus on how your product improves the user’s life rather than going into excessive technical details.

Example: Instead of “Made with XYZ material for durability,” say “Built to last, so you don’t have to worry about replacements.”

Keep your brand story in mind

Voice search users are often looking for quick, reliable answers, but a strong brand story can still add value. Ensure your brand story aligns with the product benefits and is incorporated subtly within your description or A+ Content. Voice search algorithms favor listings that give a sense of trustworthiness and clear identity.

Test and measure the impact

Voice search optimization is still evolving, so keep an eye on the impact of these changes on your overall performance. Track how your ranking, click-through rate, and conversions respond over time, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Tools from Amazon account management services can help streamline this analysis.

Voice search is all about simplicity and speaking the customer’s language, so make sure your listing does that. And if you want a seamless, expert approach, consider a professional Amazon listing optimization service to handle the details. That way, you’re voice-search ready without missing a beat in your listing strategy.