Voice search isn’t new – it’s been shaping the way people interact with technology for years. With the rise of AI assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, voice search has become an integral part of everyday life. Whether it’s asking for the weather, finding local businesses, or setting reminders, voice commands have become second nature for many of us.

Did you know that 35% of UK households now own a smart speaker? And that’s not even counting the millions of people who use voice search daily on their phones. So, if your business isn’t optimised for voice search, you could be missing out on an increasingly important way to connect with your audience.

The reality is simple: if you’re not getting the visibility you want online, it might be time to consider how voice search optimisation could help your business.

Voice Search: A New Way of Searching

Voice search isn’t just about speaking instead of typing; it’s changing how people phrase their queries. Traditional searches often involve short phrases like “best coffee shop Beeston,” but voice searches are more conversational: “Where’s the best coffee shop near me in Beeston?”

This shift has implications for how businesses show up in search results. To stay visible, it’s essential to focus on natural language and question-based keywords.

And it’s not just about phrasing. Voice searches are highly local. People often ask “near me” questions, like “Where can I get flowers near me?” This means small businesses have a unique opportunity to capture local customers through voice search.

Practical Tips to Optimise for Voice Search

The good news? Optimising for voice search doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some actionable steps to get started:

1. Adapt Your Content for Natural Language

Create content that mimics how people talk. Focus on answering specific questions, such as:

• “How do I choose the best marketing strategy for my small business?”
• “What are the top social media trends for 2025?”

2. Prioritise Local SEO

Voice search thrives on local queries, so make sure your Google Business Profile is fully optimised. Include up-to-date contact details, opening hours, and encourage customers to leave reviews.

3. Add FAQ Sections to Your Website

FAQ sections are perfect for capturing voice search queries. Think about the most common questions your audience asks and provide clear, concise answers.

4. Optimise for Mobile

Many voice searches happen on mobile devices, so your website needs to load quickly and be easy to navigate on small screens.

5. Use Structured Data

Schema markup helps search engines understand your content, increasing the chances of appearing in voice search results.

6. Focus on Conversational Keywords

Tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or AnswerThePublic can help you identify conversational, question-based keywords.

 

Why Voice Search Matters for Small Businesses

For small businesses, voice search represents a huge opportunity to connect with local audiences. By embracing this technology, you can:

• Improve local visibility, making it easier for customers to find you.
• Enhance the user experience by providing quick, relevant answers.
• Stay ahead of competitors who haven’t yet optimised for voice search.

The best part? Optimising for voice search often aligns with other good SEO practices, so your overall online presence benefits.

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

Voice search is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to building an effective marketing strategy. If you want to take your digital marketing to the next level, check out our blog on the Benefits of Email Marketing. It’s packed with tips to help you engage your audience and drive results.

And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. At Creationz Marketing, we can be your outsourced marketing team, helping you navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. From voice search optimisation to content creation and email marketing, we’re here to support your business every step of the way.

Ready to Optimise Your Marketing for 2025?

Voice search is here to stay, and the businesses that embrace it now will reap the rewards. If you’d like help getting started, we’re just a call or email away. Let’s chat about how we can support your business’s marketing goals in the year ahead.

Let’s talk about Out-of-Home (OOH) marketing. It’s one of those things that’s been around forever, yet it’s still as relevant today as it’s ever been- maybe even more so.

With digital ads crowding every corner of our screens, there’s something special about stepping outside and seeing a billboard that just clicks. No logos, no hard sell – just a visual or message that you instantly associate with a brand.

You may have seen in the media that Heinz has done a series of billboard ads – “It has to be…” You don’t need to see the logo to know it’s Heinz. That’s the power of great OOH marketing. Google it, it is impressive.

What is OOH Marketing?

OOH marketing, or Out-of-Home marketing, is exactly what it sounds like: advertising designed to reach you when you’re out and about.

Think billboards, ads on buses and trains, digital screens in shopping centres, posters at bus stops, or even a quirky pop-up installation in the middle of a city square.

I remember when the tram system first launched in Nottingham. We sourced tram advertising for a campaign, and it was such an exciting opportunity to have our message moving across the city. That’s the beauty of OOH – it’s everywhere, it’s tangible, and it’s unavoidable (in the best possible way). It’s not just a throwback to traditional marketing; it’s proof that old-school strategies still packing a punch.

The Different Flavours of OOH Marketing

1. Billboards – The OG of OOH. Whether it’s a classic printed poster or a high-tech digital screen, billboards dominate high-traffic spots and demand attention.
2. Transit Advertising – Ever notice ads on buses, trains, or taxis? They’re like moving canvases, reaching people across areas and cities.
3. Street Furniture Ads – Ads on benches, kiosks, and bus shelters are perfect for urban areas where people are on the move but have time to look around.
4. Digital OOH (DOOH) – Those dynamic screens you see in airports, shopping malls, or stadiums? That’s DOOH, bringing flexibility and interactivity to the OOH world.
5. Guerrilla Marketing – The wild card. This could be anything from a street art installation to a flash mob, designed to grab attention in unexpected ways.

Why Does OOH Marketing Work So Well?

1. You Can’t Skip It – Unlike digital ads that you can scroll past or block, OOH is always there. It’s part of your environment.
2. Massive Reach – From commuters to shoppers, OOH reaches a huge audience across different times and places.
3. Instant Brand Recognition – Seeing a brand in a public space gives it credibility. It’s like saying, “We’re here, and we’re worth noticing.”
4. It Amplifies Digital Campaigns – Pair an OOH ad with a digital push, and you’ve got a recipe for serious engagement. QR codes, hashtags, or call-to-action links can bridge the gap beautifully.
5. It Sticks Around – OOH campaigns don’t vanish after a few seconds. They’re up for weeks, sometimes months.

How to Make OOH Marketing Work for You

• Pick Your Spot – Where’s your audience? Find the high-traffic areas they frequent.
• Keep It Bold and Simple – You’ve got seconds to make an impression. A clean, striking design with a strong message is key.
• Connect It to Digital – Add a QR code or a memorable hashtag so people can engage with your brand online.
• Track the Impact – Measure success through metrics like brand lift, foot traffic, or social mentions to see how your campaign resonates.

A Final Word

OOH marketing isn’t just advertising—it’s an experience. It’s the big, bold reminder of your brand’s presence in the real world.

And the best part?

It works for everyone—whether you’re a global name like Heinz or a small business wanting to make a splash. When done right, OOH has the power to stop people in their tracks, spark conversations, and leave a lasting impression.

So, are you ready to step outside the screen and go big with OOH?

There’s something truly special about Nottingham. I moved here 23 years ago, and from day one, I knew this city had an energy unlike any other. It’s a place where businesses grow, where ideas turn into action, and where connections make all the difference.

One of the things that has transformed my own business journey is networking. When I connect with other business owners, I see my business through fresh eyes, gain new insights, and uncover opportunities I might never have considered alone. That’s why, in 2022, I became an ambassador for EC Circle—a thriving network of entrepreneurs who are committed to growth, accountability, and success. It’s given me a space to learn, share, and connect with like-minded business owners without having to travel far.

And that’s exactly why I’m so excited to invite you to Thrive25 Nottingham on March 21st at Cleaver & Wake.

Why You Need to Be at Thrive25 Nottingham

This isn’t just another business event. It’s a game-changer Andy Willcox from Entrepreneurs Circle, one of the UK’s top marketing experts, will be there to share the EC’s proven 7-11-4 Business Growth Formula—a powerful strategy that has helped countless businesses scale, thrive, and achieve extraordinary results. Whether you’re a startup founder, a small business owner, or an established entrepreneur, this formula will help you attract more customers, increase sales, and grow your business faster than ever.

.      . .       

But Thrive25 isn’t just about learning—it’s about taking action. It’s about being in the right room, with the right people, having the right conversations. This is where ideas spark, partnerships form, and strategies turn into reality.

This Is Your Invitation

If you’re serious about making 2025 your breakthrough year and ready to invest in yourself and your business, then this event is for you.

Join us on March 21st at Cleaver & Wake for an event that will give you the tools, knowledge, and connections to take your business to the next level.

Book your spot now: https://thrive25nottingham.co.uk/

I can’t wait to see you there!