This is Part 5 of our six-part series on how search engines are evolving and what local businesses must do to stay ahead. Today, we’re diving into multimodal search—where text-based searches are no longer the only way customers find businesses.
People now search using voice commands, images, video, and even audio clips, and AI-driven search engines are prioritizing businesses that optimize for these formats. If your business isn’t prepared for this shift, you risk missing out on potential customers who are searching beyond traditional text queries.
Let’s break down what multimodal search is and how local businesses can use it to increase visibility.
What Is Multimodal Search?
Instead of just typing queries, users now interact with search engines in multiple ways:
- Voice Search: Customers use Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant to ask questions instead of typing.
- Image Search: Google Lens allows people to search by snapping a photo rather than entering text.
- Video & Audio Search: AI tools scan video content and even transcribe audio to understand and rank information.
For local businesses, optimizing for these search methods is no longer optional—it’s essential to staying competitive.
How Local Businesses Can Optimize for Multimodal Search
1. Optimize for Voice Search
People speak differently than they type. Instead of “best pizza NYC,” they ask, “What’s the best pizza place near me?”
Here’s how to optimize for voice search:
✅ Create FAQ Pages answering common spoken queries (e.g., “What are your business hours?”).
âś… Use conversational language in website content to match natural speech patterns.
âś… Implement Schema Markup (FAQ, Q&A) so AI can pull answers directly from your site.
Example: A dentist’s website should have an FAQ like: “How can I whiten my teeth naturally?” so that AI assistants can retrieve that answer directly.
2. Make Images Search-Friendly
With Google Lens processing billions of image searches monthly, optimizing photos is a must.
✅ Use descriptive alt text for every image (e.g., “Handcrafted wooden dining table at Oak Furniture Co., Chicago”).
âś… Add location-based metadata to images (e.g., city, product, service category).
✅ Compress images properly so they load fast—Google ranks faster-loading sites higher.
Example: A boutique could optimize product images with alt text like “Vintage leather handbag, handcrafted in Austin, TX.”
3. Leverage Video & Audio Content
AI scans videos for context and transcribes spoken words. To ensure your business is visible in video/audio searches:
✅ Upload videos with clear titles & descriptions (e.g., “How to Style a Blazer for Fall | Fashion Tips by Luxe Boutique”).
âś… Use VideoObject Schema to help Google categorize your content.
âś… Include transcripts for audio and podcast content to improve searchability.
Example: A salon can post a tutorial titled “5-Minute Hairstyles for Busy Mornings” with a transcript to boost discoverability.
4. Cross-Link Between Content Types
AI connects information across multiple formats. Help search engines (and customers) by linking content together:
đź”— Link blog posts to related videos.
🎙️ Add podcast episode links to FAQs.
đź“· Connect product images to product descriptions.
Example: A landscaping company posts a blog on “Best Native Plants for Texas Gardens”, links it to a video demo, and includes customer reviews—maximizing exposure across search types.
The Bottom Line
Customers aren’t just typing to search anymore—they’re speaking, snapping photos, and watching videos. Businesses that fail to adapt risk losing visibility.
At Beehive Local, we help local businesses master multimodal search by optimizing content across voice, image, video, and text. Want to future-proof your online presence? Let’s talk.