Gone are the days when users only typed queries into a search bar—now, they use voice commands, images, and even AI-powered tools to find what they need.
You could be losing out on valuable traffic if your website isn’t optimised for these new search methods.
In this article, we’ll be covering what multimodal search is, why it’s important, and how you can keep your business visible in this evolving digital world.
What Are Multimodal Search Interfaces?
A multimodal search interface is a search experience that enables users to interact with a search system using different input methods beyond just text.
These can include:
- Text-based queries: Conventional searches using keywords entered into Google, Bing, or other search engines.
- Voice search: Spoken queries made through Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri, and other voice assistants.
- Image search: Users upload or capture images to find similar results through tools like Google Lens or Pinterest Lens.
- Video search: Looking for content on applications like YouTube or TikTok using visual recognition.
- AI chatbots: Users engage with AI-driven assistants like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to receive straightforward, conversational responses.
- Gesture-based search: Less common but emerging technology allowing users to perform searches through body movements or augmented reality interfaces.
A more natural, human-like search experience is made possible by the combination of these input techniques, making information more accessible and allowing businesses to reach audiences through diverse channels.
The Rise of Multimodal Search: Why It Matters
User Behaviour Is Evolving
Users today expect a smooth search experience that emulates real-life interactions. They want immediate, relevant information, whether they’re asking their smart speaker about nearby services or taking a picture of a T-shirt they like to choose where to buy it. As a business, failing to adjust to these changes could mean losing potential clients to rivals who are already optimising for multimodal search.
Search Engines Are Prioritising Multimodal Capabilities
Google has been at the forefront of multimodal search advancements, with Google Lens, BERT, AI Overviews, and AI-powered voice search algorithms. The launch of multimodal generative AI significantly improves how search engines analyse complicated searches across text, speech, and images, making traditional keyword-based SEO no longer enough.
Mobile & AI-driven Searches are Dominant
Mobile devices account for more than 60% of searches, so users are increasingly using voice and visual search tools to find what they need. Conversational and image-driven SEO is essential for businesses because AI-driven search assistants like Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri, and Amazon Alexa are changing how people engage with search engines.
AI Chatbots
The rise of AI chat interfaces marks a big change from traditional search behaviours. People are using AI tools such as ChatGPT to ask complex questions and receive human-like, direct responses. Unlike traditional search engines that return a list of links, these chatbots provide detailed, context-aware answers that often include information from multiple sources, including text, images, and even videos.
ChatGPT Search Function
Given the shift in search behaviours, businesses must expand their SEO strategies beyond text-based optimisation to accommodate voice, visual, and AI-powered search experiences.
Optimising for AI Chatbots
AI-driven chatbots like ChatGPT are becoming the main way users engage with search engines. To stay visible in AI-powered conversations, consider the following:
- Write Conversational Content – Chatbots specialise in processing and responding to natural language queries. Optimise your content by writing in a conversational, Q&A format that addresses common questions.
- Focus on Contextual, Direct Answers – Traditional SEO strategies focus on keywords – so instead focus on providing clear, concise, and contextually relevant answers to potential user queries. AI chatbots look for answers that are easy to understand and aligned with user intent.
- Implement Structured Data – Schema markup helps search engines understand your content better, making it more likely to appear in AI-generated responses. Use FAQs, reviews, and other structured data to ensure your content is easily accessible by AI tools.
Optimising for Voice Search
Voice search queries are typically longer, conversational, and question-based.
To improve visibility in voice search results:
- Use Natural Language Keywords – Unlike traditional search, where users may type “best SEO agency London,” voice search is more conversational, e.g., “What’s the best SEO agency in London?” Use FAQ-style content and long-tail keywords to optimise your content.
- Focus on Featured Snippets – Google Assistant and Alexa often use answers from featured snippets. Content should be organised with concise, understandable responses in the form of lists, tables, or paragraphs.
- Optimise for Local Search – Many voice searches are location-based. Ensure you have up-to-date contact information, business hours, and location tags on your Google My Business listing.
Enhancing Image & Visual Search Optimisation
Visual search is gaining traction, where users search for images using queries. Platforms like Google Lens, Pinterest, and Instagram Shopping drive significant traffic.
To optimise your website for image search:
- Use High-Quality Images – Clear, high-resolution pictures are prioritised by search engines.
- Add Descriptive Alt Text – This helps Google interpret the image and improves accessibility.
- Optimise Image File Names and Metadata – For example, “red-coloured-glasses.jpg” is a better file name and description than “image1234.jpg” because it contains relevant keywords.
- Use Schema Markup – Adding Product, Recipe, and ImageObject schema helps search engines categorise and index your images properly.
Structured Data & AI Integration
Structured data is essential for improving multimodal search performance. Implementing schema markup can help search engines better understand your content, making it more likely to appear in rich results. Some useful schemas include:
- FAQ Schema for question-based voice or text searches.
- Product Schema to improve eCommerce image search.
- Video Schema for optimising YouTube and embedded video content.
Google’s AI developments have also increased the importance of contextual search. Using NLP (Natural Language Processing), Google understands content meaning rather than just matching keywords, making content relevance, intent, and clarity vital.
Optimising Video for Search
Video is a strong tool in multimodal search, with YouTube as the second-largest search engine. To make your video content discoverable:
- Optimise Video Titles & Descriptions – Naturally include relevant keywords.
- Use Timestamps (Chapters) – Help search engines efficiently index content sections.
- Upload Captions & Transcripts – Enhances accessibility and ranking.
- Host Videos on Multiple Platforms – Embed videos on your website, social media accounts, and Google My Business.
Enhancing Mobile & UX Optimisation
The majority of multimodal searches happen on mobile devices, so a mobile-friendly website is important. Key focus areas include:
- Fast Load Times – Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights to see what’s slowing your site down, then make the relevant changes.
- Mobile-Responsive Design – Ensure your site has a good user experience across all devices.
- User-Friendly Navigation – Clear site structure helps search bots and users easily find relevant content.
The Connection Between Multimodal Search & Generative Engine Optimisation
Multimodal search and Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) go hand in hand. With AI-driven search interfaces expanding beyond traditional keyword rankings, GEO takes a holistic approach to content optimisation, ensuring visibility across multiple search methods, including voice, visual, and AI-powered discovery tools.
By using natural language processing (NLP), structured data, and AI-driven insights, GEO ensures your content is adapted for the future of search.
The Future of Multimodal Search: What to Expect
The evolution of multimodal search is still in its early stages, but rapid advancements in AI and machine learning will shape how users interact with search engines in the future. Key trends to watch include:
- Greater AI Personalisation – Expect AI-driven search assistants to provide customised search results based on past behaviour and preferences.
- Deeper Integration with Augmented Reality (AR) – Platforms like Google AR Search are paving the way for real-time, interactive search experiences.
- Expanded Use of Generative AI in Search – Tools like Google’s AI Overviews will continue improving search intent understanding and multimodal response accuracy.
Final Thoughts
Multimodal search interfaces are transforming how users find websites, shifting SEO from keyword-focused strategies to AI-driven, context-aware optimisation. Businesses that embrace voice, visual, and AI-enhanced search techniques will gain a competitive advantage in the digital marketplace.
If you’re looking to skyrocket your website’s visibility across multiple search channels, do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Contact us today for SEO services tailored for multimodal search and stay ahead in this evolving digital landscape!
