Think back to the last time you used your mobile device to ask for directions, check out a restaurant, or look up the hours of operation for a business. You likely didn’t type anything—you just asked it out loud. Using voice search is becoming second nature, which is exactly why local businesses can no longer afford to ignore voice SEO.
Here’s what it is and how it can help your business.
What Is Voice SEO?
Voice SEO is simply placing your business in the view of GPS users based on voice search. Rather than typing “nearby” into their search, someone might say, “Hey Google, what’s the best plumber near me?”
If you’ve properly optimized your business listing and website, your name might be the name Google says out loud.
Benefit from Voice SEO
1. You Can Appear in “Near Me” Searches.
Most voice searches are local—people who need to find something nearby and right now. When someone says, “Where can I get coffee near me?” The Google search engine pulls from accurate business listings to provide local options.
If your Google Business Profile is completely filled out with current business information (address, hours, reviews, contact, etc.), you are more likely to appear in voice search results.
2. You Make Life Easier for Customers
Voice search is all about convenience. People talk faster than they type, and they want answers just as fast.
If you are able to provide a beneficial site by having transparent, straightforward responses to questions that people ask regularly, they will be able to find what they need more readily and thus establish trust. Just a brief FAQ page, with responses made conversational, will have a powerful impact.
3. You Draw In Customers With Intent
Most voice searches have actual intent, like when someone asks, “Where’s a good place to buy running shoes nearby?” They are not just window shopping. These are potentially paying customers.
By satisfying these searches, your business fills its sales funnel with high-quality leads that are ready to call, visit, or buy.
4. You Reinforce Mobile
Voice searches typically happen on mobile devices, and, as a result, your site needs to be mobile friendly. This means that it needs to load quickly, function well on small screens, and make it easy for the visitor to call you or get directions.
The better the mobile use, the better the traditional and voice SEO become.
5. You Get Out in Front of Your Competitors
Many local businesses haven’t optimized for voice yet. This creates a great opportunity for you to get out in front of your competition early.
Once the Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri begins to suggest or recommend your business over other businesses, this will be free advertising from which to attain new customers that costs you nothing additional except for the effort you already made to create content for voice search.
Quick Tips to Get Started with Voice SEO
- Use everyday language in your content.
- Include local terminology, such as the name of your city or neighborhood.
- Ensure that your Google Business Profile is accurate and complete.
- Produce FAQ-style content that addresses real customer inquiries.
- Don’t forget to make sure that your website loads quickly and works well on phones.
Summary: Voice search may not be the future; it’s already here. People are already using it every day to find local businesses, and those that prepare for it today will benefit the most.
So, if you run a café, salon, auto shop, or any local service, get to it and start optimizing your voice search today. Speak the language of your customers, and quickly your business will be the one they will be recommending.
