Did you know that over 50% of online searches are now voice searches? According to Statista, this number continues to grow, and by 2025, nearly 75% of households are expected to own a smart speaker. At Plus Six Solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how this trend is reshaping the way customers find local businesses. If your business isn’t optimized for voice search, you could be missing out on valuable opportunities to connect with potential customers.
Let’s explore how voice search is changing local SEO and what you can do to stay ahead.
What is Voice Search?
Voice search allows users to perform online searches by speaking into a device rather than typing. Whether it’s through smartphones, smart speakers, or voice-enabled cars, this technology is becoming part of everyday life.
For local businesses, this represents a huge opportunity. Voice search queries are often local in intent, such as “Where’s the best Italian restaurant near me?” or “What’s the closest gas station?” Optimizing for these types of searches ensures your business appears when customers need you most.
How Voice Search Impacts Local SEO
Voice search is changing how customers interact with search engines and find local businesses. Key impacts include:
- Conversational Keywords:
Voice searches are typically longer and more conversational than text searches. For instance, instead of typing “plumber near me,” someone might say, “Who’s the best plumber in my area that can fix a leaking faucet?” - Local Listings Are Crucial:
Devices often pull data from Google My Business profiles. If your listing is incomplete or outdated, your business might not show up in voice search results. - Featured Snippets Drive Results:
Voice assistants often read answers directly from featured snippets. If your content isn’t optimized to secure this spot, you may lose visibility. - Mobile-First Design:
Many voice searches occur on mobile devices, making a mobile-friendly website essential for ranking well.
How to Optimize Your Business for Voice Search
Here’s how we help our clients prepare for the future of search:
1. Use Conversational Keywords
Focus on natural, spoken language. For example, instead of “affordable hotels Boston,” target “Where can I find affordable hotels in Boston?” Research long-tail keywords to match how people speak.
2. Perfect Your Google My Business Profile
Ensure your listing is accurate and complete. Include your hours, phone number, address, and photos. Respond to reviews to build trust and engagement.
3. Aim for Featured Snippets
Provide clear, concise answers to common questions your customers might ask. For example, a local bakery could answer “What are the best tips for baking sourdough bread?” to secure a featured snippet.
- Structure your content using headers, bullet points, and concise answers to common questions.
- Create FAQ pages or “How-to” posts to increase your chances of being featured.
4. Mobile Optimization
Test your site on multiple devices. Make sure it’s easy to navigate, loads quickly, and provides a seamless experience for mobile users.
5. Add Schema Markup
Schema markup is a type of code added to your website that helps search engines understand your content better. For instance, if you’re a local bookstore, schema can highlight your address, business hours, and featured products. This makes it easier for voice assistants to pull accurate information, increasing your chances of being featured in search results.
Why Voice Search Matters Now
Voice search isn’t a passing trend—it’s the future. While local SEO benefits greatly from this shift, e-commerce and content-driven websites are also seeing significant changes in user behavior. Optimizing for voice search now positions your business to adapt to these broader digital shifts. Acting early gives you a competitive edge and ensures you’re ready for what’s next.
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to improve your visibility in voice search? At Plus Six Solutions, we’ll create a customized SEO strategy that helps your business thrive in a voice-first world. Contact me today for a free consultation, and let’s start optimizing your digital presence to capture more customers and drive growth.