If you're not optimizing your local business for voice search, you're basically leaving money on the table. With smart speakers like Alexa, Google Home, and voice assistants like Siri becoming more ingrained in daily life, the way customers find businesses has drastically shifted. In fact, 58% of consumers have used voice search to find local business info in the last 12 months. This isn't some future trend. It's happening right now, and if you're not playing the game, your competitors definitely are.
Why Voice Search Matters for Your Local Business
Let’s face it: speed and convenience are the names of the game today. People aren’t just Googling you from their desktops anymore; they’re asking their voice assistants questions like, “Where’s the nearest coffee shop?” or “What’s the best pizza near me?” And they want answers right now. Voice search takes that expectation of instant information and dials it up to 11.
Here are some key stats to keep in mind:
46% of voice search users look for local business information on a daily basis.
76% of smart speaker users perform local searches at least weekly, with 53% doing it every single day.
That means your business’s name, address, phone number, and even business hours need to be easily accessible and optimized for voice queries. Why? Because 27% of consumers visit the website of a local business after making a voice search. That's foot traffic and clicks you're missing out on if you're not visible.
What Are People Searching For?
If you're wondering what people are using voice search for, think of it like this: what are the questions your customers ask most often?
51% of consumers use voice search to find restaurants and cafes.
41% are looking for grocery stores.
35% are searching for food delivery options.
These are quick, need-it-now searches, and the businesses that have voice search on lockdown are the ones reaping the benefits.
But it's not just about food and drink. People are starting to search for everything from hotels to beauty appointments using voice commands. The next big thing? 54% of consumers want to be able to make a restaurant or bar reservation via voice search.
How to Get Your Business Voice Search-Ready
Here’s the kicker: you can’t just cross your fingers and hope Google or Alexa finds your business. You've got to do the work.
Update Your Google Business Profile: This is non-negotiable. If your business info is outdated or inaccurate, you’re basically invisible. Make sure your name, address, phone number, and hours are correct.
Schema Markup: Okay, I know, this sounds techy—but hear me out. Schema markup is a fancy way of telling search engines, “Hey, this info is important!” For example, if someone says, “Alexa, what’s the best coffee shop in downtown?” schema can help you show up at the top of that search.
Focus on Local SEO: Voice searches tend to be hyper-local. People are asking for nearby businesses, so make sure your website and business listings are optimized for local SEO. This includes using keywords like “coffee shop near me” in your content.
Get Reviews: People trust reviews, and voice assistants are smart enough to factor them into their results. If you don’t have good reviews, you're missing out on more than just credibility—you’re losing visibility.
The Future of Voice Search
Here's the deal: the technology is only going to get better. Right now, 33% of consumers have already ordered takeout using voice search, but imagine a world where customers can pay, make appointments, or even get personalized recommendations through voice alone. It’s coming, and if you get ahead now, you’ll be reaping the benefits when that day arrives.
As one voice search study noted, “Businesses that focus on general search visibility will only improve the likelihood of appearing in voice results now and in the future.” This means that while voice search might feel niche today, it’s only going to grow—and fast.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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