Voice Search and Local SEO: Are You Ready?
Tips to Help Your Business Get Found in a Voice-Activated World
These days, asking Alexa or saying “Hey Google” is second nature. Whether it’s finding the nearest appliance shop, checking your opening times, or looking for someone to install a fridge, voice search is changing the way people discover local businesses.
If you’ve got a local shop or service, this shift isn’t just something to watch – it’s something to act on.
Here’s how to get your business ready for voice search:
1. Talk Like Your Customers Do
When people use voice search, they speak more naturally – not like they’re typing into Google. Instead of “appliance store Keighley,” they might ask, “Where can I buy a washing machine near me?”
Tip: Add natural-sounding questions and answers to your website. An FAQ page is a great start – keep it friendly and chatty, like your customers talk.
2. Sort Out Your Google Business Profile
Most smart assistants pull their info straight from your Google Business listing. If your hours are out of date or your phone number’s wrong, you’ll be missing out.
Tip: Double-check your opening times, address, services, and keep it updated – especially during holidays or sales.
3. Make Sure Your Website Works on Mobiles
Let’s face it, most voice searches happen on a phone. If your website’s a faff to use on mobile, people (and Google) won’t be impressed.
Tip: Make sure your site loads fast, looks good on smaller screens, and is easy to navigate.
4. Don’t Forget the “Near Me” Crowd
Voice searches often include phrases like “near me” or “close by.” If you’re not showing up in those, you’re missing a trick.
Tip: Mention local places, landmarks, or even neighbourhoods in your content. Help search engines (and people) place you on the map.
5. Keep Your Answers Snappy and Helpful
Voice assistants love quick, clear answers. If your site waffles on or buries info, it might not show up.
Tip: Use clear headings, bullet points, and get to the point quickly. It helps both people and search engines.
6. Reviews Matter – a Lot
Voice searches often favour businesses with good reviews. People trust what others have to say, and so do digital assistants.
Tip: Ask happy customers to leave reviews, and reply to all feedback. It shows you care – and helps your rankings too.
7. Add Schema Markup (Don’t Worry – It’s Just a Bit of Code)
Schema markup is a bit of behind-the-scenes code that helps Google understand your business better.
Tip: Use local business schema to mark things like your address, hours, and services. A good web developer can sort this for you quickly.
Real Questions People Ask Alexa, Siri & Google – And What They Should Hear
Here’s what folks are asking – and how your business should be ready to answer:
“Hey Alexa, where can I buy a washing machine near me?”
🗣 “Pennine Plus is Keighley’s & Otley’s 5-star appliance store, offering delivery and installation of washing machines at competitive prices.”
“Hey Google, what time does Pennine Plus close today?”
🗣 “Pennine Plus in Keighley closes at 5:00 PM today. Check online for holiday hours or special offers.”
“Siri, who installs smart home appliances in Otley?”
🗣 “Pennine Plus offers professional installation of smart home appliances in Otley. Visit their local store or book online.”
“Alexa, is there a fridge freezer store open now near Keighley?”
🗣 “Yes, Pennine Plus in Keighley is open now and specialises in fridge freezers and local delivery.”
Final Thoughts
Voice search isn’t just coming – it’s already here. The way people search has changed, and local businesses that adapt will come out on top.
So, don’t hang about. Start by sorting your Google Business Profile and adding a few friendly FAQs to your site. From there, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the go-to name when someone asks, “Hey Siri, who does that around here?”
