11 voice search local SEO tips include:
- Update your Google Business Profile
- List your business in local directories
- Use location-specific keywords
- Target long-tail conversational keywords
- Target “near me” searches
- Optimize your website for mobile
- Prioritize fast load times
- Incorporate structured data markup
- Optimize for featured snippets
- Create an FAQ section
- Encourage reviews
Voice search local SEO is crucial for site visibility. BrightLocal says that 93% of consumers use online searches to find local businesses. Local SEO plays a primary role in voice search optimization. It increases the chance that your page will be pulled up to answer queries. Search Engine Journal says that pages that rank on the first page receive 70% of the traffic.
PwC says 71% of consumers use voice searches. Google reports that 46% of these are for local businesses or services. These are often people on the move, searching for nearby businesses or services. Voice search optimization is important as it determines whether your page will feature in the results. Ranking at the top of the search results can directly lead to sales.
Simply Be Found is an SEO agency that excels in voice search SEO. They highlight the need for multi-platform optimization. This is because voice searches are done using various AI voice assistants. This includes Google, Bing, Alexa, Siri, and Cortana. Simply Be Found focuses on organic traffic and does not run any paid ads or outbound marketing campaigns.
I've been ranking websites using local SEO strategies since 2014. I use local SEO in multiple online businesses that I own. Voice searches often use conversational queries compared to typed searches. This leads to challenges that are unique to voice queries. This article explores 11 voice search local SEO tips. I explain why each of them is important and briefly discuss how to implement them.
1. Update Your Google Business Profile for Voice Search Local SEO
Voice search often pulls results directly from Google Business Profile and displays them on the top. Add or claim your listing on Google Business Profile to be included in the results. Make sure that all the details are accurate and up to date. This includes your business name, address, phone number, and operating hours. Make sure they are consistent across all the platforms that you use. Add the relevant category and subcategory. Use a detailed business description that includes location-specific keywords. For example, write "24/7 plumbing service near South Huntington, NY."
Google says that businesses with complete Google Business Profiles are 2.7 times more likely to be considered reputable. Adding photos can also boosts your reputation. Google says that listings with photos receive 42% more requests for directions. They also get 35% more visits than those without.
2. List Your Business in Local Directories for Voice Search Local SEO
Top voice search results are often trusted local directories. Search Engine Journal says that 93% of consumers use online directories to find local businesses. These include Yelp, TripAdvisor, and other niche directories. BrightLocal says that consistent directory listings boost your local visibility by 23%. Register or claim your business on as many related local directories as possible. Make sure that the details are consistent throughout all directories.
It is often free to list your business in local directories. Here are some industry-specific listings that boost your visibility with local searches:
3. Use Location-Specific Keywords for Voice Search Local SEO
58% of daily voice searches are for local businesses, according to Chatmeter. Search engines prioritize relevant results for nearby businesses. An example of a location-specific search is "Plumbing services in south Huntington, NY" This tells search engines you offer services for that area, boosting your site's relevance.
Use location-specific keywords in your meta titles, headings, and page content. Include landmarks and neighborhoods in your content. For example, "We are located near the Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve in Huntington, NY." The more specific your page is with location, the more relevant it is to related search results.
4. Target Long-Tail Conversational Keywords for Voice Search Local SEO
Google says that 20% of all mobile searches are voice searches. These are often conversational in phrasing. Targeting long-tail conversational keywords can boost your relevance in search results. For example, a voice search would ask, "What is the best plumbing service in South Huntington, NY?"
HubSpot says that 50% of search queries contain four or more words. These queries often convert better because they reflect specific needs. You need to understand your target audience's queries to target effectively. Use Google's People Also Ask (PAA) and software like SEMrush or my free keyword research tool to find common related questions. Use conversational phrasing in your content instead of formal or robotic language. For example, use "The average cost of plumbing service in South Huntington, NY, is..." instead of "Cost of plumbing services in South Huntington, NY, is...."
5. Target “Near Me” Searches for Voice Search Local SEO
According to Google, "near me" searches are common in voice searches. For example, users are more likely to search for "What is the best plumbing service near me?" or "Where is the nearest plumbing service?" instead of "What are the best plumbing services in South Huntington?"
Many “near me” searches are for urgent services. Include keywords like “24/7,” “emergency,” or “open now” to capture high-intent traffic. BrightLocal says that businesses in the top 3 of "near me" search results get 78% of the clicks. Google reports that 28% of "near me" searches lead to a sale. Optimizing your content to address "near me" queries adds a lot of weight to your site's visibility.
6. Optimize Your Website for Mobile for Voice Search Local SEO
Statista reports that 59% of Google searches happen on mobile devices. Mobile-friendly sites are 32% more likely to rank in search results, says Search Engine Journal. Your site should have a responsive design. It must adapt to different screen sizes and orientations. Simplify navigation by using a layout with clear, easily tappable buttons and links. Add convenience features like a sticky menu or back-to-top button. Below is an example of a mobile non-optimized and optimized site.
Google says that 70% of mobile users visit a store from the local search results. Add a click-to-call button to make it easy for visitors to contact you. Embedding a Google Maps widget provides quick navigation to your location.
7. Prioritize Fast Load Times for Voice Search Local SEO
Voice search users expect quick responses and seamless browsing when visiting websites. This is especially true for mobile users. Google includes page speed as a factor in its ranking algorithm. Slow websites lead to a negative user experience and lower visibility.
You can optimize your site's loading time by:
If you want more control, you can try coding. Visual Studio Code is a free coding tool that you can use to optimize your site's speed. The example below shows Tobin Bradley using VSC to optimize his site.
Think with Google says that 53% of mobile users leave the site if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load. Akamai says a 1-second delay in page load time leads to a reduced 7% conversion rate. Optimizing your site is crucial to remain visible and competitive.
8. Incorporate Structured Data Markup for Voice Search Local SEO
Structured data markup is a standardized format that helps search engines categorize a website. It provides detailed and organized information about your business to the search engine. This makes it easier for the search engines to identify your site as relevant to the voice search query. Structured data markup is a standardized format that helps search engines categorize a website. It provides detailed and organized information about your business to the search engine. This makes it easier for the search engines to identify your site as relevant to the voice search query.
Google provides a free tool, Google's Structured Data Markup Helper, to generate structured data code for your website. You can also manually add schema markup. Use JSON-LD (JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data) format. This is Google’s preferred method for adding schema markup. Below is an example for a local business:
Search Engine Journal says that structured data markup boosts organic traffic by 12%. Backlinko says that results generated by structured data have a 35% higher click-through rate. Structured data markup is great for making your site visible in relevant searches.
9. Optimize for Featured Snippets for Voice Search Local SEO
Featured snippets are highlighted answers at the top of Google's search results. They are also known as “position zero” results. To increase the chances of getting on the snippets, you need to structure your content for them. Aim for 40 to 60 words for paragraph-style snippets. Use lists, tables, or bullet points for process-based or comparison queries. Include location-specific details to answer location-based questions.
Backlinko discovered that 40% of voice search answers come from featured snippets. Search Engine Land reports that snippets can boost click-through rates by 20-30%. You don't have to specifically aim to get on the snippet. Focus on optimizing your content to be concise, avoid fluff, and unnecessary information.
10. Create an FAQ Section for Voice Search Local SEO
Businesses with optimized FAQ sections get 30% more traffic, according to Search Engine Journal. Answering commonly asked questions in a conversational and structured way boosts your chances of being featured in search results. It adds value to your site by boosting your domain rating. Having a FAQ section also increases the chance that your site will be featured in Google snippets. Below is an example of a FAQ section on the Pipe Doctor website.
Backlinko reports that FAQs increase a page's click-through rate by up to 22%. This is because they directly address user intent in a concise, relevant, and accessible manner. Moz also says that websites with FAQ sections reduce their bounce rates by 25%.
11. Encourage Reviews for Voice Search Local SEO
Reviews play a big role in your site's visibility and conversion rate. Backlinko says that businesses with strong review profiles are 1.5 times more likely to rank in search results. Encouraging your customers to leave reviews will have positive results for your SEO. You can encourage reviews by doing the following:
Encourage reviews through multiple platforms. This includes Google Reviews, trusted local listings, and popular review sites. Below is an example of the Google Local Pack showing reviews.
The number of reviews and ratings plays a big part in ranking in the Local Pack. Search Engine Journal discovered that businesses with at least 5 recent reviews are 44% more likely to appear in the Local Pack.
What Is Voice Search Registration?
Voice search registration is claiming your business in trusted directories. It also means optimizing it for voice queries using voice-focused SEO techniques. There are no special actions or services that do this. Beware of companies that claim to "register your business for voice search." This is an ongoing scam that provides zero value to the client.
Why Is Local SEO Important?
Local SEO is important because it enhances your business's visibility in location-based searches. This lets you reach potential customers in your area. It is the most effective way to get leads without paying for ads. Local SEO is sustainable, which works for long-term visibility. However, you also have to be aware of the downsides. It takes an average of 6 weeks to 6 months for the effects of SEO to be visible. Learning and implementing local SEO strategies can be time-intensive. You also need to stay updated as search engine algorithms constantly evolve.
How I Use Local SEO to Earn Passive Income
I use local SEO in my lead generation business. I optimize niche sites on Google and then rent them out to local businesses. Instead of optimizing a client's website for a 1-time or recurring fee, I own the site that earns monthly rent. This gives me stable recurring income and full control.
I earn $500 to $3,000 from each of my local lead generation sites. Because I only need to update them when they drop in ranking, the business is very sustainable. Local businesses will keep renting as long as the sites rank and draw traffic. By repeating the rank-and-rent process, I was able to scale quickly. I currently have dozens of these sites, which earn me over $52K a month. This time and financial freedom allowed me to focus on other interests and business ventures. Check out local lead generation for more info.
