Why Voice Search for Business is Essential for Local SEO

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This week on the All About Digital Marketing Blog, we’re hearing all about a topic that I haven’t seen mentioned very much, despite the fact that it’s been expanding before our very eyes for some time. According to our guest blogger, Dhawal Shah, Co-Founder and Managing Director of 2Stallions in Malaysia, voice search is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for businesses the world over who are looking to boost their local SEO. Dhawal has worked on hundreds of successful digital marketing projects with B2B and B2C clients ranging from startups to multi-national corporations across industries and he has seen first-hand the difference that well-optimised websites can make.

Over to Dhawal…

Voice search is changing the way customers interact with businesses, and as a small business owner or entrepreneur, adapting to this trend is no longer optional—it's essential. Approximately 34% of Malaysians actively use voice search, indicating a significant engagement with this technology among the population.

With more people using voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa to find local businesses, optimising your online presence for voice search can help you stand out in your community. In this blog post, we'll explore why voice search for business is crucial for local SEO, how it works, and the steps you can take to leverage it effectively.

What is Voice Search for Business?

Voice search allows users to find information online simply by speaking into their devices. For example, someone might ask, “Where’s the best nasi lemak [Malaysian rice cake] near me?” instead of typing it out. Voice search works by pulling information from business listings, websites, and search engines to deliver relevant answers.

This shift toward hands-free, convenient search has made platforms like Google Voice Search for business a vital tool for connecting with local customers. If your business isn't optimised for voice search, you could miss out on potential customers who are actively looking for your services.

Why Is Voice Search Essential for Local SEO?1. Voice Search Drives Local Traffic

According to a study by BrightLocal, which surveyed a panel of 1,012 US-based consumers on their experience with voice assistants and smart speakers, 46% of voice search users search for local businesses daily. Whether it’s a restaurant, a clinic, or a boutique, people rely on voice search to find places nearby. If your business isn’t listed or optimised for local voice search, you may lose out to competitors who are.

2. Convenient for On-the-Go Users

As people are always on the move, voice search offers them a hands-free, faster way to search while multitasking. A customer driving through Kuala Lumpur might ask, “Where’s the nearest car repair shop?” Optimising for voice search ensures your business is among the top results they hear.

3. Google Voice Search Prioritises Accuracy

When someone uses Google Voice Search for business, the algorithm prioritises businesses with complete and accurate information, including your business name, address, phone number, and operating hours. Ensuring these details are both available and correct boosts your chances of appearing in voice search results.

How Does Voice Search Work for Businesses?

When a customer makes a voice query, search engines pull information from three primary sources:

Google My Business (GMB) or your Google Business Profile: Ensuring your business is registered and updated here is critical for voice search visibility.

Data on Websites: Adding schema markup (aka additional tags in the website code) helps search engines understand your website content better, making it easier to match with voice search queries.

Business Listings: Consistent information across platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and local directories boosts credibility and visibility in voice search results.

Benefits of Voice Search for Small Businesses

Higher Visibility in Local Searches: Voice search ensures your business gets noticed by nearby customers actively seeking your services.

Improved Customer Experience: Quick and accurate answers to customer queries make your business more accessible and trustworthy.

Increased Conversions: With voice search directing users straight to your contact information or website, they’re more likely to purchase or visit your store.

Competitive Advantage: Not all businesses have adopted voice search yet, giving you the chance to stay ahead of competitors in Malaysia.

Steps to Optimise Your Business for Voice Search1. Complete Your Business Voice Search Registration

Start by registering your business with platforms like Google My Business. Ensure your profile includes:

● Business name, address, and phone number (NAP).

● Operating hours.

● High-quality images of your store or services.

● A concise, keyword-optimised description.

2. Use Conversational Keywords

Voice search queries are often more conversational than text-based ones. For instance, instead of typing “florist Kuala Lumpur,” someone might ask, “Where can I find a florist in KL?” Using natural, question-based keywords like these can improve your chances of ranking in voice search results.

3. Focus on Local SEO

Make sure your website content is optimised for local keywords. Include location-specific terms like “Kuala Lumpur,” “New York,” or “near me.” Highlight customer reviews and testimonials, as positive feedback often influences search rankings.

4. Ensure Mobile Optimisation

Most voice searches are performed on mobile devices, so your website must be mobile-friendly. This includes fast loading speeds, responsive design, and easy navigation.

5. Leverage FAQ Pages

Include an FAQ section on your website with questions your customers might ask via voice search. For example:

● “What are your business hours on weekends?”

● “Do you offer delivery services?”
This not only improves your SEO but also provides value to your customers.

Challenges of Voice Search and How to Overcome ThemLimited Awareness Among Businesses

Many businesses worldwide haven’t optimised for voice search because they may not have thought about it or they assume that it’s not necessary. By educating yourself and taking action now, you can gain a significant advantage to help your business reach its goals.

Maintaining Consistency Across Listings

Discrepancies in your business information across platforms can hurt your ranking. Review and update your listings regularly to avoid this issue.

Keeping Up with Trends

Voice search technology evolves quickly. Staying informed and adapting your strategy ensures long-term success. Partnering with an agency experienced in voice search optimisation, like 2Stallions, can help you navigate these changes with ease.

Real-Life Impact: Why You Should Optimise for Voice Search Now

Imagine a customer in Malaysia looking for “the best coffee shop near me.” If your business is optimised for Google voice search for business, your café will appear in their results, directing them straight to your location. Missing out on this opportunity means losing potential customers to competitors who have taken voice search seriously.

By acting now, you can future-proof your business and ensure it remains relevant as voice search becomes even more integrated into daily life.

Thank you to Mr Dhawal Shah and 2Stallions. If you would like to learn more about voice search and how to optimise your business, visit https://2stallions.com.my/. If you would also like to contribute a guest post to the All About Digital Marketing blog, please read my post about guest posting and comment below, or send an email to louisaguiseauthor@gmail.com.

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