Ever asked your phone, “Where’s the nearest laptop repair shop?” or “Best coworking space near me?” If so, you’ve used voice search and you’re not alone.
More and more people are speaking instead of typing, especially when they’re on the go. And when they speak, they’re often looking for something local, something near, something now.
For businesses (especially those with a physical location or regional service), voice search + local SEO is a powerful combo that shouldn’t be ignored. Let’s break down how it works and how to make sure your brand shows up when it matters most.
What Is Voice Search?
Voice search lets users perform online searches by speaking instead of typing. It happens through virtual assistants like:
- Siri (Apple)
- Google Assistant
- Alexa (Amazon)
- Bixby (Samsung)
Unlike traditional search, voice queries are more conversational, longer, and often framed as questions.
Typed: “coffee shop Lagos”
Voice: “Where’s the best coffee shop in Lagos open right now?”
This change in behavior means we need to change the way we think about SEO.
Why Voice Search Is All About Local
A large percentage of voice searches are location-based. People are looking for nearby businesses, services, and answers:
- “Find a software development company near me”
- “Tech hubs in Abuja open on weekends”
- “Who fixes cracked phone screens around here?”
When users make voice searches, their intent is usually urgent and local and that’s your opportunity to step in and be the answer.
How to Optimize for Voice Search And Local SEO
Here are practical steps your tech brand or local business can take:
1. Use Conversational Keywords
People speak differently than they type. Incorporate natural phrases and questions into your content.
- Think: “How can I…” “Where do I…” “Best way to…”
- Use FAQs, blog posts, and even headings to reflect these patterns.
2. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
This is huge. A fully optimized Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) increases your visibility in local voice searches.
Make sure you:
- Verify your business
- Add accurate name, address, and phone number (NAP)
- Include business hours, services, photos, and a compelling description
- Collect and respond to customer reviews
3. Ensure Your Site Is Mobile-Friendly
Most voice searches happen on mobile. If your site loads slowly or isn’t easy to navigate, users (and Google) will bounce.
Make sure your website:
- Loads fast (under 3 seconds)
- Has tap-friendly buttons and clean layouts
- Shows your contact/location info clearly
4. Create Localized Content
Blog about local tech trends, events, partnerships, or solutions tailored to your area.
Examples:
- “5 Tech Startups in Ikeja Changing the Game”
- “Top Coworking Spaces in Port Harcourt for Developers”
This helps build relevance and signals to search engines that you’re connected to the local ecosystem.
5. Use Schema Markup (LocalBusiness Structured Data)
Schema markup helps search engines understand your content better. With the right local schema in place, your business is more likely to appear in featured snippets or voice search results.
Not technical? No stress platforms like Schema.org and plugins like Yoast SEO can help with this.
6. Get Reviews (And Respond to Them!)
Online reviews build trust and boost visibility. Google often pulls info from review content in voice answers especially when the query includes “best” or “top-rated.”
Encourage satisfied clients to leave a quick Google review, and always reply it shows engagement.
The Voice Search Advantage for Tech Brands
Even if you’re not a pizza place or salon, voice and local search still matter especially if:
- You have a physical office or co-working space
- You run community events, trainings, or bootcamps
- You serve clients in specific regions or cities
- You want to attract local talent, startups, or partnerships
Voice search is about being found when people are looking, and local SEO makes sure they find you.
As voice technology becomes a bigger part of everyday life, the brands that show up will be those that speak their audience’s language literally.
So whether you’re a local tech company, a startup with a physical presence, or a service provider in a specific city, now’s the time to blend voice and local into your SEO strategy.
Because your next customer might not type a query they’ll speak it.
And the question is: Will your brand be the answer?