Business Listings & Voice Search: The Perfect Match for Local Domination

You’re in the kitchen, hands covered in flour, trying to bake that fancy Pinterest recipe. Suddenly, you realize you need more sugar. Do you rush to the computer to look up the closest grocery store? Probably not. Instead, you say, “Hey, Siri! Where’s the nearest grocery store?” And like magic, you’ve got options read out to you within seconds.

Welcome to the age of voice search, where your business needs to be found not just by sight but by sound, too. If you’ve ever wondered why your business isn’t showing up in those searches, it’s probably because your online listings aren’t optimized for voice. Let’s dig into why that matters and how you can make sure your business is always in the mix.

What’s the Deal with Voice Search?

Voice search is a lot like texting a question, except you’re speaking to a virtual assistant instead of typing. Whether it’s Google, Alexa, Siri, or some other assistant, these nifty helpers are becoming the go-to for busy people on the go. 40% of adults use voice search daily, and that number is only growing as devices get smarter and faster.

Here's the kicker: Voice search users typically need quick, relevant, and LOCAL answers. If you’re a small business trying to catch the attention of potential customers nearby, optimizing for voice search can give you a huge advantage.

Is Your Business Even Listed?

Let’s be real—before we even get to voice search optimization, we’ve got to address the elephant in the room. Do you have your business listed online where it matters most? Google My Business, Yelp, and other local directories are the first stop for search engines (and voice assistants). Without accurate listings, it’s like shouting into a void—nobody’s going to hear you.

Try this right now: ask your voice assistant, “What’s the best pizza place near me?” If your business isn’t one of the answers, then your listing probably needs some love. And if you’re not in the pizza business? Well, whatever you do offer should be just as findable!

Optimize Your Business Listings for Voice Search

Here’s the fun part: making sure your business is optimized for voice search! And don’t worry, it’s not as techy as it sounds. Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Claim Your Listings Everywhere. Whether it’s Google, Yelp, Bing Places, or Apple Maps, you need to have your business info available on every platform possible. Consistency is key here—make sure your business name, address, and phone number (often referred to as NAP) are exactly the same across all platforms.
2. Be Specific and Local. Voice searches tend to be more conversational. So instead of “cheap gym Chicago,” it’s more like “Where’s the nearest affordable gym in downtown Chicago?” By making sure your business listing includes your location and relevant details like “affordable,” “family-friendly,” or “24-hour,” you’re setting yourself up for success.
3. Get Reviews (And Respond to Them!). Ever noticed how voice assistants love spitting out reviews when answering questions? Well, that’s because user-generated content like reviews can boost your visibility in voice search results. Ask your happy customers to leave you a review, and make sure you respond to the ones you already have. It shows search engines (and potential clients) that you’re engaged with your audience.
4. Use Natural Language Keywords. People speak differently than they type, so you need to think about how people would ask for your business out loud. Instead of focusing solely on short, blunt keywords, consider the conversational phrases people might use. For example, instead of “best Mexican restaurant,” think, “Where can I find the best tacos around here?”

The Catalyst to Your Voice Search Success

Does all this sound like a lot to handle? That’s where Catalyst comes in! At Catalyst, we specialize in helping businesses like yours dominate the local search game. Not only can we help you get your business listed on all the relevant platforms, but we can also ensure that it’s optimized for voice search—the future of how people find businesses like yours.

Here’s how Catalyst can help you step up your voice search game:

• Audit your current listings: We’ll see where you’re listed and where you need to be.
• Optimize for voice search: Our team makes sure your business is using the natural, conversational language that voice assistants love.
• Boost your online reputation: We’ll help you get more reviews, respond to the ones you’ve got, and ensure that your business stands out as the top choice in your area.

You don’t need to know all the technical jargon or spend hours fiddling with Google My Business. Just reach out to us at Catalyst Group Solutions, and we’ll do the heavy lifting while you focus on what you do best—running your business.

The Bottom Line

Voice search isn’t just a trend; it’s the way forward. As more people turn to their virtual assistants to find businesses, it’s crucial that your company is ready to be found. With accurate business listings and a voice search optimization strategy, you can make sure you’re the one they’re calling (or visiting!) when they ask, “Hey, Alexa, where’s the nearest…?”

So, are you ready to be heard loud and clear? Let’s get your business on the map and in the mix for every “near me” voice search that matters. Time to let your business listings do the talking—literally!