In today’s digital world, voice apps for local businesses and voice searches are changing how consumers find nearby services. With the rise of smartphones, smart speakers, and other voice-enabled devices, more people use voice apps to locate local businesses. This trend offers small businesses a unique chance to attract new customers and boost their local visibility.
The Rise of Voice Search
Voice search has become an essential tool for many consumers in their daily lives. According to a report by PwC, 71% of U.S. consumers prefer using voice search over typing for routine tasks like checking the weather, getting directions, or finding local businesses. By 2024, over half of all U.S. households will likely own a smart speaker, such as an Amazon Echo or Google Home, further increasing the use of voice apps for local searches.
Additionally, voice technology is improving, which leads to higher adoption rates. For example, 41% of U.S. adults use voice search at least once a day, and over 55% of teenagers report daily use. Furthermore, voice-based ad revenues are projected to rise from $2 billion in 2017 to $19 billion by 2022. As voice technology gains commercial significance, local businesses have a great opportunity to capture search traffic from customers ready to make a purchase.
Why Voice Search Matters for Local Businesses
Voice search proves especially useful for local searches. In fact, 58% of consumers use voice search to find information about local businesses, such as store hours, locations, and services. People often rely on voice search while on the go or multitasking, making it crucial for local businesses to optimize their online presence for voice searches.
Consider a local florist, for instance. A customer driving nearby might say, “Find a florist near me.” If the florist has optimized their business for voice search, their chances of appearing in the search results increase, which boosts the likelihood of attracting that customer.
Optimizing for Voice Search: Key Strategies
To capitalize on this growing trend, local businesses should adjust their digital strategies. Here are a few essential tips:
- Use Conversational Language: Voice searches are usually longer and more conversational than text searches. Therefore, optimizing your website content with natural, conversational phrases can improve your ranking in voice search results. For example, target phrases like “Where can I find a florist in New York?” instead of just “florist New York.”
- Focus on Local SEO: Voice searches often have strong local intent. Ensure your business information—such as name, address, and phone number—is consistent across all online directories. This consistency helps search engines verify your location and increases your visibility in local voice searches.
- Optimize for Mobile: Many voice searches occur on mobile devices, so your website must be mobile-friendly. Ensure a responsive design, fast loading times, and easy navigation, as these factors improve your ranking in voice search results.
- Leverage Featured Snippets: Voice assistants often use featured snippets or “Position Zero” on Google to answer questions. Structure your content to address common questions in your industry, increasing your chances of being read aloud by voice assistants.
Statistics on Voice App Usage in the USA
The use of voice apps in the U.S. is growing rapidly. A report by eMarketer shows that over 128 million U.S. adults used a voice assistant at least once a month in 2021, with this number expected to reach 138 million by 2025. Moreover, voice commerce sales are projected to hit $40 billion by 2022, highlighting the growing reliance on voice technology for shopping and local searches.
Voice search isn’t just for tech-savvy millennials. Data from the Pew Research Center indicates that 25% of voice search users are aged 55 and above, demonstrating its appeal across all age groups. Its simplicity and convenience make it ideal for those who find typing on a small screen challenging or prefer a hands-free experience.
Voice search is not merely a passing trend; it marks a fundamental shift in how consumers use technology and seek information. For local businesses, optimizing for voice search has become a necessity. By recognizing the importance of voice search and adapting their strategies, local businesses can enhance their visibility, attract new customers, and drive growth.
With the number of people using voice search for local businesses on the rise, now is the time to prepare. Whether you’re a local florist, restaurant, or small retail store, embracing voice technology will help you remain competitive and ready to capture the expanding audience of voice search users.
