If you’re not already thinking about how to optimize Google Business Profile for voice search, you’re missing out on a growing opportunity. These days because of convince, it’s no surprise that more and more people are using voice search.

Whether they’re asking their phone, “Where’s the best coffee shop near me?” or looking for a “plumber open now,” voice search is changing how we find businesses online.

But how exactly do you get your business ready for voice search? Let’s break down how you can optimize for this local SEO strategy.

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To optimize Google Business Profile for voice search, the first thing you need to think about is how people speak versus how they type. When using voice search, most people talk in complete sentences and use conversational language.

Instead of typing “best roofer in Chicago,” someone is more likely to ask, “who’s the best roofer near me?” This shift means your Google Business Profile should be tailored to those longer, more natural search queries.

Start by adjusting the wording in your profile to match the way people talk. For example, include phrases like “best Thai restaurant in downtown” or “affordable scaffolder near me”. These conversational keywords will make it easier for your business to show up for voice search.

How to optimize your GBP for Google Voice search to rank higher on Google Maps

Using Location Specific Key Phrases

Voice search is all about convenience, and people often use it to find businesses near them. This means location specific keywords are something you should think about if you want to optimize Google Business Profile for voice search.

Google tends to prioritize businesses that are close to the searcher, especially when they ask for something nearby. To increase your chances of being found, make sure your business description in your GBP about section includes your location specific keywords.

Instead of just targeting the key phrase “Irish pub”, try instead targeting “Irish pub in downtown Chicago”. This helps Google know exactly where you are and when to show your business in voice search results.

Targeting local keywords when optimizing for voice search queries for Google Maps Local SEO

Applying The 5 Ws To Your Strategy

Another effective way to optimize Google Business Profile for voice search is by using the 5 Ws: who, what, where, when, and why.

When people ask questions through voice search, they often start with these words. For example; someone might ask, “Who offers the best haircuts near me?” or “When does the nearest grocery store open?”

In your Google Business Q&A section, add questions and answers like “We offer the best haircut services in Brooklyn, open from 7 AM to 7 PM.” The more questions you can answer within your profile, the more likely your business will rank in voice searches like these.

A GMB profile for a coffee shop highlighting the use of locally-sourced, organic beans in a Q&A response

Keep Written Content Conversational

When thinking about how to optimize Google Business Profile for voice search, one of the most effective strategies is keeping your content conversational and making sure you do this throughout your GBP.

Voice search queries are naturally more casual and resemble real-life conversation. Think about how you’d ask your phone a question and use that same tone in your profile.

For example, instead of just listing your services, explain them like you’re talking to a customer. You could say, “Looking for a fast and friendly plumber? We’re available 24/7 and specialize in emergency repairs.”

An optimized GMB business description highlighting the effective use of local keywords.

Target The “Near Me” Keyword Often

When people use the voice search feature on Google Maps or Google Search, they often say “near me“. In Having a keyword and key phrase SEO strategy that doesn’t just target your location but the key phrase “near me” is a very smart Local SEO strategy.

For example, instead of only targeting “cheapest dentist in Ohio” also try targeting key phrases like “cheapest dentist near me” in your GBP. It’s smart, witty and will set you ahead of the local competition.

With my years of experience in local SEO, I can promise you that not many business profiles optimize for this keyword because it never comes to their mind. If you optimize Google Business Profile for voice search and for this key phrase specifically, your probably gonna see more traffic.

Using the near me key phrase in local seo when optimizing for voice search on google maps

Need Help Ranking Your GBP Higher?

If you are still in need of any assistance or help with ranking your GBP higher or looking to grow your organic search results. Then I highly recommend you book a free consultation with the writer of this article, Ramzy, CEO & Founder of Vortex Ranker by clicking here.