Voice search registration: Get your local business set up

Voice assistants and smart speakers have completely changed the way we access information—and they’re here to stay. The number of voice assistant enabled devices in use has increased by 146%, from 3.25 billion in 2019 to 8 billion in 2023. Local businesses that optimize for  voice search can gain a competitive edge with the visibility boost it brings. Correct NAP (name, address, phone number) data and proper reputation management are essential to getting your business featured in voice results. And fortunately, there is one tool that can take care of all that for you.

What is voice search registration?

Voice search registration refers to making your essential business information relevant and accessible to voice search assistants. There is no single method of registering your business for local search. However, the process of making your business information available to voice  search assistants involves ensuring that your NAP data is consistent and up to date across various platforms and directories. Average ratings are also a ranking factor. Businesses can improve their online reputation by reaching out to satisfied customers for reviews. Voice search optimization isn’t especially complicated and using local SEO tools makes it even simpler. 

Raise your voice: Semrush’s Listing Management automates the process of keeping your business information accurate and up to date.

The benefits of voice search registration

Registering your business for voice search enhances your business’s visibility in results from Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant/Home. People use voice search to find local businesses because it’s often more convenient when out and about. Businesses that optimize for preferred user experiences are part of an overall positive customer journey, which can lead to better reviews. Voice assistants are also increasingly popular sources of information for many, so appearing in voice search results can positively impact your brand's reputation.

How do I register my business on voice search?

As stated previously, there is no single method of registering your business for local search. Voice assistants take answers from top search and directory results, so start by listing your business in known sources for Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. Start with Google Business Profile. Create or claim your profile and make sure you fill out all the key information. When you’ve completed everything, you’ll get a green circle on your profile manager to indicate a strong listing. Next, use a business listings tool to distribute your NAP data to all the other top online directories. Apple Maps and Yelp are known sources for Siri, so make sure they’re on the list. Voice assistants may ignore businesses with poor customer reviews, so it pays to work on your average rating. For example, Yelp listings with review averages below 4.5 were found to have a lower chance of appearing in Siri results. Reach out to customers via text message with a link to the platform you want them to leave a review on. When you receive a new review, reply with a personal message to show customers you value their feedback.

Content and technical SEO for voice search assistants

Your website also plays a key role in getting your business ranking well for voice search. Semrush’s 2023 article on voice search revealed some valuable insights into its increased usage, and what voice assistants look for when answering user queries. Voice search queries are often in the form of questions. To optimize for this, create content that explicitly answers common queries related to your business. Content that addresses questions directly and in a natural tone is more likely to be ranked by voice assistants. The same techniques for ranking in search engine featured snippets and “people also ask” results should also work for voice search. Specific, long-tail keywords (generally three to five words) are the best place to start. Optimize your website’s speed and backlink profile to further improve your chances of appearing in voice results. The key to voice search: Semrush Local subscribers also get access to the platform’s powerful keyword research tool to find common user questions.