If you’ve ever said “Hey Siri” or “Alexa, where’s the closest coffee shop?” you already understand how powerful voice assistants have become. They’re not just gadgets — they’re gatekeepers. Businesses that optimize for voice search are the ones that get recommended, while everyone else risks being invisible.
So how do you make sure Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are talking about your business? Let’s break it down step by step.
Get Your Listings Right
Voice assistants don’t scour the entire internet. They rely on trusted databases:
• Google Assistant → Google Business Profile
• Siri → Apple Maps & Yelp
• Alexa → Yelp & Amazon listings
If your hours, phone number, or location are inconsistent across platforms, voice assistants may not trust your business enough to recommend it. Here is the good news: At Mays, our comprehensive SEO program includes a listing management platform that with claim, verify, and update all your major listings across the Internet. This will ensure that your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) match exactly everywhere.
Think in Conversations, Not Keywords
Typed search: “plumber Baltimore” Voice search: “Hey Google, who’s the best plumber near me who’s open right now?” Voice queries are longer, natural, and usually framed as questions.
At Mays, we can help you build an FAQ using a landing page or an AI Chat Bot that mirrors real customer questions like:
• “What are your business hours?”
• “Do you offer emergency repairs?”
• “Where can I book an appointment?”
The more you answer these naturally, the more likely voice assistants will pull your content as the response.
Use Schema Markup
Schema markup is website code that helps search engines understand your business details — services, location, hours, and reviews. Without it, Google just sees text. With it, Google knows exactly who you are and what you do.
Ask your web developer (like us at Mays & Associates) to implement schema for:
• Business type
• Services offered
• Location & service area
• Reviews and ratings
This makes your business the preferred answer for voice queries.
Focus on Reviews
When Siri is asked, “What’s the best auto repair shop near me?” it’s not going to recommend the one with 2.7 stars. Reviews directly influence what voice assistants suggest. As part of your daily business operation, always do the following:
• Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, and Apple Maps
• Respond to reviews to show engagement
• Create a review management process so your reputation keeps improving
Optimize for “Near Me” Searches
Nearly every voice search for local businesses includes some variation of “near me” or “close by.” Add location-based content to your website and listings. Instead of just “We’re an auto repair shop,” use “We provide auto repair services in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County, MD.”
Speed and Mobile Matter
Voice searchers are often on the go. If your website is slow or not mobile-friendly, assistants won’t prioritize it. Make sure you do the following:
• Run a speed test on your website
• Ensure your site is mobile-responsive
• Fix slow-loading images and outdated code
Optimizing voice search isn’t optional anymore. It’s the difference between being the business Siri recommends — or the one customers never hear about. At Mays & Associates, we help businesses:
• Audit and optimize listings
• Implement schema markup
• Build content that voice assistants love
• Manage reviews and online reputation
Ready to make Siri and Alexa your best salespeople? Contact us today to get started.
