Voice Search Optimization: Why Local Services Ads Are the Voice of the Future
Voice Search Optimization is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for local service businesses. Whether it’s a homeowner with their hands covered in flour asking a smart speaker for a plumber, or a driver asking their phone for a nearby locksmith, voice search is the fastest-growing way customers find help in an emergency.
But here is the catch: When someone asks a smart speaker for help, Google doesn’t read off a list of ten blue links. It doesn’t cite an SEO blog post. It recommends the businesses found in the Local Services Ads (LSA) database.
The Answer Engine vs. The Search Engine
Traditional search engines give you options. Voice assistants give you answers. When a user asks Google Assistant for a local recommendation, it pulls from the Google Guaranteed and Google Screened pool. If your business isn’t in that “top three” LSA carousel, you are essentially invisible—and silent—to every person using a smart speaker or hands-free device. To be the “voice answer,” you must have a verified, active LSA profile.
The Factors That Power Voice Recommendations
Google Assistant doesn’t choose businesses at random. To be the one that gets “spoken” into a customer’s home, your profile needs to excel in two specific areas:
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Lead Responsiveness: Google prioritizes businesses that answer the phone. If you have a high “missed call” rate, your voice visibility will drop.
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Verified Reviews: Since voice search is built on trust, your star rating and recent review volume are heavily weighted.
Don’t Get Left in the Silence
At Emulous Media, we understand the technical nuances of “conversational search.” We don’t just set up your ads; we optimize your profile to ensure you meet the high standards required for voice recommendations.
We help you manage your reputation and track your responsiveness, positioning your business as the definitive answer for your local community. As more consumers move away from typing and toward talking, make sure your business is the one talking back.