How to Optimize Google Business Profile for Voice Search & Zero-Click Results

So you have already created a Google Business Profile (GMB) for your small business? Smart move, but that’s just a start. Do you know that just having a GMB isn’t enough anymore? You need to optimize GMB for “voice search” if you want to be that friendly neighborhood business that pops up when someone asks their phone for “the best pizza joint near me” or “best plumbing service in Dubai”.

And guess what? The future isn’t just about clicks anymore. Enter the realm of zero-click search results, where users get answers right on their search page or via voice, without clicking through to any website. Sounds like a magic trick? Well, it’s all about how you set up your profile. Take a look at the steps on how to optimize for zero clicks and voice search and voice search results for GMB. By the end, you’ll be the go-to answer on Google voice searches and voice assistants alike!

Why Should You Care About GMB and Voice Search?

Knock Knock! Here’s a quick heads-up: More than half of all searches are voice-based these days. People don’t want to type anymore. They want to talk to their devices and get instant answers. That’s why Google My Business voice search optimization isn’t just another tool, it is your ticket to being found easily by potential customers who ask their phones for recommendations.

How do I get my business on Google Voice search?

If you’re wondering, “How can I add my business to Google Voice Search?”, the answer lies in making your GMB profile with voice search in mind.

Step 1: Nail Your Business Information

The first and most crucial step to optimize GMB for voice search is to make sure your business info is accurate and complete. Voice assistants love to pull data from GMB to answer questions. 

Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP): Keep this consistent everywhere—on your website, social media, and GMB. Mismatched info confuses voice assistants.

Business Hours: Update your hours regularly. Voice searches often ask, “Is X open now?” If your hours are wrong or missing, you’ll miss out.

Business Category: Choose the right category that best fits your business. This helps voice assistants understand what you do.

Services and Attributes: Fill out all relevant services, payment options, and any COVID-19 updates if applicable. The more info you give, the better.

Don’t forget: When you verify my business on Google Voice search, you are proving to Google that you are legit, which boosts your chances of appearing in voice answers.

Step 2: Use Conversational Keywords and Phrases

Unlike traditional text searches, voice searches tend to be more natural and conversational. People ask full questions, like, “Where can I find the best shawarma near me?” rather than just “best shawarma.”

So, to optimize GMB for voice search, sprinkle your profile description and posts with question-like phrases and long-tail keywords that reflect how people talk. For example: “Are you looking for friendly bike repair near downtown?” or “Need 24-hour emergency plumbing services?” This tactic is essential for voice search optimization for small businesses because it helps voice assistants match your business to actual spoken queries.

Step 3: Collect and Showcase Customer Reviews

If there’s one thing Google loves, it’s reviews. When you are trying to optimize GMB for voice search, those customer testimonials become gold. Why? Voice assistants often read out top reviews when answering queries. Remember to respond to reviews, too! Engaging with your customers signals that you are active and trustworthy.

Keeping track of how your content performs in zero-click search results also helps. You can use tools like Google Search Console to understand how to track zero click searches and improve your positioning.

Step 4: Keep Your Posts Fresh and Relevant

Google My Business lets you post updates, offers, events, and announcements. They are a fantastic way to keep your profile fresh, which is a major plus for voice search ranking.

For example, if you run a café and have a new seasonal menu, post about it with phrases that people might say aloud, like: “Try our new pumpkin spice latte.”

This is a fun and easy way to boost your Google My Business voice search presence and show up in zero-click answers.

Step 5: Use Structured Data and FAQ Sections on Your Website

While optimizing your GMB profile is key, your website also plays a role in voice search optimization for small businesses. One trick is to use structured data markup (Schema.org) on your site to help Google understand your content better. You can add FAQ sections with commonly asked questions about your business. Questions like: “What are your opening hours?” or “Do you offer free Wi-Fi?”

These FAQs not only help with voice search but also increase the chances of your site appearing in zero-click results, where Google directly answers the question without sending users away.

Step 6: Optimize for Local Search

Voice searches are often local with people asking their devices things like, “Where’s the nearest mechanic store?” or “Find a nearby car wash.” This means local SEO is your best friend. Ensure your business is listed in local directories and that your Google Business Profile includes:

Local keywords in descriptions

Correct service areas

Up-to-date contact info

By doing this, you are effectively optimizing GMB for voice search and increasing the chances that your business will be recommended by GBP for voice assistants.

Step 7: Leverage Google Q&A on Your Profile

Google My Business has a Q&A section where potential customers can ask questions directly on your profile. This is a golden opportunity to improve your Google My Business voice search results. Answer questions promptly and include conversational keywords. The more questions you answer well, the higher the chance Google will pull your profile to answer voice queries.

How to Add and Verify Your Business on Google Voice Search

If you’re still wondering, “how do I get my business on Google Voice search?” or “how do I add my business to Google Voice search?”, it all begins with your GMB listing.

Create or Claim Your Google Business Profile: Head over to the Google My Business website and either create a new listing or claim an existing one.

Fill Out Your Profile Thoroughly: Include all relevant information – NAP, hours, category, photos, and services.

Verify Your Business: Google will send you a postcard with a code, or you may verify by phone or email. This step is crucial to verify my business on Google Voice search.

Keep Your Info Updated: Regular updates keep you relevant and favored by Google.

Winding Up

So there, now you know how to optimize GMB for voice search and Google My Business voice search results like a pro.  And if you have been asking yourself, “how do I get my business on Google Voice search?” or “how do I add my business to Google Voice search?”, just do one thing – contact Google My Business SEO Services In Dubai and you will know where to find us to help you.