Local searches are some of the most common voice searches: “Where is the nearest pharmacy?”, “Mechanic open now near me”, “How do I get to Sam Levy’s Village?”. Voice assistants usually give one answer, often drawn from Google Business Profiles, so local businesses that are well optimised have a real advantage.
Why voice and local search go together
- Voice searches often happen on the move, when someone needs something now.
- Assistants rely heavily on map listings for local answers.
- Queries are conversational and specific: “open”, “nearest”, “cheapest”, “best”.
1. Make your Google Business Profile complete and accurate
Correct name, address, phone, WhatsApp, categories, service areas and opening hours, including public holidays. Inaccurate hours are a quick way to lose a customer who arrives to a closed door.
2. Collect reviews
Highly rated businesses are more likely to be recommended. Ask satisfied customers for reviews and respond to them.
3. Answer local questions on your website
Add an FAQ covering location, parking, directions, delivery areas, hours and payment methods, written in natural language.
4. Mention landmarks and areas
People describe locations by landmarks and suburbs. Mention nearby landmarks, shopping centres and areas you serve naturally on your contact and location pages.
5. Use LocalBusiness schema
Structured data helps search engines read your address, hours and contact details accurately.
6. Make your site mobile-ready
Voice searchers usually land on phones. Click-to-call, WhatsApp and map buttons should be easy to tap.
7. Keep everything consistent
Ensure the same details appear on your website, Google, Facebook and directories.
Need help with this in Zimbabwe?
Web Entangled has been helping Zimbabwean businesses grow online since 2002. Explore our local SEO services, or request a free quotation and we will get back to you with a clear, itemised proposal.
