Alexa, Help Me Grow My Business:

AI Voice Assistants in the Real World

Voice Search Isn’t the Future...It’s the Now

"Alexa, how can I grow my business?" That question might’ve seemed futuristic a few years ago, but today, voice assistants are part of daily life. And no—they’re not just telling us the weather or playing our favorite playlists. They’re shaping how people find, choose, and interact with brands.

If you’re running a business (big or small), it’s time to treat voice assistants as more than a novelty. They’re a real-deal marketing channel.

Why Should You Care About Voice Assistants for Small Business?

According to Statista, over 125 million people in the U.S. used voice assistants in 2023. And here’s the kicker: over 50% of voice search users are looking for local business info.

That means if your content isn’t optimized for voice queries, you’re missing real traffic—and potential customers.

What Are People Asking Voice Assistants?

Here’s a glimpse at what real users ask:

• "Where’s the best bakery near me?"

• "Is Zoe Zimmerman Hair Salon open today?"

• "What are some creative marketing tips for my Etsy store?"

Translation: Voice queries are:

• Conversational

• Long-tail

• Location-based

And your content should match that tone.

How to Optimize for Voice (Without Sounding Robotic)

1. Write Like People Speak

People don’t say, "best bakery SEO Northern Virginia." They say, "Where’s a good bakery near me?" So ditch stiff keyword phrasing and use natural language.

2. Add FAQs to Your Website

FAQs are gold for voice search because they mirror how people actually ask questions. Example:

• Q: "How late are you open on Fridays?"

• A: "We’re open until 7PM every Friday."

3. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

You knew this was coming. If you’re not showing up in local results, voice search won’t find you. Make sure your business info is:

• Accurate

• Complete

• Consistent across platforms

Real-World Wins: Voice Assistants in Action

ROOFING

Let’s say you’re a roofing company. Someone asks,
"Who’s the best roofer for storm damage near me?"
If your content says, “We specialize in storm damage roof repair in the Austin area,” you’re showing up.

Even better? If your blog answers:

• "How do I know if my roof has storm damage?"

• "Should I call my insurance or a roofer first?"

HVAC

Let’s say you’re an HVAC company. Someone asks,
"Who installs energy-efficient AC units in Phoenix?"
If your content says, “We install high-efficiency AC systems in the Phoenix metro area,” you’re in the mix.

Even better? If your blog answers:

• "What’s the best time of year to replace my AC unit?"

• "How much can I save with a high-efficiency system?"

HAIR SALONS

Let’s say you run a hair salon. Someone asks,
"Where can I get a curly haircut near me?"
If your content says, “We specialize in curly haircuts and styles in downtown Portland,” you’re showing up.

Even better? If your blog answers:

• "What should I look for in a curly hair specialist?"

• "How do I prep my curls before a salon visit?"

Boom. You’re the helpful voice they trust.

How to Use Voice Tech Inside Your Business

Besides helping people find you, voice assistants can boost your internal workflow:

• Schedule meetings with voice commands

• Take quick notes or reminders

• Answer basic customer service questions via smart devices

Tools like Zapier and IFTTT can automate voice commands into business actions.

Bonus: Voice + AI = Magic for Customer Experience

Combine voice tools with AI and you can:

• Set up voice-enabled chatbots on your site

• Use tools like ChatGPT for call scripts or FAQs

• Collect and respond to customer feedback hands-free

Summary: Why Voice Assistants Deserve a Seat at the Strategy Table

If you’re serious about showing up where your customers are (literally in their living rooms), start:

• Writing content that sounds like your customer

• Getting your local listings in shape

• Answering real-world questions with real-world answers

Voice assistants for small business aren’t a gimmick. They’re your low-effort, high-return business partner.

Want to Discuss How One Could Assist Your Business?

Want help making your website talk like a human and rank like a champ? Let’s tune up your voice strategy. Email Us and lets chat [email protected]