How to Optimise for “Near Me” and Voice Searches

ByErwee Coetzee

“Hey Google, find an SEO expert near me.”

That simple command now drives a significant share of local business traffic.

In today’s world of smart assistants, mobile search, and instant answers, “near me” and voice searches have become cornerstones of digital visibility. If your business isn’t showing up when people speak rather than type, you’re missing out on ready-to-buy customers right in your area.

At EC Business Solutions, we help South African SMEs capture these high-intent searches — connecting real customers to real results.

1. The Rise of Local Voice Search

The days of typing long keywords are fading. Instead, people ask their phones or smart speakers to do the searching for them.

Phrases like “best coffee shop near me” or “SEO agency open now” are everyday queries. In fact, more than half of local searches today are voice-driven, and most happen on mobile devices.

What makes these searches so powerful? Intent. When someone says “near me,” they aren’t browsing — they’re ready to act. These users are often minutes away from visiting, calling, or purchasing.

2. What Makes “Near Me” Searches Different

“Near me” searches are built on three critical factors:

  1. Proximity – How close your business is to the searcher.
  2. Relevance – Whether your service matches their need.
  3. Trust – Whether Google considers your business reputable and active.

That last point — trust — comes from signals like reviews, citations, and website authority. Even if your business is physically close to the searcher, Google may rank others higher if they seem more reliable.

So, visibility in local search is no longer automatic — it must be earned through local optimisation.

3. How Voice Search Changes the Game

Voice queries are longer, more natural, and more conversational than text searches.

Instead of typing “SEO services Cape Town,” a user might ask,

“Who offers professional SEO services near me in Cape Town?”

This means your content must adapt to natural language patterns, focusing on questions, context, and complete answers — not just isolated keywords.

Voice searches also rely on structured data and contextual clarity. If your business provides clear information through schema markup, updated metadata, and accurate listings, AI assistants can understand and recommend you more easily.

4. How to Optimise for “Near Me” Searches

Getting local visibility starts with practical, proven steps:

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1. Claim and Optimise Your Google Business Profile

  • Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) are accurate and consistent across all platforms.
  • Add high-quality images, operating hours, services, and posts.
  • Update regularly — Google rewards active profiles.

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2. Use Local Schema Markup

  • Implement structured data that defines your business type, location, and service area.
  • This helps Google connect your business to local intent queries.

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3. Encourage Local Reviews

  • Reviews not only influence customer decisions but also build ranking authority.
  • Respond to feedback promptly — engagement shows reliability.

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4. Add Maps and Directions to Your Website

  • Embed a Google Map on your Contact page.
  • Include driving or walking directions for local relevance.

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5. Prioritise Mobile Speed

  • Most “near me” searches happen on smartphones.
  • Compress images, simplify design, and test your site using Google’s PageSpeed Insights to ensure a smooth mobile experience.

5. Optimising for Voice Queries

Voice search is where SEO meets conversation. To succeed, your website should sound like a helpful human, not a block of keywords.

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Use Conversational Phrases

Write as though you’re answering spoken questions:

  • “Where can I find affordable SEO in Cape Town?”
  • “What does a local SEO audit include?”

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Add FAQ Sections

Voice assistants love structured Q&A content. Include a Frequently Asked Questions section with concise, clear answers.

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Target Featured Snippets

Google often reads out featured snippet answers when responding to voice queries.

Focus on direct, well-formatted answers using bullet points and short sentences.

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Optimise for Long-Tail Keywords

Think beyond “SEO services.”

Target complete phrases like “best SEO agency for small businesses in Cape Town” or “how to improve my local Google ranking.”

6. Combining Local and Voice SEO for Maximum Impact

The most powerful SEO strategies merge location intent with natural language optimisation.

  • Create location-specific landing pages (e.g., “SEO Services in Somerset West” or “Website Optimisation for Cape Town Businesses”).
  • Use structured Q&A schema to help AI understand your answers.
  • Include geo-targeted keywords naturally in headings, image alt text, and meta descriptions.

These tactics ensure your brand appears not only in search results but also in AI-driven voice summaries — the next frontier of discoverability.

7. Measuring Your Success

Local and voice SEO results can be tracked through data, not guesswork.

Use:

  • Google Business Insights: Track calls, directions, and profile visits.
  • Google Search Console: Monitor local keywords and impressions.
  • GA4 Analytics: Review engagement metrics and conversion paths.

Adjust your strategy based on user behaviour. For example, if people often find you through “open now” queries, update your hours and metadata for accuracy.

8. The Future of Local SEO Is Conversational

In the AI-powered era, local visibility depends on how helpful and human your business sounds.

People don’t just want fast results — they want relevant, trustworthy answers from businesses nearby.

If your website and profile provide those answers, Google and voice assistants will prioritise you.

👉 Stay ahead of these trends with Professional SEO Services from EC Business Solutions — empowering South African businesses to thrive in the age of voice, mobile, and AI-driven discovery.

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