Voice Search Registration: How to Turn On (or Off) Voice Search for Local Businesses

Voice Search Registration: How to Turn On (or Off) Voice Search for Local Businesses

Voice search is no longer a novelty—it’s a growing standard. Whether customers are asking Siri for the closest dispensary or telling Google to find the “best CBD store near me,” voice commands are reshaping how people discover and interact with businesses. If you’re not optimizing for voice search yet, it’s time to change that.

This guide covers everything you need to know about voice search registration, including how to turn on voice search, the benefits for local businesses, the cost (spoiler: it's free), and how to turn it off if needed.

What Is Voice Search Registration?

Voice search registration refers to the process of making your business visible and optimized for search engines that deliver voice-based results—think Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa

Unlike traditional search, voice queries are more conversational and often location-based, making them a powerful tool for local businesses. If you want to show up when someone says “near me,” voice search optimization starts with being properly registered on Google.

How to Turn On Voice Search on Google

To appear in voice search results, you don’t actually “turn on” a setting, but you do need to ensure your business is fully optimized for platforms that power voice queries.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile

This is essential for Google voice search for business.

• Go to Google Business Profile
• Sign in or create an account
  
• Claim your business and complete your profile
• Add accurate business hours, address, phone number, website, and business category
  

Step 2: Use Structured Data (Schema Markup)

Add schema to your website to help Google understand what your business offers. Include:

• Business name
• Address and phone number (NAP consistency)
• FAQs or How-Tos (great for voice queries)
  

Step 3: Optimize for Long-Tail and Conversational Keywords

Voice searches sound like questions. Instead of “dispensary San Diego,” think:

• “Where’s the closest cannabis dispensary near me?”
• “What time does Mankind open today?”

Answer those exact questions in your content.

Step 4: Prioritize Mobile Site Speed and Local SEO

Voice search is mobile-first. Your site needs to be:

• Fast-loading (under 3 seconds)
• Mobile-friendly
• Locally optimized (geo keywords, GMP links, map embeds)

Voice Search Local: Why It Matters for Your Business

Voice search local queries account for a huge portion of mobile voice traffic. In fact:

• 58% of consumers use voice search to find local business information
• “Near me” voice searches grew over 200% year-over-year
• Over 70% of voice search users perform searches daily

If your business isn’t optimized for voice search, you’re missing out on high-intent local traffic.

What Is the Voice Search Registration Cost?

Good news: there’s no official fee to register for voice search.

• Google Business Profile is free
• Schema markup is free (if done manually)
• Voice search SEO requires time and strategy, but not a paid “registration”

That said, you may choose to invest in professional SEO services to implement schema, optimize your content, and track voice-based traffic.

How to Turn Off Voice Search

If you want to turn off voice search on your own device (not your business visibility), here’s how:

Android (Google App):

1. Open Google App
2. Tap your profile picture > Settings > Voice
3. Toggle off “Hey Google” or voice match options

iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Siri & Search
2. Turn off “Listen for ‘Hey Siri’” and “Press Side Button for Siri”

Note: Turning off voice search doesn’t affect your business’s visibility.

Voice search isn’t just the future—it’s already happening. Registering and optimizing for voice search gives you an edge when people ask their devices where to go, what to buy, and who to trust.

If you're serious about driving local traffic, now’s the time to turn on voice search visibility for your business.

Need help with voice search optimization or local SEO? Contact MediaJel to make sure your business shows up when it matters most.