Smart speakers on counters, voice assistants in cars, and phones in every pocket—Pennsylvanians are asking things like, “Where’s the best pizza near me?”
Voice search is shifting how people find local businesses, and that’s exactly how voice search is changing local SEO in Pennsylvania. It’s all about showing up in real, conversational searches that happen out loud.
From Philly to Scranton, if your info isn’t voice-friendly, you could miss out on nearby customers. As a PA digital marketing agency, we’re seeing this change in action.
In this blog, you’ll see what makes voice search different, why it matters for local SEO, and what you can do to stay findable.
Key Takeaways
If your content sounds like a real person, voice search is more likely to pick you.
"Near me" searches are how customers find local businesses on the fly.
A few smart SEO updates can help your business show up when it matters most.
What Makes Voice Search So Different From Typing?
Voice search feels more like chatting than searching. Instead of typing “best plumber Pittsburgh,” people ask, “Who’s the best plumber near me?” That shift matters.
Here’s what sets voice search apart:
It’s conversational: People speak in full questions: How late is the pizza place open? or Where can I buy flowers near me?
It uses long-tail keywords: These are longer, more specific phrases packed with intent.
It’s fast and hands-free: Voice searches usually happen on the go—someone wants an answer now, not later.
It’s often local and urgent: “Near me” searches usually mean someone’s ready to visit, book, or buy.
If your content doesn’t reflect how people talk or answer their most common questions, your business might not show up when it matters most.
The Voice Search + Local SEO Connection
Voice search and local SEO go together like soft pretzels and mustard—especially in Pennsylvania. Most voice searches are local. People want quick answers about what’s nearby.
Think about the way people ask:
“What time does that bakery in Erie open?”
“Where can I get my tires fixed in Lancaster?”
“Is there a dog groomer near me open on Sundays?”
These questions are clear and location-specific. If your business info isn’t accurate or easy to find, someone else might show up instead.
Local SEO helps connect those everyday voice questions to your business. Voice search just makes them louder.
How Pennsylvania Businesses Can Optimize for Voice Search
Voice search isn’t some confusing tech trend. It’s just people asking real questions out loud. Optimizing for it is more practical than it sounds. It’s about making your business simple to understand, easy to find, and trustworthy when someone speaks a search instead of typing it.
If you're a local business owner in Pennsylvania, here’s your straightforward checklist to start making voice search work in your favor.
1. Get conversational with your content
Think about how people ask questions out loud. They don’t say “roofing services Pittsburgh”—they say, “Who can fix my roof near me?” That’s the tone your website should follow.
Start by making your service pages and blog posts sound like how people actually talk. Add an FAQ page with real questions your customers ask out loud. Not sure what to include? Pay attention to the way people phrase things when they call or message you—that’s the good stuff.
2. Target local, long-tail keywords
Short keywords still have a place, but voice search thrives on the longer, more specific stuff. These phrases reflect how people talk and what they’re actually trying to find.
Instead of targeting something generic like “mechanic Harrisburg,” go with phrases like “Where can I get my brakes checked near Harrisburg?” These longer phrases not only help with voice search but also draw in people who are ready to take action.
3. Optimize your Google Business Profile
This might be the most important move you make. Voice assistants love a clean, complete, and current Google Business Profile. That’s where they pull a lot of information from when answering local questions.
Double-check the basics: your address, phone number, business hours, and categories. Then, take it further by uploading fresh photos, writing a strong business description, and answering questions in the Q&A section. The more useful your listing, the more likely it is to show up.
4. Mobile-first, always
Most voice searches happen on mobile devices, often while someone’s out and about. If your site loads slowly or is hard to use on a phone, people won’t stick around—and voice assistants may skip you altogether.
Make sure your website loads quickly, buttons are easy to tap, and content is easy to read without zooming in. A good mobile experience not only helps with search but also gives visitors a better first impression of your business.
5. Use schema markup (without the tech headache)
Schema markup is a bit of behind-the-scenes code that helps search engines understand what your site is all about. It’s especially helpful for things like your business hours, reviews, services, and location.
You don’t have to be a developer to add it. Tools like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper can walk you through the process. Once it’s in place, your content is more likely to show up in rich results—and that’s often where voice assistants pull their answers from.
6. Create hyperlocal content
Help search engines understand exactly where you are—not just your city, but your exact neighborhood or street. The more specific you are, the better your chances of showing up in “near me” searches.
You can do this by referencing nearby landmarks, local events, or commonly known spots in your area. For example, say “Located across from the Reading Terminal Market” instead of simply listing your address. It’s more helpful for both people and search algorithms.
7. Encourage and showcase reviews
When someone uses voice search, especially for something like “best dentist near me,” the results are often tied to ratings and reviews. If your business has great reviews, you’re more likely to be featured.
Make it easy for happy customers to leave feedback by sending a quick follow-up email or adding a review link to your receipts or thank-you pages. Then, display those reviews proudly on your website and Google listing. Voice assistants notice, and so do potential customers.
Be the Business That Voice Assistants Recommend First
When someone asks, “What’s the best place near me?” your name should be the one that comes up. At LeaseMyMarketing, we help Pennsylvania businesses get found through smart local SEO and voice search strategies that actually work—without the guesswork.
Here’s what you get when you work with us:
Voice-search-ready content that matches how real people talk
Fully optimized Google Business Profiles that make it easy for assistants to pull your info
A complete marketing team offering SEO, content, ads, and automation—all built to grow with you
No fluff, no jargon—just clear communication and results you can actually see
Want your business to be the top answer when customers ask out loud? Call LeaseMyMarketing today.
Conclusion
Voice search isn’t a trend—it’s how people are finding businesses today. And it’s happening fast, especially in Pennsylvania.
The shift is clear: searches are more local, more conversational, and way more urgent. People want answers right away, and they’re asking out loud.
The good news? You don’t have to overhaul everything to show up. Small, smart changes can help your business become the one that voice assistants recommend first.
If you want to be the name that pops up when someone asks, “What’s the best place near me?” we’d love to help. Let LeaseMyMarketing turn those voice searches into real customers who walk through your door. Give us a call today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Google Voice Search affect SEO?
Google Voice Search changes the way people search. Instead of typing “coffee shop Harrisburg,” they say things like, “Hey Google, where’s a good coffee shop near me?” That means your content needs to match how people talk.
To show up, your site should answer real questions, include local info, and use natural language. It’s all about being helpful and easy to understand.
Are voice search SEO and traditional website SEO different?
They’re related, but not identical. Traditional SEO focuses on short keywords. Voice search SEO leans into longer, more conversational phrases—like full questions people ask out loud.
You still need fast load times, mobile-friendly design, and solid keyword use, but the voice side of things calls for a more human tone.
What effect does SEO have on your search?
SEO decides if your business shows up or stays hidden. It tells search engines what your site’s about, who it’s for, and why it’s relevant.
Good SEO puts you in front of the right people at the right time—whether they’re typing or talking. Without it, you're likely missing out on a lot of potential customers.
What is the future of voice search in digital marketing?
Voice search is growing fast and becoming a regular part of how people find things. That means digital marketing will keep shifting toward conversational content, local relevance, and quick, clear answers.
Think more FAQs, more local cues, and content that sounds like a real person, not a robot.
How important is voice search?
Very. Especially for local businesses. Voice search is how people find places nearby when they’re on the move.
If your info is clear, complete, and easy to read aloud, your business has a better shot at being the one that gets picked when someone says, “Hey Siri, who’s open near me?”
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