Why People Talking to Their Phones Matters for Your Bank Balance
If you walked through the Queen Street Mall today, you’d see half the people talking into their phones like they’re holding a piece of toast. They isn't just sending voice notes to their mates; they’re asking Google and Siri for help.
"Hey Siri, who’s the best plumber in Coorparoo?" "Okay Google, find a 24-hour tyre shop near me."
This isn't some futuristic tech fad. It’s happening right now, and if your business isn't the one the phone shouts back, you’re handing money to your competitors on a silver platter. Most Brisbane business owners I talk to think this is too complicated or "techy" for them. It’s not. In fact, it’s much simpler than the old way of doing things because it’s just about being helpful.
In this guide, I’m going to show you exactly how to make sure your business is the one people find when they’re too busy to type. We aren't going to talk about code or "algorithms." We’re going to talk about how to get more phone calls and more bookings.
The Big Shift: Typing vs. Talking
When people sit at a computer, they type like robots: "Brisbane conveyancing lawyer."
But when they talk to their phone, they act like humans: "Who is a cheap lawyer in Brisbane for buying a house?"
See the difference? The first one is a list of keywords. The second one is a question. If your website only has the robot words, you’re missing out on all the people asking human questions. To win these customers, you need to stop writing for Google and start writing for your customers.
I’ve seen this work for dozens of Brisbane businesses, from pest controllers in Chermside to accountants in Milton. When you start answering the specific questions your customers ask, Google notices and starts sending you more traffic. This is a core part of a solid Australian business SEO strategy that actually puts money in the till.
Quick Win #1: Claim Your Google Business Profile (And Keep It Real)
If you do nothing else after reading this, do this. When someone asks their phone for a "business near me," Google almost always looks at its own maps first.
If your Google Business Profile (that little box that shows up on the side of the search results) is empty, has the wrong phone number, or says you’re closed when you’re actually open, you are invisible.
Actionable Steps: 1. Check your address: Make sure it matches exactly everywhere it appears online. 2. Update your hours: If you say you’re open until 5 PM but you stop taking calls at 4:30 PM, change it. Nothing kills a lead faster than a ringing phone that nobody picks up. 3. Get reviews: Google loves businesses that people actually like. Ask your happy customers to leave a review while you’re standing right in front of them.
I worked with a landscaper in Morningside who had zero reviews. We spent one month asking every single client for a quick rating. He went from being invisible to being the #1 result for "landscaper near me" in his area. His phone didn't stop ringing for three weeks. This is how you get more calls without spending a cent on ads.
Quick Win #2: Write Like You Speak
Most business owners get "writer's block" and start using big, fancy words on their website to sound professional. Stop it. People don't use the word "remuneration" when they’re talking to Siri; they say "pay" or "salary."
If you want to show up in voice searches, your website needs to sound like a conversation.
The "Bar Test": Imagine you’re at the pub and someone asks you what you do. Whatever you would say to them is exactly what should be on your website.
Don't say: "We provide comprehensive hydraulic solutions for residential domiciles." Do say: "We fix leaking taps and blocked drains in Brisbane homes."
Google is smart enough to know that "fixing a tap" is what a plumber does. You don't need to try and trick it with fancy language. In fact, the fancier you get, the less likely you are to show up when someone asks a simple question.
Quick Win #3: Create an FAQ Page That Actually Answers Questions
This is the secret weapon for voice search. Think about the top 10 questions your customers ask you every single day.
"How much does it cost?" "How long does it take?" "Do you service the Redlands area?" "Are you insured?"
Create a page on your site called "Common Questions" or "FAQ." Use the exact question as the heading (H2 or H3 for those who care, but just make it big and bold). Then, answer it directly in the first sentence.
Example: Question: How much does a pre-purchase building inspection cost in Brisbane? Answer: Our pre-purchase building inspections start at $450 for a standard three-bedroom home.
When someone asks their phone that exact question, Google can pull your answer directly and read it out loud to them. It even says, "According to [Your Business Name]..." That is the kind of free advertising you can't buy.
Quick Win #4: Be the Local Expert
People aren't just looking for "a mechanic." They’re looking for "a mechanic in Nundah."
If your website doesn't mention the suburbs you actually work in, you won't show up. You don't need to create 500 different pages for every suburb (in fact, please don't do that, it looks dodgy). But you should mention your service area clearly.
Talk about local landmarks or specific Brisbane problems. If you’re a painter, talk about how the Queensland sun destroys exterior paint and what specific products you use to stop it. This proves to both Google and your customers that you aren't some big national franchise—you’re a local who knows what they’re doing. This is the best way to prove you're a local expert and win the trust of people in your neighbourhood.
Quick Win #5: Speed and Mobile (The Non-Negotiables)
Most voice searches happen on mobile phones while people are on the go. If they click your link and your site takes 10 seconds to load, they are gone. They won't wait. They’ll hit the back button and click your competitor.
I’ve seen businesses spend thousands on fancy designs only to realize their site doesn't even work properly on an iPhone. It’s a total waste of money. Your site needs to be fast, and it needs to be easy to use with a thumb. Big buttons, clear phone numbers, and no annoying pop-ups that cover the whole screen.
What’s a Waste of Money?
Let’s be honest about what you should ignore:
1. Fancy "Voice Search Apps": You don't need a special plugin or app to "enable" voice search. If your website is clear, fast, and answers questions, you’re already doing it. 2. Over-optimising for one keyword: Don't pay someone hundreds of dollars to rank you for one specific phrase. People ask questions in a million different ways. Focus on being helpful across the board. 3. Cheap, offshore content: If you hire someone for $5 to write your blog posts, they won't sound like a Brisbane local. They’ll sound like a robot, and Google will ignore them. Write it yourself or hire someone who actually knows the difference between the Valley and Victoria Point.
How Long Until You See Results?
This isn't an overnight fix. If someone tells you they can get you to the top of voice search in a week, they’re lying.
Usually, it takes about 3 to 6 months of consistent effort to see a real increase in phone calls. But here’s the good news: once you’re there, it’s much harder for competitors to knock you off. You’re building an asset, not just renting space on an ad platform.
What Should You Do First?
1. Go to Google Maps: Make sure your business is there and the info is 100% correct. 2. Ask your spouse or a friend: Ask them to look at your website on their phone and try to find your phone number. If it takes them more than 3 seconds, fix it. 3. Write down 5 questions: The next time a customer calls you, write down exactly what they asked. Put those 5 questions and answers on your website tonight.
Summary
Voice search isn't about technology; it’s about being the most helpful person in the room. If you answer your customers' questions in plain English, make your site fast on phones, and keep your Google listing up to date, you will win more business.
It’s not magic. It’s just good business.
Ready to get more customers without the headache? At Local Marketing Group, we help Brisbane businesses get found by the people who are looking for them right now. We don't do fluff, and we don't do jargon. We just get results.
Contact Local Marketing Group today to see how we can help your business grow.