As a small business owner, you’re no stranger to unsolicited calls promising quick fixes to boost your online presence. Recently, I experienced a barrage of aggressive telemarketing calls that bordered on harassment, pushing a so-called “voice search optimization” service for $15–$30 a month. These auto-dialed calls came multiple times a day, never identified the company, and used numbers that couldn’t be traced. Sound familiar? Here’s why you should be wary of these tactics and how to protect your business.

The callers claimed my website wasn’t optimized for voice search—think Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant—and that my business was missing out on customers. Their solution? A low-cost monthly subscription to make my site “voice search ready.” But here’s the catch: they offered no specifics about their service, no company name, and no proof my site was underperforming. This is a classic red flag.

Voice search optimization is a real part of SEO, but it’s not a magic bullet requiring a separate, ongoing fee. Most of what makes a site voice search-friendly—natural language keywords, mobile-friendliness, local SEO, and structured data—falls under standard SEO practices. If your website is already optimized for Google, you’re likely covered for voice search without shelling out extra cash.

Here’s what made these calls suspicious:

• Harassing Tactics: Multiple auto-dialed calls daily is not how legitimate businesses operate. Reputable SEO agencies reach out professionally, often with a personalized email or a single call, and respect your time.
• No Transparency: The callers never shared their company name, and reverse lookups on their numbers led nowhere. A trustworthy service provider is upfront about who they are and how to contact them.
• Vague Promises: They warned my business wouldn’t appear in voice searches but offered no analysis of my website’s performance. Legitimate SEO experts assess your site and provide tailored recommendations, not generic scare tactics.
• Low-Cost Trap: At $15–$30 a month, the service sounds affordable, but it’s likely a low-effort, automated “solution” that delivers little value—think mass directory submissions or keyword stuffing that could even harm your rankings.

Voice search is growing, with many customers using smart devices to find local businesses. However, optimizing for it doesn’t require a shady subscription. Here’s what actually matters:

• Natural Language Keywords: People use conversational phrases in voice searches, like “best coffee shop near me.” Include these in your website content naturally.
• Local SEO: Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile to appear in local voice search results.
• Mobile-Friendly Design: Most voice searches happen on phones, so ensure your site loads fast and looks great on mobile.
• Structured Data: Use schema markup to help search engines understand your content, increasing your chances of being a voice search result.
• Featured Snippets: Voice assistants often pull answers from Google’s featured snippets. Structure content to answer common questions clearly (e.g., “What are your hours?”).

These are all standard SEO tasks you can handle with a one-time website audit or basic maintenance, not a recurring fee from an unknown caller.

1. Hang Up and Block: If a caller won’t identify their company or uses high-pressure tactics, hang up. Block their number to stop the harassment.
2. Verify Claims Yourself: Test your website’s voice search performance by asking Siri or Google Assistant questions like “Find a [your business type] near me.” If your site or Google Business Profile appears, you’re likely fine.
3. Use Free Tools: Check your site’s SEO and mobile-friendliness with Google Search Console, Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test, or Lighthouse. These are free and reliable.
4. Work with Trusted Experts: If you need SEO help, hire a reputable agency or consultant like Foundational Growth Marketing who provides clear plans, transparent pricing, and measurable results. Avoid anyone promising instant fixes or guaranteed rankings.
5. Report Harassment: If calls persist, report them to the FCC or add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry. Note that scammers often ignore these lists, but it’s worth a try.

Instead of falling for telemarketing scams, invest in proven strategies to grow your online presence. A well-optimized website, a claimed Google Business Profile, and regular content updates will do more for your business than any vague “voice search” service. If you’re unsure where to start, a one-time SEO audit from a trusted professional can set you on the right path without breaking the bank.

Tired of empty promises from marketers? I’ve been there, and I’m here to help. My approach focuses on results—clicks, calls, and customers—not fluffy metrics. Book a 30-minute chat to discuss your goals and create a plan that works for your business, starting small and scaling smart. No pressure, no gimmicks—just real results.

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