Digital marketing is a field where the rules seem to change constantly. For business owners in Missouri, staying ahead of trends is key to reaching customers. Unfortunately, some shady players are taking advantage of this fast-paced environment to spread misinformation and turn a quick profit at your expense.
Key Takeaways
- You do not need to pay for a subscription to be listed in voice search results—this is a scam.
- Google does not offer or sell a “voice search listing service.”
- Legitimate voice search visibility is based on a well-optimized (and free) Google Business Profile and smart local SEO strategies.
- Watch out for high-pressure calls or emails demanding payment for “voice search activation.”
- Always verify the legitimacy of anyone claiming to represent Google before sharing information or money.
We've recently learned of a particularly concerning tactic. Some of our clients have been contacted directly by individuals claiming to be from major tech companies like "Google." These callers are aggressively pushing a monthly subscription service they claim is necessary to be listed in voice search results. It might sound official, but it's far from legitimate.
Let's cut through the noise and expose this scheme. This guide will help you protect your business, your budget, and your hard-earned reputation.
The Truth About Voice Search Visibility
First, let’s be perfectly clear on the facts of voice search optimization. Understanding how it truly works is your best defense against these scams.
- You do not need to pay for a special subscription to be included in voice search results. Visibility in voice search is earned through legitimate optimization practices, not purchased through a monthly fee.
- Google does not sell a “voice search listing service.” Any claim to the contrary is untrue. This is either an outright scam or, at best, a deeply misleading sales tactic from a third-party company misrepresenting its services.
So, how does a business actually show up when someone asks Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant for a recommendation? Voice assistants pull information from existing, free-to-use digital assets. The two most important sources are your Google Business Profile (GBP) and your website.
When your business information is accurate and optimized, you are already positioned to compete in voice search. Key elements include:
- Correct business hours and location
- Properly assigned business categories
- A steady stream of positive customer reviews
- Relevant keywords in your business description and service listings
If you have these fundamentals in place, you are already playing the voice search game correctly—no paid subscription required.
What’s Legit
With so many scams out there, it’s important to understand what’s actually real—and what isn’t—when it comes to getting found on Google.
Google Voice for Business:
Google Voice for Business is a legitimate, paid offering from Google, but it’s not about search listings. Instead, it’s a robust communication tool available as part of Google Workspace, often chosen by businesses for features like voicemail transcription, calendar integration, ring groups, and advanced call forwarding. Pricing typically ranges from $10 to $30 per user each month, depending on the tier and feature set. If you’re considering improved business phone solutions or remote work support, Google Voice for Business is worth exploring—but it has nothing to do with voice search ranking or paying for search visibility.
Google Business Profile (GBP):
Your Google Business Proifle, on the other hand, is 100% free and remains your central hub for local search visibility. Optimizing your GBP—updating your address, hours, categories, and responding to reviews—is the single best way to ensure your business shows up in both traditional and voice search results. There’s no monthly fee or “upgrade” for voice search inclusion. Google doesn’t require (or offer) paid listing subscriptions for local search or voice search.
What about Unsolicited Calls from "Google"?
Google is very clear: they do not make sales calls out of the blue demanding payment for search listing services, especially voice search. The only genuine outreach from Google typically relates to business verification or necessary updates to your information—never to sell you a voice search subscription.
Staying informed empowers you to confidently say no to sales pitches that sound off. With the right knowledge, you can focus your energy and resources on what really matters for your business.
Red Flags to Watch For
Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency and fear. They might claim your listing is "unverified," "incomplete," or "at risk of being removed." They create a sense of urgency to scare you into paying for a service you don't need. They want you to make a quick decision without thinking it through or consulting an expert. If you receive a call about your business listings, be on high alert for these red flags.
Someone calls your business and:
- Claims to be with "Google" or another major tech company. Official representatives from these companies rarely call businesses out of the blue to sell a listing service. They especially won't pressure you to act fast.
- Asks for a monthly payment to keep your business “listed” or “active” in voice search. Again, this is not a real service. Your listing on Google is free.
- Warns that your competitors are already paying and you're falling behind. This is a classic fear-based sales tactic designed to provoke an emotional reaction.
- Threatens that your business will be "removed" or "delisted" if you don’t pay. This is patently false. They have no authority or ability to remove your official business listing.
- Cannot provide a direct link to an official Google product or support page verifying their service. If it’s a real product, there will be official documentation. Scammers can't provide this.
If you encounter any of these tactics, your best course of action is simple: Hang up. You are likely dealing with a scam.
What Your Business Actually Needs for Voice Search
You don't need to waste your marketing budget on fake services that offer zero value. To genuinely boost your visibility and maximize your reach locally, you need to focus on strategies that deliver a real return on investment (ROI). True voice search optimization is a component of a broader local SEO strategy.
Here’s what your business actually needs:
- A Well-Maintained Google Business Profile: This is the cornerstone of local and voice search. It must be complete, accurate, and regularly updated with posts, photos, and responses to customer reviews and questions.
- Smart Local SEO Tactics: This includes optimizing your website with location-specific keywords (e.g., "plumber in Springfield, MO"), building local citations, and creating content that is relevant to your community.
- Accurate Listings Across Multiple Platforms: Consistency is key. Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) should be identical across all online directories, from Yelp to your local Chamber of Commerce site.
- Ongoing Content and Review Strategies: Fresh content on your website and a steady flow of positive reviews send strong signals to search engines that your business is active, relevant, and trustworthy.
Achieving this requires a partner who understands the Missouri market and knows what it takes to get results. It's about building a strong digital foundation, not buying into empty promises.
How to Choose a Digital Partner You Can Trust
The rise of these scams highlights a larger issue: as digital marketing becomes more complex, too many fly-by-night "experts" are flooding the market. They make promises they can't keep and charge for services that aren't even real.
This is why transparency and accountability are more important than ever. You deserve a marketing partner who acts as a true extension of your team. When vetting a potential agency or consultant, look for one who:
- Explains what they're doing and why. A trustworthy partner will never hide their methods. They should be able to clearly articulate their strategy and how it helps you achieve your business goals.
- Educates and empowers you. The best partners want you to understand the process. They empower you to make confident, informed decisions about your marketing investment.
- Proactively protects your business. A great partner will be your first line of defense against misinformation and manipulation, keeping you aware of real trends and potential scams.
- Focuses on results, not selling fear. Their success should be tied to your success. Their reporting should focus on measurable outcomes like market growth, customer engagement, and ROI.
Choose a partner who is invested in your long-term growth, not just in making a quick sale.
Your Strategy for Success
Voice search is a real and growing part of the digital landscape. Local SEO absolutely matters for businesses in Central and Southwestern Missouri. However, you do not need to pay a monthly fee to be "listed" in voice search. Anyone who says otherwise is selling you smoke and mirrors.
As a business owner, you have enough to worry about without having to navigate deceptive sales calls. If you are ever unsure about a service you've been pitched, don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted advisor. We believe in building partnerships on a foundation of trust and transparency, not tactics.
Are you ready to make sure your business is truly optimized for voice search and local visibility? Let’s talk. We offer tailored advertising solutions without pressure or mystery fees—just proven strategies that work to maximize your reach and boost your brand awareness.
FAQs: Voice Search, Scams, and Legit Google Services
Q: Do I have to pay Google to be listed in voice search results?
No, you do not need to pay Google or any third party for your business to show up in voice search. Optimize your Google Business Profile and website for the best results.
Q: What is Google Voice for Business? Is it needed for local search?
Google Voice for Business is a paid communication service for calls, texts, and voicemails—not for voice search or business listings. It is not required for local search visibility.
Q: Is Google Business Profile (GBP) free?
Yes, Google Business Profile is completely free. Keeping your profile accurate helps your local and voice search visibility.
Q: Can someone at Google call me and ask for money for a listing?
No. Google will never call to sell you a spot in search results or charge you for a “voice search subscription.” Legitimate calls from Google are typically for verification or to confirm your business information.
Q: What should I do if I receive a suspicious call about my business listing?
Hang up immediately and do not share any personal or payment information. If unsure, visit Google’s official support pages or reach out to a trusted digital advisor.
