Voice search is no longer a novelty; it’s how many of us find the nearest smoothie shop or check the traffic on our commute. Think about the last time you asked Siri or Google Assistant for advice instead of typing a query. That simple shift shows why businesses in Trinidad & Tobago need to pay attention.

In this article, we’ll explore what voice search is, why it’s growing so fast, and why local businesses can’t afford to ignore it.

What is voice search?

Voice search lets people use their voices to interact with devices, smartphones, smart speakers, cars, and even wearables, to get quick answers. Instead of typing “best doubles vendor in Port of Spain,” you might say, “Hey Google, where can I get doubles near me?”
That switch from typing to speaking changes everything:
  • People use natural, conversational language
  • They expect faster, more precise answers
  • Search engines rely more on context and location to decide what shows up
For local businesses, that means new opportunities, but also new competition.


Voice search adoption: global vs. Caribbean context

Globally, about 20.5% of people use voice search regularly, with 8.4 billion voice assistants in circulation, more than the number of people on Earth. Usage has doubled since 2020, proving this isn’t a passing trend.

In the Caribbean, the same behaviours are taking hold. While official T&T statistics are limited, our regional digital marketing analytics show:

  • “Near me” searches are rising steadily
  • Mobile-friendly sites see more traffic from voice queries
  • Trinidadians often use voice search while driving, cooking, or multitasking
For industries like food, retail, tourism, and hospitality, voice search is becoming a major way customers discover options nearby.


Why local queries dominate voice search

One of the most important things to know is that 76% of voice searches have local intent. That means people are asking about places, businesses, and services near them, and they want results immediately.

Some examples you might hear in Trinidad & Tobago:

  • “Where can I get callaloo near me?”
  • “Is the coffee shop on Ariapita Avenue open now?”
  • “Hey Siri, what’s the best beach in Tobago?”
  • “Directions to the Savannah from my location.”
If your business information is outdated, or you’re not optimised for local SEO, you risk missing out on these high-intent searches.

Final thoughts

Voice search is here to stay. With more households using smart speakers, cars equipped with assistants, and phones always nearby, conversational search will only grow.

For businesses in Trinidad & Tobago, the question isn’t if customers are using voice search, it’s whether they can find you when they do.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll break down exactly how to optimise your business for voice search in T&T.