Google Map Pack: How To Rank Your Business

Do you want to drive more footfall to your local business but are running out of ideas? Then getting featured in a Google Map Pack should be a priority. It will lead to more customers coming to your physical business location and grant more sales in the long term. 

In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of getting featured in a Google Map Pack to help you understand what’s at stake. Furthermore, we’ll provide a summary of the best practices to follow so you can beat competitors to the top of the search rankings.

What Is a Google Map Pack? 

A Google Map Pack, also known as the Local Pack or 3-Pack, is a feature in Google search results that displays the top three local business listings relevant to a user's query. 

When someone searches for a service or business type, the Google Map Pack shows a map with three business listings. The search results also include their name, address, phone number, reviews, and a link to their website or directions. 

This feature is prominently placed at the top of the search results page, often above organic search results. This makes it highly valuable for local businesses aiming to attract customers in their area. 

Furthermore, the Map Pack is influenced by factors like proximity, relevance, and the business's online presence. For example, reviews and Google Business Profile (GBP) optimization. Overall, it plays a crucial role in local SEO strategies for businesses looking to enhance their visibility.

The Benefits of the Google Map Pack

Getting your business featured at the top of a Google Map Pack for your target area can be a game changer. We’ll share the top benefits so you can decide if it’s worth making an effort to beat competitors and gain a spot. 

Improved Local SEO

Appearing in the Google Map Pack is a major boost for local SEO efforts. That’s because the feature prioritizes businesses based on proximity, relevance, and the quality of their GB profile. This makes it a crucial element of a local SEO strategy. 

Therefore, it’s essential to populate your profile with accurate information, keywords, and positive reviews. This enhances your local search presence and also helps you compete more effectively against other local businesses. 

Increased Foot Traffic and Sales

For businesses with physical locations, appearing in the Google Map Pack can lead to a significant increase in foot traffic and sales. The Map Pack not only shows a business's location on a map but also provides easy access to directions. Hence, customers are more likely to visit when you make it easy for them to find your physical location. 

This ease of access, combined with the visibility of reviews and contact information, encourages users to choose your business when they're ready to make a purchase or visit a store. Think of what makes you choose one business over another? These preferences also apply to your customers. 

Higher Trust and Credibility

Being featured in the Google Map Pack can enhance a business's credibility. That’s because users often perceive businesses in the Map Pack as more trustworthy and reputable. It’s partly due to the inclusion of customer reviews and ratings. 

Generally, positive reviews can significantly influence consumer decisions and make them more likely to choose a business listed in the Map Pack over those that aren't. Additionally, the fact that Google has selected these businesses for prominent display can serve as a form of endorsement.

Mobile Search Optimization

With the growing use of mobile devices, the Google Map Pack is particularly beneficial for businesses targeting mobile users. Mobile searches often have local intent, such as finding a nearby restaurant or store. 

The Map Pack is designed to cater to these searches by offering a user-friendly and mobile-optimized display. This allows users to quickly find and contact businesses. It’s important because 78% of local searches result in an offline purchase. 

For example, features like click-to-call and easy access to directions directly from the Map Pack further enhance the mobile user experience. For businesses, this means better engagement with on-the-go customers and an increase in local traffic.

Cost-Effective Marketing

The Google Map Pack provides a cost-effective marketing tool for local businesses, especially when compared to traditional advertising methods. Furthermore, listing in the Map Pack is free and can yield significant results. It includes increased visibility and customer engagement without the need for a large marketing budget. 

Businesses that optimize their Google Business Profile profile effectively can compete with larger companies in local searches, thereby leveling the playing field. The organic nature of Map Pack listings also means businesses benefit from targeted exposure. Most notably, without the ongoing costs associated with paid ads.

What Information Does Google Map Pack Provide

The Google Map Pack provides useful information for searchers looking for local businesses. Here’s a summary of the top features to help you understand why it’s so useful:

How To Rank In the Google Map Pack

Now let’s turn our attention to the best way to rank in the Google Map Pack so you can start enjoying the benefits. Implementing these best practices is straightforward and beginner-friendly. However, they do require planning and organization to get right consistently. 

Optimize Your Google Business Profile Profile

The first step to ranking in the Google Map Pack is optimizing your GB profile. Therefore,  your business name, address, phone number, and website must be accurate and consistent. 

Additionally, add relevant categories, a detailed business description, and high-quality images. Each of these contributes to a rich profile that Google uses as signal to rank your business listing.

Then you’ll need to regularly update your profile with posts, offers, and news. Coming back to provide updates to the business profile ensures the accuracy is maintained to reflect any changes. 

Encourage and Manage Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are a critical factor in ranking within the Google Map Pack. Therefore,  encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your GB profile. You can do this by responding to reviews, both positive and negative. This shows that you value customer feedback and are actively engaged with your audience. 

Additionally, a high volume of positive reviews improves your ranking and enhances your business's reputation in the eyes of potential customers. That’s because Google favors businesses with strong and recent reviews.

Getting high quality reviews is worthwhile because 88% of consumers view online reviews as trustworthy as a friend’s recommendation. 

Use Local Keywords

Incorporating local keywords into your Google Business Profile profile, website, and content can improve your chances of appearing in the Map Pack. You can use the Hike SEO keyword research tool to complete your research. 

Focus on keywords that potential customers might use when searching for your services in your area, such as "[service] in [city]" or "[business type] in [area]". 

Furthermore, make sure that these keywords are naturally integrated into your business description, service listings, and even in responses to reviews. Overall, local keywords help Google understand the relevance of your business to specific search queries. 

Build Local Citations and Backlinks

Local citations and backlinks from reputable websites can enhance your chances of ranking in the Google Map Pack. Citations are mentions of your business on other websites, often in local directories. Overall, focusing on a mix of regular backlinks and citations contributes to a balanced approach. 

You’ll need to focus on getting listed in respected local directories, industry-specific websites, and local news outlets. Also, high-quality backlinks from local sources can further boost your local SEO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my business not showing in the Google Map Pack?

If your business isn't appearing in the Google Map Pack, it could be due to incomplete or incorrect information on your Google Business Profile. Also, it might be because of  low-quality reviews, or an insufficient online presence. 

Therefore, ensure your GB profile is fully optimized, including relevant keywords, accurate location details, and high-quality photos. Additionally, consider improving your local SEO strategies to enhance your business's relevance and prominence.

How important are reviews for the Google Map Pack?

Reviews are crucial for the Google Map Pack, as they directly influence a business's ranking within the pack. Also, Google considers both the quality and quantity of reviews when determining which businesses to feature. 

Generally, positive reviews can improve a business's visibility and credibility, while negative reviews might hinder its chances of being included. 

What role does proximity play in the Google Map Pack?

Proximity is a significant factor in the Google Map Pack, as it determines how close a business is to the searcher's location. Hence, Google prioritizes businesses that are geographically near the user to provide the most relevant local results. 

However, while proximity is essential, it's balanced with other factors like relevance and reputation.

Can Paid Ads Influence the Google Map Pack?

While paid ads, like Google Ads, can increase overall visibility, they do not directly influence rankings in the organic Google Map Pack. The Map Pack is determined by factors like relevance, proximity, and prominence.

However, paid ads can complement your local SEO efforts by driving traffic to your business. You may see an indirect improvement to your Map Pack ranking through increased engagement and visibility.

How Often Does the Google Map Pack Update?

The Google Map Pack updates in real time based on changes in business listings, user searches, and Google’s algorithm adjustments. Furthermore, you may see an immediate update to changes, such as adding new photos, responding to reviews, or updating business hours. 

However, changes in ranking within the Map Pack depend on continuous optimization efforts and can vary with each search query.

Hike SEO

In a nutshell, getting featured toward the top of a Google Map pack for popular search terms boosts business success. Implementing the best practices outlined in this article will give you an edge over competitors who aren't doing the same. 

However, it can be tricky to gain a competitive advantage without the right tools on your side. For example, Hike SEO is a beginner-friendly tool that helps with different aspects of SEO optimization. The top features include keyword suggestions, competitor analysis, local SEO strategy, AI-powered content creation, and more. 

So what are you waiting for? Give Hike SEO a try today to win in your Google Map Pack.