Most brick-and-mortar stores rely heavily on local search rankings to bring in new customers. A comprehensive local SEO strategy should include a strong emphasis on showing up in Google search results, and this includes optimizing your Google business profile and making sure you show up in the top three results for the Google Map Pack.
What is Google Map Pack?
The Google Map Pack (sometimes also referred to as Google Local Pack) is the prominent section in the search results when someone is looking for a local business, and it’s definitely where you want your business to be. It shows up at the very top of the page and includes a map with the location of the top three local businesses listed next to or underneath it.
These businesses are the ones Google thinks are the most relevant and close to the person searching. If your business makes it into that Map Pack, it’s a big deal because people are more likely to see you right away. It’s prime real estate in search results, especially for local search queries.
To get into the Map Pack, you need to optimize your Google Business Profile (making sure your address, phone number, and business hours are correct) get positive and consistent customer reviews, and have a website that’s well-aligned with what people are searching for.
Statistics of Being Top 1-3 in Google Map Packs
You might be wondering how important it is to show up in those top three results. Does it really make a difference? Well, the statistics of being top 1-3 in Google Map Packs don’t lie. Google indicates that more than 30% of all mobile searches are related to location. Since Google is the dominant player in search engines and generates billions of local search results, that’s a pretty big chunk of the pie you could be missing out on if your business page isn’t optimized for Google Maps.
On average, the business in the number one spot of the Google Map Pack gets over 17% of clicks, the number two spot gets around 12%, and the number 3 spot gets slightly less than 3% of the clicks. The rest is downhill from there. When combined with organic search results, businesses who capture the number one Google Maps ranking AND the number one spot in SERPs get almost half of local search traffic. That’s a significant of local customers that could be coming your way.
And that doesn’t even account for the number of people in the local community who see your search results and don’t even bother clicking on your location—they simply drive straight there, since the visual map gives them a quick and easy way to find your business.
Building Trust and Credibility
Showing up in the Google Map Pack doesn’t just make your business more visible; it also builds trust and credibility with local search engine users. When people see your business listed among the top three, they often consider it an endorsement from Google, which can boost their confidence in choosing your services or products over your competitors.
Businesses that rank in the Map Pack and also have a large number of positive reviews are often seen as more established and reliable. Customers tend to trust businesses that others recommend, and the Map Pack prominently highlights your reputation.
Factors That Influence Map Pack Rankings
Local SEO is a comprehensive process that involves many factors working together, but there are three key elements that play a crucial role in influencing your Google Map Pack rankings: proximity, relevance, and reviews.
Proximity
Proximity is one of the most important factors when it comes to local rankings. Google will show users the businesses that are physically closest to them when they perform a local search. If your business is near the person searching, you have a better chance of appearing in the Map Pack.
Relevance
Relevance is all about how well your business matches the search query. This means your Google Business Profile needs to be fully optimized with the right categories, services, and keywords that reflect what you offer. The more closely your profile aligns with what people are searching for, the more likely you are to rank higher in the Map Pack.
Reviews
Reviews are huge when it comes to building trust and increasing your prominence in Google local searches. Positive reviews tell Google that your business is well-regarded by customers, which can increase your chances of being featured in the Map Pack.
Pro Tip: When customers leave reviews, be sure to respond to them to show that you are engaged and committed to delivering a great experience.
How to Optimize Your Google My Business Listing
- Update Your Business Information: Start by making sure all your business information is accurate and up-to-date. This includes your business name, address, phone number, hours of operation, and website URL. Consistency is key, so verify that this information is the same across all online platforms where your business is listed.
- Add High-Quality Photos: Upload high-quality images of your business. Visual content attracts more clicks and engagement from potential customers. Regularly update your photos to keep your profile fresh and appealing.
- Update with Relevant Content: Keep your profile active by regularly posting updates about promotions, events, or news related to your business. This keeps your audience engaged and indicates to Google that your business is active.
- Encourage and Respond to Reviews: Ask your customers to leave reviews and take the time to respond to them, whether they are positive or negative. Number of reviews is important, but recency is a factor, too.
- Use Relevant Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords into your business description and service categories. This helps Google understand what your business offers and ensures you match up with local organic search results.
Are Customer Reviews and Ratings Important?
Customer reviews and ratings are a significant factor in determining your Google Map Pack ranking. Google relies heavily on both the quantity and quality of reviews when determining which businesses to feature. A high number of positive reviews tells Google that your business is trusted and popular in your community.
Responding to reviews is also important. Engaging with your customers shows that you care about their experience, and it can help mitigate the impact of negative reviews. When you address issues, you show your audience that you’re committed to customer satisfaction.
Local SEO Strategies for Google Maps Rankings
To improve your chances of ranking in the Google Map Pack, you need to integrate local SEO strategies into your overall marketing plan.
- Optimize for Local Keywords: Your website should be optimized for local keywords that include your city, neighborhood, or nearby landmarks. You can also add localized content like blog posts or service pages targeting specific areas, which helps boost your relevance in local searches.
- Build Local Backlinks: Strengthen your online authority by building local backlinks. This can be done by partnering with local organizations, sponsoring community events, or getting mentioned in local news. SEO link building tells Google that your business is prominent in the local community.
- Consistent NAP Information: Ensure your business is listed in local directories like Yelp or TripAdvisor, and make sure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) information is consistent across all platforms. Consistency is key for reinforcing your business’s credibility and helping you climb the ranks in the Map Pack.
Measuring Success and ROI
Once you’ve optimized your Google Business Profile and implemented local SEO strategies, it’s important to track your progress to see if your efforts are paying off. Google My Business offers insights that show how many people found your listing, how they interacted with it, and where they came from.
You can see how often your business appeared in search results, how many people clicked on your website, requested directions, or called you directly from the listing. These metrics can help you understand what’s working and where you might need to improve.
Tracking customer inquiries and sales attributed to your Google Business Profile can also help you measure the return on investment (ROI) from your Map Pack rankings. Are more customers mentioning they found you through Google? Are you seeing an increase in foot traffic or online orders from local customers? By monitoring these indicators, you can gauge the effectiveness of your SEO strategies and adjust your approach as needed.
Leveraging Google Map Packs for SEO Success
The statistics of being top 1-3 in Google Map Packs tell a compelling story. When your business consistently ranks in the top three of the Map Pack, you’ll be seen by more local customers who are likely to choose your business.
To leverage the full potential of the Google Map Pack, stay committed to maintaining an optimized and active Google Business Profile, encourage and respond to customer reviews, and continually refine your local SEO efforts. Whether your goal is to increase foot traffic, online inquiries, or overall brand recognition, ranking in the Google Map Pack can help you achieve your goals and grow your business.
