You’ve probably come across Google’s Local Pack (also referred to as the Map Pack or even the Snack Pack), the highlighted three results at the top of Google search results. The Local Pack can have a big impact on your locations’ success – if you know how to use it. Let’s unpack the local pack, and how you get into the top three. 

But first, let’s define what Google local pack is. When you search in Google for any local company or business operating in a certain area, you’ll see three local businesses show up at the top of your search results, directly under the ads. If these companies have reviews from Google users, you’ll see those reviews as well.

The Google Local pack appears in almost 30% of all searches’ first-page results, above all the other organic results. This makes Google Local Pack one of the best traffic-driven solutions for all types of local businesses. 

0. Location 

Google’s algorithm uses a variety of factors to determine which search results will be the most helpful for the user. Getting into the top three Google Local Pack results can be easy for some markets, and very difficult for others. The smaller the number of nearby competitors, the higher the chances of getting into the Local Pack. 

1. Register Your Company in Google My Business 

The first step is claiming and verifying your business. Google My Business is without a doubt the most impactful local SEO tool. An active, properly managed GMB presence demonstrates to Google that your location’s photos, reviews, posts, videos, and other media are the best response to questions from local consumers.

2. Optimize Your Google My Business Profile 

Iit’s not enough to just claim your business in Google My Business – if you want to stand out in Google’s ranking system, you’ll need to take full advantage of GMB by giving it the necessary information. This will make a difference! So, check the following off your list:

1. Complete data: Have accurate information entered for your name, address, phone number, and other significant business information that helps users to find you correctly. 

2. Photos: Add as many useful images of your business as you can. Additionally, it would be useful to add the products and/or services your business offers.

3. Verify your locations: Verify your business locations in order to manage how your business information appears across Google, including Search and Maps

5. Keep NAP consistent: Make sure that you have the correct NAP data (name, address, phone number) on your GMB profile, website, and other public networks as well.

6. Manage your reviews! Answer all your reviews, both positive and negative. And do as quickly as possible, since this will also affect your ranking. We usually say that you should answer a review within 24 hours.

3. Keep you business information updated

Google lists three factors that it takes into account in Local ranking: relevance, distance, and prominence. These factors combine to help find the best match for searches. 

This means that, firstly, if you’d like to be ranked high in local search results, your business information needs to be complete, detailed and correct, so that Google better understand your business and match your listing to relevant searches.

Secondly, your business must be located in close distance to the user that does the search.

Finally, Prominence refers to how well-known your  business are. Your business should be well-known to customers and have high authority both online and offline (e.g. having positive reviews positive reviews). 

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