If your business isn’t showing up in the Google Map Pack, you’re leaving money on the table. That prime, top-of-page real estate isn't just eye-catching—it drives 126% more traffic than the listings beneath it. Whether you're a local contractor, a clinic, or a coffee shop, getting your business ranked in the Google Map Pack is one of the most powerful ways to increase calls, clicks, and foot traffic.

Let’s break down exactly how the Google Map Pack works—and how to climb to the top.

What Is the Google Map Pack?

The Google Map Pack (also known as the “Local 3-Pack”) is a set of three business listings that appear at the top of Google’s search results when someone searches for a local service. It’s paired with a zoomed-in map, star ratings, and quick links to call or visit your site.

When someone searches “plumber near me” or “best pizza in Edmonton,” this is the section they see first—before scrolling to the organic results.

Being featured here can mean the difference between getting chosen or getting ignored.

Why the Google Map Pack Matters

• 46% of all Google searches have local intent
• Listings in the Map Pack get the majority of clicks
• Map Pack rankings drive phone calls, website visits, and store visits
• These rankings appear on both desktop and mobile, making them critical for mobile-first buyers
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In short, ranking in the Google Map Pack is no longer optional—especially for local businesses. It's essential.

How to Rank Higher in the Google Map Pack

Ready to outrank your competition? These local SEO strategies work:

1. Claim & Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the foundation. Ensure it’s:

• Fully completed with accurate NAP (name, address, phone number)
• Using a local phone number (not toll-free)
• Categorized correctly for your services
• Updated with business hours, services, and a compelling business description
• Featuring high-quality images and video snippets

Tip: Keep your branding consistent across all platforms and directories—this builds Google’s trust in your business.

2. Encourage (and Respond to) Google Reviews

Reviews aren’t just social proof—they're a ranking factor. Businesses with frequent, high-quality reviews are more likely to show up in the Map Pack.

• Ask happy customers to leave a Google review
• Reply to every review (especially the negative ones)
• Display review links on receipts, email footers, or signage in-store

Google likes to see you engaging with your community—and so do your future customers.

3. Build Local Citations

A local citation is any online mention of your business's name, address, and phone number. These can appear in:

• Online directories (Yelp, YellowPages, BBB)
• Social profiles
• Blog posts and local news features
• Industry-specific platforms (like Houzz for contractors or Zocdoc for medical professionals)

Just make sure your citations are accurate and consistent—Google cross-references this info to determine trustworthiness.

4. Optimize Your Website for Local Search

What happens off the Map Pack still impacts what happens in it. Google looks at your website’s local relevance when determining Map Pack rankings. Be sure to:

• Use location-based keywords (e.g., “Dentist in Sherwood Park”)
• Include your NAP on every page—footer works best
• Create separate location pages if you serve multiple cities
• Embed a Google Map on your contact page
• Ensure your site is mobile-friendly and loads fast

These small technical SEO wins make a big difference.

5. Post Regular Updates to Your Profile

Most businesses forget this step. You can publish posts to your Google Business Profile, just like social media. These show up in your listing and help Google see you’re active and engaged.

Post ideas:

• Promotions
• Events
• Seasonal service changes
• Helpful tips or FAQs

A consistent posting strategy can help move you up the rankings.

Bonus: Monitor & Improve with Google Tools

Use Google Analytics and Search Console to track local traffic, impressions, and user behavior. Look at:

• Where your visitors are coming from
• What search terms they use
• How long they stay on your site

This data helps you make smart adjustments that support your Google Map Pack visibility.

Get Found Where It Matters Most

The Google Map Pack is more than a digital listing—it's a customer magnet. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, building citations, gathering reviews, and fine-tuning your website, you increase your visibility where it matters most: right in front of people actively searching for what you offer.

But it’s not just about ranking—it’s about results.



Ready to Show Up First?

At Evolv Digital Marketing, we specialize in getting local businesses into the Google Map Pack through our Hyper Local SEO service. From audits to hands-on optimization, we make sure your business shows up when and where it counts.

📍 Reach out today for a free Hyper Local SEO Report and start attracting more of the right customers.