Google is the most widely used search engine in the world and has a significant impact on a business’s online presence. In the past few years, Google has made a big change to its search results by introducing the Google Map Pack.
This new feature makes it much easier for people to find local businesses. The map pack displays a list of relevant businesses along with a map of the area.
Source: Cloudwards
As more people are searching for things nearby using phrases like ‘near me,’ Google is now really highlighting the Map Pack. Getting your brand in the Maps Pack can make a big difference for your business.
In this article, I’ll explain what the Map Pack is and how it can be easier for you to be found in local Google searches.
What is Google Map Pack?
A Map Pack is a special group of places or businesses that are shown on a map made by Google. It’s different from regular search results because it only shows a few businesses, along with the map.
Why Map Pack Results are Different From Regular Google Results?
Regular Google search results usually display websites related to what someone is looking for.
But, the Map Pack displays a limited number of local businesses on a map, instead of presenting a cluster of web links. This approach aims to simplify the process of finding local businesses and services for potential customers.
The big advantage of the Google Map Pack is that it’s great for people who want to find something specific near their location. When someone is looking for a particular product or service nearby, this feature cuts out the extra stuff and shows them a shortlist of businesses that match what they need.
Global Search Fact
Google Maps Pack Gets About 44% of All the Clicks on the Search Results Page
Local Search Fact
Google Maps Helps 86% of peoples Discover Where a Business is Located
What are the Key Components of the Google Local Pack?
The Google Map Pack, also known as the Local Pack. The key components of the Google local Pack typically include:
- Listing of Businesses: This is like a list of stores or services related to what you’re looking for. It shows up when you search for something on Google.
- Visual Map: Consider this like a map you’d use to find your way around. It’s right there on the screen, showing where these businesses are located.
- Important Business Details (business name, address, phone number): This part tells you the name of the business, where it’s situated, and how you can contact them. It’s like their contact card.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: Advantage of using Google Local Pack is the opportunity to display google reviews. When online searchers search for your business and click on the 3-Pack entry, Google provides them with a summary of your customer reviews.
This allows them to quickly see your overall business rating and browse through individual reviews by scrolling down. It’s important to note that: positive reviews are important to rank in the google map.
In simple terms, the Map Pack shows you nearby places, helps you find them on a map, gives you their contact info, and lets you see what other people say about them. It’s super handy when you’re looking for something specific nearby!
What is Google 3-Pack?
Google uses 3-pack system for local queries, which involves displaying just three businesses on the search engine results page (SERP). These three businesses are ranked based on factors such as their relevance, distance, and quality signals.
Why 3 Pack or Google Map Pack Matters?
If you own a small local business or a big corporation, it’s important to prioritize optimizing for 3 pack positioning as part of your online marketing strategy. Since there’s a lot of competition out there, this will help you stand out and attract more customers.
Increased visibility and traffic
One of the primary benefits of being in the Local Map Pack is an increase in visibility and traffic to your business. According to a recent study, businesses that are listed in the Map Pack receive 44% of clicks from local search users.
Example:
If you have a store, like a bakery or a pizza place. When people in your area search for “bakery near me” or “pizza near me” on Google, they often see a special list at the very top of the results. That’s the Google Map Pack! If your business is in this pack, more people will notice you. This means more people might visit your shop or order from you online.
Google 3 Pack Holds the Number 1 Position in 93% of All Google Search
Trust-Building Through Reviews
When you see a business in the Map Pack, you can also see how many review stars it has and read what other people think about it. These are customer reviews. When your business has good reviews, it makes people trust you more. So, being in the Map Pack can help you build trust with customers.
Impact on Foot Traffic and Revenue
When your business shows up in the Map Pack, it can bring more customers to your store. If someone is looking for a coffee shop nearby, and your coffee shop is in the Map Pack, they might choose to visit your shop instead of another one that’s not in the map pack. This means more people coming to your store, which can lead to more sales and money for your business.
Mobile and Local Search Trends
Lots of people use their phones to search for things nearby. They might be out in the city and want to find a restaurant or a store. The Map Pack is perfect for this because it shows businesses near you. So, if your business is in the Map Pack, you have a better chance of being found by these mobile users, which is pretty cool!
There Has Been a 900%+ Growth in Mobile Searches Using “near Me” and “today/tonight”
How to Rank in the Google Map Pack
Once you understand what the Google Map Pack is and why it’s essential, it’s time to improve your local search results position for your small business.
Here’s how you can do it:
1. Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile (GBP):
- Start by creating or claiming your business on Google My Business.
- Verify your listing by following Google’s verification process, which typically involves receiving a phone call with a verification code.
2. Complete Your GMB Profile:
- Provide accurate and comprehensive information about your business, including your name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and category.
- Add high-quality photos of your business, products, and services to make your presence more attractive.
3. Get Customer Reviews:
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your GMB listing. Respond to these reviews promptly and professionally.
- Good reviews not only boost your credibility but can also improve your position.
4. Optimize Your Website:
- Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly, as Google considers these factors for ranking in the Map Pack.
- Use relevant keywords and location-specific terms on your website.
5. Stay Updated:
- Keep an eye on any changes or updates to Google’s algorithms and adapt your strategy accordingly
The difficulties of being featured in the Google Map Pack Ranking.
- Competition: One of the primary challenges businesses face when trying to appear in Map Packs is the high level of competition. Many businesses are vying for the limited slots in the Map Pack, especially for popular local keywords. This makes it difficult to secure a spot in the top three listings.
- Algorithm Changes: Google frequently updates its algorithms, including those governing Map Pack rankings. These updates can significantly impact a business’s visibility in the Map Pack. Staying updated and adapting to algorithm changes is important for maintaining or improving Map Pack rankings.
- Proximity: When Google’s Map Pack shows results, it looks at how close a person is to a business. If a business is far away from the person searching, it might be hard for that business to show up in the Map Pack
- Reviews and Ratings: Businesses in the Map Pack are often judged based on their reviews and ratings. Negative reviews or low ratings can harm a business’s chances of being featured.
- Local SEO Optimization: To rank well in Map Packs, businesses need to optimize their Google My Business profiles, website, and content for local keywords.
In a nutshell, the Local Map Pack is like a treasure map for your business in the digital world. It helps more people find you, visit your store, and boost your sales. So, whether you’re a small shop or a big company, understanding and using the Map Pack can make a big difference. It’s like a secret weapon to grow your business in the online world.
FAQ
What is Business Citation?
Citations are a digital listing that provides important business information , including its name, address/ business location , and phone number (NAP).
What are the free local business directory?
Some free local business directories include Google My Business, Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Bing Places. These platforms help businesses create online listings, enhance visibility, and connect with local customers.
