If you’re trying to get your business noticed in local searches, the Google 3-Pack AKA The Local Pack is your best case scenario for Local SEO. It’s the top three local business listings that show up on Google when someone searches for a service or product nearby.

So, what can your business do to get onto Google’s 3-Pack? Let’s break it down with some tips and steps you can take to improve your current rankings on Google Maps and increase your chances of making your business appear on Google’s Local Pack.

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What is The Google 3-Pack And How it Decides Which Businesses To Show?

The Google 3-Pack, sometimes called the Local Pack, is a feature in Google’s search results that highlights the top three businesses relevant to a local search query. That means if you search for a business type and location or type in “near me”, then you’ll see the Local Pack in action.

This 3-Pack displays a map along with the names of the businesses, their ratings, reviews, and business information. It’s an easy way for users to quickly find the top options without scrolling through multiple pages. For local businesses, landing a spot in the 3-Pack results it more traffic.

How does Google deiced which businesses to feature in it’s Local Pack? When Google analyzes data from it’s business database registered on Google Maps, it ranks them in order of relevancy based off how well their Entity Local SEO is and how well the GBPs are optimized for Local SEO.

The Local Pack shows you the top 3 results from each business industry in order based off various variables. The more reviews, citation listings and the closest to the searcher and the amount of GBP update posts. These are all examples of different variables Google considers.

If someone searches for “plumbers near me” or “plumber in Seattle”, the 3-Pack will appear right below the ads and above the organic results. Taking its data directly from Google Maps to display the top results as seen in the screenshot below.

Google's local seo 3 pack for local seo for plumbing businesses screenshot example

Benefits of Ranking on Google’s 3-Pack

Let’s get straight to the point: the Google 3-Pack drives a lot of organic traffic if your business shows up on it. Being in the top three results instantly boosts your chances of being seen, clicked on and ultimately, chosen. This is compared to businesses that aren’t on the Local Pack.

This is where GBP Local SEO (Google Business Profile Local SEO) comes into play. When you optimize your Google Business Profile, you increase your chances of appearing in the coveted Google 3-Pack.

If you’re not showing up in the 3-Pack, you’re likely missing out on a ton of local traffic. The most targeted traffic source. Unfortunately, a significant portion of users who are using Google Search never look beyond the 3-Pack when searching for local businesses.

A flowchart illustrating the process of building local citations, starting with GMB and local directories

How Can You Rank Your GBP Page To Show Up on The Local Pack Searches?

Google uses a combination of factors to decide which businesses appear in the 3-Pack. Like in Entity Local SEO, the main elements are proximity, relevance and prominence. Here’s an overview of each element:

Proximity: This is how close your business is to the person searching. If someone searches for “pizza restaurant,” Google will look for places near their location. If you’re a mile away and another pizza shop is five miles away, you’ve got the advantage.

Relevance: This focuses on how well your Google Business Profile matches what the user is looking for. If your profile accurately lists your services, hours, and other details, it’s more likely to match user searches.

Prominence: This is about how active your Google Business Profile is. Google checks how many reviews your getting and how rent they are, how many business directories are being made of your business online and the overall user activity and interactions on your profile.

GMB Analytics Dashboard showing stats going up

How To Optimize Your GBP Local SEO To Start Ranking on The Google 3-Pack

Now that we know what the Google 3-Pack is. How it works and why it’s important. Let’s talk about how to get your business to show up on it. The good news is you can take several steps with GBP Local SEO to increase your chances of appearing in the 3-Pack.

For proximity: Your best bet is to open your business near the city or town center. The closer you are to the majority who are likely to search for your business, the better. This can however be more costly since renting is usually more expensive closer to the center of a city or town.

For Relevance: The smartest move is to start by making sure your GBP is perfectly optimized. This means all your NAP Data is listed accurately, Lots of photos and videos of your business, a populated and in-depth Q&A section and a good keyword targeting strategy for Local SEO.

For Prominence: Try and first get as many reviews as possible. Then aim to build 5 – 15 map listing citations or business directory listings per month. Finally, create GBP update posts 1 or 2 times week.

You also have 2 shortcuts you could take to help increase your relevancy and prominence. The most cost effective and best option would be Local SEO optimization for your GBP. Your second option would be to start experimenting with Google Maps ads which would increase activity.

If you are in a highly competitive environment and even after doing Local SEO your still not ranking. Then consider doing both GBP Local SEO and Google Maps ads. But if you can only pick one, check out my comparison of Google Maps ads vs. Local SEO here.

A visual representation of a well-optimized Google Maps ad with location extensions and compelling ad copy

Need Help Ranking Your GBP Higher?

If you are still in need of any assistance or help with ranking your GBP higher or looking to grow your organic search results. Then I highly recommend you book a free consultation with the writer of this article, Ramzy, CEO & Founder of Vortex Ranker by clicking here.