Why is being in the Google Maps Local Pack so important for my small business?
Weβve seen a lot of changes in the last 15 years, but one thing is clear: if youβre not showing up on Google Maps, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.
You know that little box with a map and three businesses that appears at the top of Google when you search for something like “plumber near me”? That’s called the Local Pack. It’s the most powerful spot you can be in.
The Local Pack is part of a big change in how people use Google. More and more, people are getting their answers right on the search page without ever clicking to a website. These are called “zero-click” searches. Experts say that nearly 60% of all Google searches now end without a click. That’s a huge number! This means if you’re not in the Local Pack, you’re invisible to most people looking for a local business.
At Business Solutions Marketing Group, we believe this is one of the most important things for a local business to get right. We call it “dominating the local pack,” and itβs a big part of what we do in our Google Business Listing Optimization services.
How can I make my Google Business Profile rank higher in the local pack?
You might be thinking, “That sounds great, but how do I get my business to show up there?” That’s where your Google Business Profile comes in. It’s the key that unlocks the Local Pack.
Google looks at three main things to decide who gets into that special box. We call them the Three Pillars of Local SEO.
1. Relevance Google wants to know if your business is a good match for what the person is searching for. If someone types “best coffee shop,” Google needs to know you sell coffee.
- Make Your Profile Complete: The more information you provide, the better. Fill out everything: your business name, address, phone number (we call this NAP for short), website, hours, and a full description. A study by Birdeye found that verified Google Business Profiles with 15+ photos per location saw stronger engagement across all customer actions.
- Choose the Right Categories: This is super important. Pick the main category for your business, and then add as many other categories as fit. Don’t pick categories that don’t apply, just to try and rank for something you don’t do. Google’s guidelines are strict about this.
- Add Your Services and Products: Clearly list all the services you offer. For example, if you are a plumber, list “drain cleaning,” “faucet repair,” and “water heater installation.” The more detail you give Google, the more ways it can match you with what people are searching for.
2. Proximity This one is simple. Google wants to show people businesses that are close by. A search for “pizza near me” will show places that are just a few blocks away, not a few towns over.
While you can’t change where your business is, you can make sure Google knows exactly where you are.
- Keep Your Address Accurate: Make sure your address is correct and up to date on your Google Business Profile and everywhere else on the internet. An incorrect address can completely ruin your chances of ranking.
- Create Location-Based Content: You can also write blog posts on your website that talk about the area you serve. For example, a local bakery could write a blog post called “Our Favorite Things to Do in Downtown Havasu City.” This helps Google understand that you’re a real part of the local community.
3. Prominence This is all about how well-known and trustworthy your business is. It’s like a popularity contest, but for your business. Google wants to show the businesses that people already know and trust.
- Get More Reviews: This is one of the biggest secrets to winning the Local Pack. The more positive reviews you have, the more Google trusts you. Did you know that Google uses review signals like quality, quantity, and recency to determine your local rankings? One study found that 86% of people look up a business on Google Maps, and reviews are a major factor in their decision.
- Respond to All Reviews: A lot of people donβt do this, but itβs so important! When you reply to reviews, good or bad, you’re showing Google and future customers that you care. It builds trust and shows you are active and listening.
- Get Mentions on Other Websites: When other websites, like a local newspaper or a Chamber of Commerce directory, mention your business, Google takes notice. It’s like a vote of confidence.
What are some little-known secrets to winning the local pack?
Now for the things that a lot of people donβt know about. These are the little details that can put you ahead of your competitors.
- Google Posts: These are like mini-blog posts that appear on your profile. You can share special offers, events, or updates. They show Google your business is active and engaged.
- Q&A Section: Your Google Business Profile has a question-and-answer section. You can ask and answer your own questions! This is a great way to show off your expertise and answer common questions customers have, like “What are your holiday hours?” or “Do you offer free quotes?”
- Add Photos and Videos Regularly: Don’t just set it and forget it. Upload new photos and short videos often. A study by Birdeye found that businesses with 15+ photos on their profile saw much higher engagement. It makes your profile look fresh and active.
- Keep Everything Consistent: This is so important and often overlooked. Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) must be exactly the same on your website, your social media, and any other online directory. Inconsistent information can confuse Google and hurt your rankings.
Why should I pay attention to my google business profile right now?
The world of search is changing faster than ever. AI is now a big part of how Google works. AI Overviews give people a summary of search results right at the top of the page. This makes it even more important to be the first and most trusted answer.
A well-optimized Google Business Profile is the number one thing you can do to get into the Local Pack and appear in these AI-powered results. It’s your most powerful tool for getting found by local customers.
At Business Solutions Marketing Group, we are experts in this. We help small businesses make their Google Business Profile a powerhouse. From our Google Business Listing Optimization services to our Reputation Management and Review Removal services, we handle all the details so you can focus on running your business.
We know that a strong online presence is built on trust, and a great Google Business Profile is the best way to build that trust.
Key Takeaways
- The Local Pack is the most valuable real estate for a local business on Google.
- “Zero-click” searches are the new normal, making your profile’s visibility more important than ever.
- Optimizing your Google Business Profile is the key to winning the Local Pack.
- Focus on the three pillars: Relevance (complete profile), Proximity (accurate address), and Prominence (reviews and mentions).
- Little-known secrets like using Google Posts and answering your own Q&A can give you a big advantage.
- Consistency in your business information is crucial to building trust with both Google and customers.
Source Citations:
- Birdeye, “State of Google Business Profile 2025: Data-backed insights to win in local search”
- Backlinko, “Local SEO: The Definitive Guide for 2025”
- BrightLocal, “Google’s Local Algorithm and Local Ranking Factors”
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