Google Map Pack is a feature that was introduced by Google in 2015. It is designed to give users a quick and easy way to find local businesses. When someone searches for a business on Google, the map pack will show up at the top of the results page, giving the user a list of nearby businesses that they can choose from. In this article, we will discuss what is Google Map Pack and how you can make your business stand out from the competition!
Overview
The term “Google Map Pack” refers to the top location in Google’s local search results, where companies are shown and their addresses are displayed on a map with place marker symbols. When people do an internet search, Map Pack has become an important factor in where and what they purchase.
Ranking in the Google Map Pack is important for all businesses, but especially for small and local businesses. Consumers often ignore search results that don’t match the parameters of their location-based search. If the first search result for an enterprise business is a website for a major brand, it is unlikely that this link will be clicked.
Why Is It Important?
Google Map Pack is a group of three results from Google Maps that often show up when you search for a local business.
In the Map Pack, users can see a business’s Google reviews and overall star rating, as well as a brief summary of the business, its address, hours, prices, and featured images. Standard search results take second place to Map Pack links.
Because only the top businesses are shown in Map Pack results, there is a lot of competition.
Google says that 87 percent of mobile phone owners use a search engine every day, and over the past two years, mobile searches for “best place to buy” have gone up by more than 70 percent. More than 80% of searches for “local” + “business(es)” have gone up, including queries like “local businesses near me.”
Because Google Map Pack takes up most of a mobile phone’s screen, people react automatically when it shows up.
How To Appear In Map Pack Results
The businesses that show up in Map Pack results are chosen by Google’s algorithms. Even though the company doesn’t say how it chooses the top results, businesses can take steps to improve their chances of being featured.
- Google Business Profile lets you claim the profile for your business (formerly Google My Business).
- Increase the number of online reviews and come up with responses that fit your brand.
- Make sure that your company is mentioned and cited on the Internet.
How To Improve Your Google Pack Ranking
Remember that Google’s local search results are based on how close they are, how important they are, and how relevant they are. You don’t have much say over the first result because it’s based on where the search was done.
There are, however, things you can do to show Google that you are a trustworthy business that can meet customers’ needs. Think about taking the steps below to improve your local search optimization.
Utilize Local Keywords
Keywords help Google figure out what your business has to offer, so it can put you in the right local search results.
Adding keywords and phrases related to your business and its services to your website, Google My Business profile, and other online local business listings can help you get more customers.
Build Accurate & Consistent Citations
Any online mention of your business’s NAP data is called a local citation (name, address, phone number).
These are usually linked to local listings in online business directories like Bing, Yelp, Facebook, and Yext. Google will trust you more if you have a lot of citations. But your citations need to be correct and consistent.
Make Google My Business Profiles More Optimized
One of the most important parts of local SEO is your Google My Business profile. After you’ve claimed your business and made your account, there are a few things you can do to make your profile better and get Google’s attention.
- Verify it with Google
- Check that the information about your business on your profile, especially the NAP information, is the same on all online listings. Listings that are wrong can hurt your business.
- Choose the right business category and characteristics.
- Include photos of the products and services your company offers right now.
- Change the hours of business to take into account holidays and other special days.
Encourage Customers To Leave Reviews
Almost 80% of people trust both online reviews and personal recommendations just as much.
Positive reviews and ratings online not only make a business more visible online, but they are also one of the main reasons why people click on Google’s Local Pack results.
Ask customers to write reviews of your business, and try to respond to all of them, even the bad ones.
Benefits Of Using Google Map Pack
Google Map Pack is a great way to promote your business and stand out from your competitors. When customers search for your type of business on Google, your listing will appear above the organic search results with your company name, address, phone number, website URL, and customer reviews.
This puts your business in front of potential customers at the exact moment they’re searching for what you offer. Not only does this give you an edge over your competitors who are not using Google Map Pack, but it also helps to build trust with potential customers by providing them with all the information they need to make a decision.
Final Thoughts
Although the Google Map Pack has been around for a while, it is still an important part of local SEO. By following the tips in this article, you can make sure your business appears in the Map Pack and gets seen by more potential customers.