The Google Local Pack is often users’ first stop for quick and reliable information when they turn to Google to find local services and businesses.
This feature reshapes local search by offering a concise, map-based selection of businesses directly related to the user's query.
Understanding the Google Local Pack is essential for businesses aiming to increase their local visibility and attract more customers.Whether you're a small business owner or a marketer, knowing how to leverage this feature can significantly impact your local search intent.
In this article, we'll dive into what the Google Local Pack is, its significance, and how it connects businesses with their local community more effectively.
What Is Google Local Pack?
The Google Local Pack, also known as the Local 3 Pack, the Google 3 Pack, the Google Map Pack, or simply the Snack Pack, is a specialized search result that appears at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs) for location-based queries.
In addition, it features a map and three highlighted business listings, providing essential information such as the business name, address, phone number, and customer ratings.
The Difference Between Google Local Pack with Organic SERP
The algorithm for the Google Local Pack differs from that of organic SERP listings.
In terms of appearance, the key difference is that the Local Pack includes direct calls to action (CTA), such as visiting the website or making a phone call.
Another significant difference is that the Local Pack provides important information about a business that is highly beneficial to the user, such as location and operating hours.
Additionally, these features render these positions more valuable to both the searcher and the top-ranking local businesses.
The Importance of Google Local Pack
The Google Local Pack is a key feature that helps businesses reach out to local customers online. Here are 5 reasons why it is important for your local business:
1. Boost Visibility
It's crucial for your business to be recognized online and the Google Local Pack can help you achieve that goal.
When your business ranks at the top of Google's search results for local searches, it gets noticed by more people. This increased visibility means more clicks on your business, leading to more visits to your website or store.
This is particularly beneficial for local businesses because being featured in the Local Pack makes it easier for nearby customers to discover and choose you. Therefore, utilizing the Local Pack can significantly enhance your online visibility and attract more customers.
2. Give Better User Experience
By prominently displaying relevant local businesses at the top of search results, the Local Pack simplifies the process of finding nearby services or products. This approach saves users time and effort, leading to a more positive search experience.
Additionally, the inclusion of key information such as business names, addresses, phone numbers, and ratings directly within the Local Pack allows users to quickly assess their options and make informed decisions.
Overall, the Local Pack contributes to a smoother and more efficient search experience, ensuring that users can easily find what they need and engage with businesses in their local area.
3. Urge Users to Engage
The Google Local Pack makes it easy to find nearby services or products by prominently showcasing relevant local businesses at the top of search results. This approach saves users time and effort, leading to a more positive search experience.
Additionally, the inclusion of key information such as business names, addresses, phone numbers, and ratings directly within the Local Pack allows users to quickly assess their options and make informed decisions.
Additionally, the Local Pack contributes to a smoother and more efficient search experience, ensuring that users can easily find what they need and engage with businesses in their local area.
4. Reach More Foot Traffic
When users search for nearby services or products, the Local Pack highlights relevant businesses, encouraging them to visit in person. This leading placement boosts the visibility of local establishments and motivates users to explore options close to them.
5. Establish Trust
The Google Local Pack helps your business to establish your customer's trust. When the Google Local Pack displays your local business alongside customer ratings and reviews, it offers a peek into the experiences others have had with your services or products.
How to Get the Top Rank on Google Local Pack?
Achieving a high rank in the Local Pack can significantly enhance your business's visibility and drive more local customers your way.
But with competition fiercer than ever, knowing how to navigate the complexities of local search optimization is essential. The following steps outline how to achieve a top rank on it.
1. Create a Google Business Profile
The first step to begin moving up the rankings in the Google Map Pack is to assert ownership of your Google Business Profile.
After securing your Google Business Profile (GBP), the next step is to enhance it with relevant details. This includes filling out all relevant sections and adding images of your business.
As we mentioned before, the way Google's local pack algorithm works is different from its other organic SERP algorithms. When determining which results to display for a query, Google mainly focuses on:
- Relevance: How well your Google Business Profile matches what a user is searching for. This refers to whether you offer what Google thinks the user wants.
- Distance: How close your business is to where Google thinks the user is or where they want to go.
- Prominence: How important Google thinks your business is compared to what the user needs.
2. Use Targeted Local Keywords
The second step to getting higher rankings in the Google Map Pack is to apply relevant local keywords.Local keywords are the phrases people use when searching for local products and services, including specific location terms.To get relevant local keywords based on your business area, you can utilize Sequence Stat's Keyword Research tool to efficiently analyze your data.
This tool provides a wide range of new keywords and the capability to monitor particular keywords that are pertinent to your business or industry. These keywords represent the terms frequently searched by users seeking products or services similar to yours.
Additionally, you can also assess the search volume and competitiveness of these keywords to gain more valuable insights into your business field.
3. Acquire Backlinks from Nearby Business
Link building entails securing links to your website from external sources. These links help you become more important to Google as those links come from websites that are related to what you do and where you are.
There are lots of ways to get links. For example, you can make things that other people want to link to, like how-to guides, videos that teach something, or pictures with useful information. You can also ask other websites in your area of business to link to your stuff.
In addition, these links don't just change how Google sees your website but they also help people in your area find you online.
4. Respond to Reviews Actively
Encouraging and responding to reviews is vital for how both search engines and people perceive your business. The best way to get more reviews is by simply asking for them.
Here are some easy tips for asking customers to leave reviews:
- Ask for feedback right after they've made a purchase or you've completed a service.
- If a customer doesn't seem satisfied, try to fix the issue directly to prevent negative reviews and improve their experience.
- Show appreciation by thanking them for choosing your business when you request a review. Then, send a follow-up message after they've left one.
- Personalize the request using their name and details of their purchase.
- Make it convenient by providing a link to leave a Google Review.
Start Your Successful Local SEO Strategies with Sequence Stat
In conclusion, understanding the Google Local Pack can significantly boost your business's visibility and attract more customers in your area.
By implementing the strategies discussed in this guide, you can improve your chances of securing a high rank in the Local Pack and standing out from the competition.
To further enhance your local SEO with Sequence Stat, register now and take advantage of our free trial to elevate your business's online presence in local searches with our all-in-one SEO tools.