Google’s New Local Pack Map
Every day, nearly one-third of consumers search online for a local business. And these consumers are naturally drawn to the local pack search results—those listings that appear at the top of the page accompanied by a map. These results provide consumers with star ratings, business hours, and other useful information.
Given the extreme exposure these listings get, it makes sense that many local businesses work hard to get ranked in Google’s local pack results.
Recently, Google made an update to this section of their search results, which makes the local pack even more helpful for consumers and therefore, more important to local businesses.
Updated Map in Local Pack Results
Previously, the map displayed alongside the local pack results (sometimes to the right, sometimes above) was simply a static map with pack results marked. Users who clicked this map were taken to a different screen with Google’s map interface.
Now, Google has updated the local pack results map with interactive tools. Users can zoom in and out, drag the map to reposition, hover over a listing to see star ratings, and click for more info. This saves the user clicks, provides them with more information at a glance, and makes it quicker to connect directly with a local business.
Why You Should Care—Even If You Don't Appear in the Local Pack Results
Businesses who struggle to appear in the local 3-pack of results should still consider this a valuable update. While the local pack results always appear on the map, many users have reported that other local businesses appear as well, particularly as they click and drag or zoom in and out of the map.
This means even if you’re not in the top three local results, you could still get in front of more potential customers on Google’s updated map.
Ranking in Google’s Local Pack Results
As with any ranking, there is no step-by-step guide to ensure you appear in the 3-pack. But you can increase your chances with a few simple measures.
- Always ensure your NAP (name-address-phone) is consistent across the web
- Maximize your exposure by linking your business on other local sites
- Optimize your Google Business Profile (formerly called Google My Business)
Read more about ranking in Google’s Local Pack here.
Want to learn more about boosting your business's Google ranking or landing in the local 3-pack? Contact Locallogy!
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