What Is Google Local Pack? How to Rank for It?
Out of all searches that happen on Google, 46% of them seek local information. It’s fascinating for local businesses. Right?
When you search for a local business like “chimney cleaner near me” or “landscaping services near me,” Google shows a few top listings and a map. The rest of the listings are hidden under the “See More” button. The block where the listings are visible is called Google Local Pack.
Any business that implements local SEO for their website desires to rank in Google’s Local Pack. But how do you land a spot in this section? Read this blog to find out.
What is Google Local Pack?
The Google Local Pack is a feature that highlights three businesses related to a local search string, along with a map showing exact locations.
Users can quickly access the essential details of those businesses like phone, address and customer reviews. This is the shortcut for users to find the best local options near them.
If your business appears in Local Pack, you are likely to get more leads and attention than your competitors.
How does Google Local Pack work?
Google uses multiple factors to decide which businesses should appear in the Local Pack. However, the main three factors are relevance, distance, and prominence.
Relevance means how well a search query matches your business. If someone searches for “vegan bakery,” Google will prioritize businesses that specifically fit that description.
Distance is another key factor. Google shows businesses closest to the searcher’s location. It is important for mobile users because often, mobile users are traveling while searching.
Lastly, prominence considers how well-known or trusted a business is. This is determined by online reviews, backlinks, and even offline reputation.
For mobile searches, proximity is very important. Google suggests to users the most relevant and nearest options. So, if you want to show up in these search results when your customer is nearby and ready to make a purchase, you must optimize your Google My Business listing.
How to rank in Google Local Pack
If you want your business to show up in the Local Pack, the first step is to optimize your online presence. Start with your Google My Business page (also known as Google Business Profile).
Your business name, store address, and contact number should be accurate. Choose the right category for your business. Add quality photos, business descriptions, and relevant posts like special offers (add a menu if you have a restaurant). Google favors businesses that appear active and engaged, so keep your profile fresh.
Local SEO is also important to rank in Local Pack. On your website, include location-specific keywords in titles, meta descriptions, and content. For example, instead of just saying “plumbing services,” use “plumbing services in Los Angeles.” Also, ensure your website is mobile-friendly since a large portion of local searches happen on smartphones.
It has been noticed that businesses that use Google My Business management services often see faster results. This is because the service provider ensures that your profile is fully optimized and up to date, which makes a big difference in Local Pack rankings.
Gain more visibility with reviews and engagement
For any local business, trust is the most important factor, and Google understands this very well. In the online world, trust is determined by positive reviews. Therefore, Google takes reviews as the strongest factor to determine a business’s prominence. Businesses with more positive reviews rank higher in the Local Pack.
To get more reviews, encourage your customers to leave feedback on your GMB page. A simple request via email or after a purchase would work.
Don’t just collect reviews; respond to them as well. Thank customers for positive feedback and tackle the negative reviews professionally.
You can also list Q&A on your GMB profile to clarify customer doubts. It will also save you time as you don’t need to answer common questions repeatedly.
Keep your business information the same across the internet
To see the best results of local SEO, your business information should be accurate and exact same across all platforms.
If you mention the phone number, address, and business hours on your GMB profile, the same information should be available on your website, social media, and other directory listings like Yelp or TripAdvisor.
Conclusion
Ranking in Google’s Local Pack is not luck. Any business can achieve that by getting the basics right.
Keep your information accurate, optimize for local SEO, and engage with customers on a regular basis.
A few minutes every day on your GMB page optimization can bring a lot of new customers and grow your business exponentially.
