What is a local 3-pack?
In Google’s search engine results, the Local 3-Pack is a colourful, prominent map listing that presents to consumers the three businesses Google considers most relevant to the query and searcher’s location and of the highest quality.
The SEO Local Pack with Map in Google Search is a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy that helps businesses be more visible in local search results on Google. It includes a map of nearby locations and provides three business listings most relevant to the query and searcher’s location and those of the highest quality. This type of search result is called a SERP (Search Engine Results Page) Local Pack and can be an important part of a local SEO strategy.
The purpose of the Local 3-Pack is to provide customers with quick, easy access to the most relevant results for their queries. To appear in the Local 3-Pack, businesses can optimize their web pages with local keywords and other SEO techniques. Additionally, businesses must create a business profile on Google My Business (GMB) to appear in the Local 3-Pack. GMB profiles must be comprehensive, up-to-date, and accurately reflect the business’s location and contact details.
Google first introduced a local pack in the search results in 2014 with the launch of the Google Places for Business platform. This platform allowed businesses to create and manage their business profiles on Google My Business (GMB) and provided more accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date information about local businesses. The Local 3-Pack was launched in 2015 as an extension of the Google Places platform.
The Local 3-Pack is integral to any local SEO strategy and can benefit businesses targeting local customers. By optimizing web pages, creating a GMB profile, and focusing on other local SEO techniques, businesses can appear in the Local 3-Pack and be more visible in local search results.
By appearing in the Local 3-Pack, businesses can drive website traffic and increase visibility with potential customers. The Local 3-Pack is a powerful tool for local businesses and should be integral to any local SEO strategy. By taking the time to understand how the Local 3-Pack works and implementing the necessary strategies, businesses can benefit from increased visibility in local search results.
How do I get in the Google 3-pack?
Appearing in the Google 3-pack, or local 3-pack, requires a strategic approach to optimize your business’s online presence. Here are some steps you can take to improve your chances of getting listed in the local 3-pack:
Create and optimize your Google My Business (GMB) listing
A well-optimized GMB listing is crucial for local search visibility. Make sure to claim and verify your business on Google My Business and provide accurate and up-to-date information, including business name, address, phone number, website, categories, photos, and hours of operation. Be sure to choose the most relevant categories that accurately represent your business.
Get positive customer reviews
Reviews are important in local search rankings. Encourage your satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your GMB listing and respond to reviews promptly and professionally. High-quality reviews can improve your business’s reputation and increase your chances of appearing in the local 3-pack.
Optimize your website
Make sure your website is optimized for local search. Include your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on your website and ensure that it matches the information on your GMB listing. Create localized content on your website, such as location-specific landing pages, blog posts, and testimonials, to further establish local relevance.
Build local citations
Citations are online mentions of your business’s NAP on other websites, such as directories, online listings, and review sites. Consistent and accurate citations across various online platforms can improve your local search rankings. Ensure your NAP information is consistent across all your online citations and matches your GMB listing.
Use local schema markup
Schema markup is a structured data markup that can be added to your website’s HTML code to provide search engines with additional information about your business. Implementing local schema markup on your website can help search engines understand your business’s local relevance and potentially improve your local search rankings.
Engage in local online marketing
Engage in local online marketing efforts such as content creation, social media marketing, and advertising to boost your online visibility and promote your business to local audiences. Local online marketing can help increase your business’s prominence in the local community and improve your chances of appearing in the local 3-pack.
Local search rankings can change, and seeing results may take time and effort. It’s important to continually monitor and optimize your online presence, including your GMB listing, website, and online marketing efforts, to improve your chances of appearing in the Google 3-pack and gaining local visibility.