Last Updated on August 4, 2024 by Admin
Over the past ten years, the need for local business owners to establish and grow their online presence has become increasingly crucial. This shift is largely due to the fact that a robust online brand can greatly boost physical sales. One key strategy to stand out and gain a competitive advantage is securing a spot in the Google Local Pack.
In this article, we’ll dive into what the Google Local Pack is, explore strategies for getting featured in it, and more. So, let’s get started!
What is Google Local Pack?
The Local Pack is a special section on Google’s first search results page that shows up when you’re looking for something nearby. It includes a map and three business listings that match your search.
It used to show seven businesses, but now it shows only three, with a link to see more on Google Maps. Google picks these businesses from its Google My Business database, choosing the ones it thinks you’ll find most useful based on your search.
How Does the Google Local Pack Work?
The local pack displays a map and nearby business listings that best match what a user is looking for. It changes depending on what the user searches for and where they are located.
If someone in Raleigh, North Carolina feels like eating tacos but doesn’t know where to go, they might search on their phone using phrases like “tacos near me” or “best tacos in Raleigh.”
On the search results page, at the top, they’ll see something called the Google local pack. This feature shows a map and a list of nearby taco restaurants. It also includes a “More places” link to view additional restaurants, and allows sorting by ratings, prices, and hours of operation.
If they change what they search for, like typing “tacos in downtown Raleigh,” the restaurants listed might change too.
Clicking on a restaurant’s name shows more details such as pictures, the menu, the website, contact details, the address, when the restaurant is busiest, and customer reviews.
This helps the person decide where to go as the first few options are often considered the best choices. This is why the Google local pack is a valuable tool for both businesses and consumers.
The Importance of Google Local Pack for Local Businesses
The Local Pack is a powerful tool for businesses because it helps them stand out online. Here are some key reasons why it works so well:
- Boosts Visibility Online: The Local Pack takes up a big part of the search results page. It’s one of the first things you see, so it catches your eye. Why scroll down when all the information you need is right at the top? This means more people notice businesses featured in the Local Pack.
- Improves User Experience: Without leaving the search page, users can quickly see important details about a business, like its hours, prices, and ratings. This makes the Local Pack a favorite spot for people looking for local information.
- Encourages Quick Actions: The Local Pack has buttons for actions like ordering online, booking appointments, or calling the business. This makes it easy for users to interact with a business right away, helping drive more sales and appointments.
- Attracts More Visitors: Businesses in the Local Pack are more likely to get visitors in person, especially from locals or tourists in the area. A study showed that 42% of younger people who search for local businesses often visit one they find.
- Builds Trust: Trust is crucial, and the Local Pack helps by showing a business’s photos, its place in search results, and customer reviews. High ratings and good reviews make people more likely to trust and choose a business.
How to Climb the Google Map Pack Rankings?
Now you understand the value of the Google Local Pack for your business. But how can you land a spot there?
First, it’s important to note that the Google Local Pack operates on a different algorithm compared to Google’s standard search algorithms.
It prioritizes:
- Proximity: How close your business is to the searcher.
- Prominence: How well-known your business is.
- Relevance: How closely your business matches the search terms.
Let’s go over some of the primary ways to address these factors.
- Set Up Google My Business Profile: The first step is to create a Google My Business (GMB) profile, as only registered businesses appear in the Local Pack. Go to the Google My Business website, click on “Manage now,” and follow the steps to add your business. You’ll need to verify your business to complete your profile.
- Complete Your Profile With Detailed Information: Fill out your profile completely. Include every piece of information like your contact details, business hours, and real photos of your location. This makes Google more likely to show your business as a legitimate and relevant option.
- Build Backlinks from Other Local Businesses: Link building involves getting other websites to link to your site. These links can increase your site’s credibility with Google, especially if they come from sites related to your industry or local area. There are many ways to get these links.
For example, you can make useful resources like guides, videos, or infographics. Then, you can ask websites in your field to link to these materials.
Not only do these links help improve how Google sees your site, but they also help more local people find you.
- Get Reviews and Respond to Them: Reviews play a huge role in how both search engines and people view your business. And the best way to get more is to ask for reviews. Respond to both positive and negative reviews to show you value customer feedback. This can help improve your ranking in the Local Pack. Offering small incentives like discounts can motivate more reviews, but make sure to keep it genuine.
Wrapping Up!
So this was all about Google Local Map and how to use it to appear higher on search engine rankings. The strategies discussed above will help you make a better use of Google Local Pack. Also, it’s advisable to consult a reputable SEO agency like AlgoSaga for SEO services. The experts can guide you better on how local SEO works along with the role of Google Local Pack.