Rank in the Google Local 3-Pack – If you’ve searched for a local business lately, like “SEO specialist near me” or “best web designer in Vancouver”, you’ve seen the Google Local 3-Pack in action. It’s the box that shows three businesses at the top of local results, complete with ratings, maps, hours, and direct links.
Getting into that 3-pack is the holy grail of local SEO. It puts your business above the organic results and right where people are most likely to click.
So how do you get there?
In this guide, we’ll break down what the local 3-pack is, how it works, and what steps you can take to boost your chances of ranking there in 2025.
What Is the Google Local 3-Pack?
The Local 3-Pack is a feature in Google’s local search results that shows the top three businesses for a local query, based on proximity, relevance, and prominence.
Each listing typically shows:
- Business name
- Google rating and review count
- Address or service area
- Phone number or website
- Opening hours
- A link to directions or the business profile
These results are map-based, not purely SEO-based, so ranking here involves different signals than traditional organic listings.
How Does Google Decide Who Shows Up?
Google uses three main factors to determine which businesses appear in the 3-pack:
- Relevance – How closely your listing matches the user’s search
- Distance – How close you are to the searcher or specified location
- Prominence – How well-known and trusted your business appears online
You can’t control a user’s location, but you can control how relevant and prominent your business looks in Google’s eyes.
How to Improve Your Chances of Ranking in the Local 3-Pack
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
This is your foundation. Make sure your Google Business Profile is:
- Claimed and verified
- Fully filled out with business categories, services, and description
- Updated with accurate hours, photos, and contact info
- Using keywords naturally in the business description and service fields
Read More: How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile
2. Build Consistent Local Citations
Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) should be exactly the same across all online platforms, Yelp, Facebook, Bing, YellowPages, and local directories.
Inconsistencies confuse Google and can hurt your visibility.
Read More: How to Build Local Citations to Boost Your SEO
3. Get More (and Better) Google Reviews
Reviews are one of the most powerful local ranking factors, and they influence clicks, too.
- Ask happy customers to leave reviews
- Reply to every review (positive or negative)
- Don’t incentivize reviews, just ask naturally after a completed job or sale
- Use keywords in your responses when appropriate
Read More: How to Get More Google Reviews (Without Getting Penalized)
4. Create Location and Service Area Pages on Your Website
Google likes seeing that your website supports your listing. If you serve multiple cities or regions, create dedicated landing pages for each one.
Make sure each page includes:
- City-specific content (not copy-pasted)
- Services you offer there
- Testimonials or case studies if available
- Local images or references to the area
Read More: How to Create Location Pages That Rank
5. Earn Local Backlinks
Links still matter, especially from other local websites.
You don’t need hundreds of backlinks. Just a few from:
- Local blogs or news sites
- Industry associations
- Business directories
- Sponsorships or partnerships with community events
Tip: Look at where your competitors are getting backlinks using tools like Ahrefs or BrightLocal.
6. Post Regularly to Your Google Profile
Keep your Google listing active by posting updates, offers, events, or photos. This tells Google that your business is engaged and active.
It also gives customers more reasons to click through.
Read More: How to Add Products and Services to Your Google Business Profile
7. Monitor Your Local SEO Performance
Track your rankings, impressions, and clicks using:
- Google Business Profile Insights
- Google Search Console
- Local rank tracking tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark
Review what’s working and adjust over time.
How to Rank in Google Map Pack
Ranking in the Google Local 3-Pack isn’t about tricks, it’s about trust, consistency, and real local presence. You don’t need to be a massive brand. You just need to send the right signals:
- A well-optimized Google profile
- Positive reviews
- Relevant content on your website
- Clean local citations
- Community engagement and visibility
If you’re ready to show up where it matters most, at the top of local search, Maple Web Design can help. Book a Local SEO Strategy Call
