If you’re a local business owner and you want to gain more customers, you have to pay attention.
Because today, we’re talking about the Google Map Pack.
Google Map… what?
If you’re not familiar with what the Google Map Pack is all about, then that’s okay because I bet that you’ve actually seen it (and used it) even if you don’t know that’s what it’s called.
So, what is a Google Map Pack and why do you even need to care?
Let’s say, you want to find a café in Chattanooga…
When you type that into the search box, Google will find over a million results – 1,460,000 to be a bit exact.
But out of all those results, there will be three businesses that will be displayed inside a box that appears on the top of the results page.
This box is the Google Map Pack.
The Google Map Pack, also known as the Local Pack or Local 3-Pack, is the set of three business listings that are highlighted when you search for a business category on Google.
The business names are listed complete with address, ratings, thumbnail image, and pinned location on Google Maps.
If you’re a business owner, you want your business to be inside that box.
Why? Because data analysis showed that the three businesses featured in the Google Map Pack get 44% of total clicks.
That’s major! Imagine those three cafes getting almost half of the clicks and the rest of the 1,459,997 cafes having to compete for the rest.
Now, how do you do it then? Is there a shortcut to win the Map Pack ranking?
The truth is:
Getting instant access into the coveted Local 3-Pack club is not easy.
Nothing can really guarantee your entry into the pack because Google’s algorithms are ever-changing.
That does not mean, however, that you can’t increase your chances.
And that’s where we can help.
We’re giving you 5 actionable tips that can help you break into the Local 3-Pack fast!
1. Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
The first thing that you need to do is to optimize your Google My Business profile.
This will ensure that your correct business information shows up on Google results.
Don’t have one yet?
You can follow this video tutorial from Google on how to add or claim your Google My Business profile.
After adding or claiming your business, you have to verify your business.
Here’s an easy-to-follow link on how to verify your business on Google.
When filling out your Google My Business profile, you have to make sure that the details are complete and correct.
To get the most benefits from your listing, take the time to fully optimize your GMB listing.
2. Build NAP Citations for Your Business
A “NAP Citation” may sound like SEO jargon that’s too difficult to comprehend.
Don’t worry… it’s not.
NAP stands for your business Name, Address, and Phone Number.
While citation refers to the mentions of your business name online.
In simple language, it’s when your business name, address, and phone number appear on other sites aside from your own website.
In local SEO, a NAP citation is an important component for you to rank.
The reason?
If your business NAP appears a lot on the web, then it gives Google an idea that your business information is legitimate and accurate.
That can help boost your rankings when people search for your business.
Aside from Google Maps, some examples of platforms where you can list your business include:
3. Be Consistent
Here’s another tip that is often overlooked by many business owners when building their presences online:
Consistency.
You have to make sure that the business details that can be found about you online are all the same.
Having consistent information helps gain consumer trust.
It will prevent you from losing potential customers who could get confused if you have different details all over.
At the same time, having consistent and accurate information helps you in the local rankings too!
Make sure you do the following:
4. Boost Your Website’s Local Search Signals
If you are a local business, you don’t want to miss out on potential customers Google could bring.
After all, 76% of consumers who perform a local search on their phones visit a store on the same day, with 28% resulting in a purchase.
These stats only cement the importance of ranking better in local SEO results and ideally, getting into the Map Pack.
Another way to get closer to this goal is to optimize your website by improving its local search signals.
A few quick ways to do this include:
5. Ask for Reviews
Last but definitely not least, be proactive in getting reviews from your customers.
In an ideal world, all satisfied customers will go online to sing your praises.
But let’s face it, what motivates people to review your business is when they want to complain or if they had a terrible experience.
So how do you get customers to write more reviews?
The answer? Just ask.
Here’s an amazing fact:
70% of consumers will leave a review for a business when asked.
If you’re in a physical location, nicely ask the customer to leave you a review after a great transaction.
Or you can also follow up with an email after their purchase and ask for feedback.
Make it easy for them by sending them a link to your Google My Business profile.
Don’t be shy to ask.