Using local SEO and the “Local Pack” on Google Maps to help drive traffic to your website is a necessity for any small business. Google Maps can help drive traffic to your site from local searchers as well as other people around the world.
Local SEO
To improve your local SEO, you must build a strong Google Business Profile. This includes optimizing your Google My Business profile and updating your company information. You also need to respond to reviews to show that you are responsive to your customers. It also helps to increase the amount of trust in your business and helps to drive foot traffic.
What Is The Google Local Pack?
The Local Pack is the local maps section of Google’s search engine results pages (SERPs). It generally displays three listings of local businesses at the top of the page. This section is also sometimes referred to as the “Map Pack”, “Google Local” or just “Google Maps”. Getting your business listed on the Google Local Pack is an important part of any local SEO strategy. In addition to increasing your exposure, you can also increase your sales by getting your business noticed by potential customer near your business.
Typically, these listings contain NAP (name, address, and phone number) data, and a business’ location on Google Maps. It also displays a click-to-call button and Google’s Local Finder, which is a tool to help you identify nearby businesses. If you want to get your business on the Local Pack, you need to optimize your Google My Business (GMB) page. There are also a few other ways to improve your business’ website visibility within the Map Pack, such as Google Ads, local link building, and other local SEO techniques.
History Of The Google Local Pack
In 2004 Google Local was born. This local search offering provided relevant neighborhood business listings, maps and directions. Later in 2005 Google’s mapping service, Google Maps, went live. By 2008 Google had rolled out the local 10-pack, business listings which were displayed above the traditional organic search results. Since that time Google has made a number of changes to way local business are listed within this section of local results.
During a Local U event in New York City, a Google representative explained the company’s perspective on local search. In a brief presentation, he said Google’s algorithms are largely the same whether you are searching for businesses in Manhattan or Austin.
How Do I Climb The Google Maps Local Pack Rankings?
Getting listed in the Google Maps Pack is one of the best ways for small businesses to boost their visibility. Being featured in the Map Pack can also help you to significantly increase your business’s exposure and revenue as a top business within your local market. Currently it is the easiest way to establish local market dominance.
The Local Pack ranks local businesses in order of best performance. It is also the first thing that shows up on a search engine results page. However it can sometimes appear at the bottom of the results. Regardless of where the Local Pack appears, it has been known to drive more foot traffic and click-troughs than standard organic results. It is also considered one of the most valuable pieces of online real estate especially with the increase in mobile search.
Final Thoughts
Getting into the Local Pack on Google Maps is one of the most effective ways to increase your business’s visibility. Not only will you be able to get found in Google’s search results, but you’ll also be able to increase your revenue. The competition is fierce, but if you can get into the Map Pack, you’ll be able to dominate businesses in your local area.
To get into the Map Pack, you need to use a variety of SEO tactics. One of the most important techniques is to increase and respond to reviews. This will show customers that you care and will increase the trustworthiness of your website. You should also optimize your web pages for speed and mobile responsiveness. Another key local SEO technique is to optimize your Google Business Profile to gain business citations. Citations are important local search signals. The more citations you have, the more likely you’ll be able to rank high in the SERP.
1 Internet Marketing
If you would like help with your business’s Local SEO or just want to hire a professional, please contact 1 Internet Marketing and schedule a free consultation.
