How to Rank In Google 3 Pack

When you approach a digital marketing agency to improve traffic and conversions, you'll likely discuss Google Ads, PPC marketing, and SEO. Yet, one of the most effective ways for local businesses to stand out is by ranking in the Google 3-Pack—a key area for visibility on Google Maps.  In 2021, searches for local businesses increased by 29%, highlighting the importance of having a visible presence on platforms like Google Maps. Appearing in the "Google 3-Pack" map results can be a game-changer for local businesses. 

To learn more about how your business can benefit from ranking in the 3-Pack and how to get your listings set up for success with a coveted spot on the search engine results page, read on.

What is the Google 3-Pack?

The Google 3-Pack is the set of three top-ranking local business listings that appear prominently in Google's local search results, just beneath the map. These listings are controlled in the backend by your business's Google Business Profile, which, when optimized, will display essential business information, including its location, hours of operation, customer reviews, the website, and services. 

Because of the simple display of information, the profile's positioning on the search engine results page allows searchers to make quick decisions; businesses featured in the 3-Pack for essential and relevant searches not only benefit from enhanced exposure but also improve nearby customers ready to become a lead.

Benefits of Ranking in Map Listings:

• 75% of Local Search Clicks Go to Google 3-Pack Results
• 93% of Consumers Use Online Searches to Find Local Businesses
• 68% of Users Prefer Businesses with Positive Reviews in the 3-Pack
• 28% of Local Searches Lead to a Purchase Within 24 Hours
• "Near Me" Searches Have Increased by 500% in Recent Years
• Local 3-Pack Listings Receive 44% of All Local Search Clicks
• 88% of Consumers Trust Online Reviews as Much as Personal Recommendations
• Mobile Devices Account for Over 60% of Local Searches
• 76% of People Who Search for Nearby Businesses Visit Within a Day
• Businesses in the Google 3-Pack Often See a 20%+ Increase in Website Traffic and Calls

How to Get Your Business Ranked on Google's 3-Pack

To access the many benefits of the Google 3 Pack, your business must first set up a Google Business Profile. Once you fill out all of your relevant business details, you must complete a profile verification with Google, during which you will have to prove that you are operating at the stated location. 

Profile Optimization

Once your verification is complete, your profile will be live, and you will need to maintain it to improve its rankings in the maps. At Xi Digital, our team can guide and help you through the verification process, from setting up your profile accurately to troubleshooting verification challenges, ensuring your profile meets Google's requirements for successful activation.

An experienced digital marketing agency can help you maintain and improve positions in the maps to improve the likelihood of your business being featured in the 3-Pack by managing reviews, conducting competitor analysis, editing your profile, and posting updates that engage visitors and share important information about your business. At Xi Digital, we enhance the health of your profile and increase its chances of being shown in the 3-Pack by using smart keyword strategies, location setups,  and more. 

Customer Reviews

Positive reviews and consistent engagement are essential for improving local search rankings. Encouraging satisfied customers to leave feedback and responding to all reviews not only builds trust but signals to Google that your business is active and valued by users. If you need help building reviews on your local maps profiles, including your Google Business Profile, contact Xi Digital to customize your own branded mailer that you can send directly to your happiest customers. As you naturally generate more reviews, your profile will be considered more trustworthy by both potential customers and Google. 

Search Engine Optimization 

Beyond the profile itself, Google and other search engines like Bing, which have map features, rely on external signals to strengthen the position of the map profile. Backlinks and NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) consistency are essential for building credibility in local SEO, ensuring that search engines recognize your business as reputable and relevant to local users. 

Backlinks are links from other websites pointing to your signal to search engines that your site is trustworthy and valuable. Meanwhile, consistent NAP information across various directories and online listings verifies the accuracy of your business's location and contact details, which helps improve search visibility. These elements work together behind the scenes to strengthen your business's position in local search results, ultimately supporting your goal of reaching a top spot in the Google 3-Pack.

At Xi Digital, our search engine optimization services include link building, where our team of SEO experts chooses high-quality backlinks and local citations that build the authority of your profile and your website. 

Other Factors that Influence Positioning

The Google 3-Pack is a dynamic feature that will show different listings depending on a number of factors. Your star rating, proximity to the searcher, and business hours can impact whether your business is shown during a search. Searches including "near me" will typically showcase the top 3 businesses closest to where searches are happening but will often prioritize business profiles that have a higher rating as well. After your business hours are over for the day, your profile will be less likely to show up until you open again the following day.

Running Ads for Your Maps Profile

Ads that integrate with your Google Business Profile are an effective strategy to strengthen your presence in the local 3-Pack and capture more leads. By setting up location-based PPC (pay-per-click) campaigns, your business can appear prominently in local search results, often at the top or within the Maps listings, helping you dominate the search engine results page. This approach ensures that, alongside organic optimization efforts, your business profile stands out to nearby customers actively searching for services or products like yours. Not only does this boost visibility, but it also increases your chances of attracting qualified local traffic and improving conversions by reaching people ready to engage with a local business.

Avoid Profile Violations

Over the years, the standards of what can be accepted in a Google Business Profile have changed significantly. In the past, Google would simply verify profiles by sending a pin in the mail, allowing some businesses to operate with virtual offices or P.O. boxes to extend their reach in the maps. As Google becomes more strict about its rules for being listed as a Google Business Profile, many accounts that have existed for many years are now being required to redo the verification process. Or they're being suspended, requiring an appeal directly with Google.

If your profile has been flagged or suspended, it's important that you contact experts at a local digital marketing agency who understand how to navigate these sensitive issues to keep your profile active. A suspended or inactive profile can cost you traffic and leads. At Xi Digital, our team of search engine optimization and digital marketing experts work closely with a variety of Google teams, allowing us to better understand, analyze and remedy profile issues. 

Maximize the Visibility of Your Google Business Profile with Xi Digital

The 3-pack is a precious place for businesses to show up in relevant searches, as it can generate more traffic online and more local leads. These profiles are an all-in-one tool that provides all your essential business information, generating a significant amount of traffic and conversions to your website and your brick-and-mortar locations. As experienced digital marketing experts with 2 decades of experience, the Xi Digital team can help you set up and optimize your Google Business Profile. Our team understands how the profile has changed over the years and is kept up to date on upcoming modifications to the platform, giving us the ability to keep your profile in good standing and available for your potential customers.

To learn more about how to rank in the Google 3 pack and how to optimize your profile listings, contact Xi Digital.