Rank in the Google 3 Pack listing: A Comprehensive Guide

Google 3 pack ranking is fundamental when it comes to features on local business top searches. Especially, when you know more than 80% of local searchers on either mobile or PC-generated qualified leads.

Various digital marketing reports regard this feature given its potential in bringing tonnes of prospective customers, boosting business sales, and enhance visibility.

So, let’s check out this blog where we will explore what Google 3 pack local ranking is and how to rank higher in the Google 3-pack to improve your local search visibility and drive more traffic to your business.

What is Google 3 Pack Ranking?

Google 3 pack ranking is a feature in Google’s local search algorithm that displays a selected group of the top three businesses based on relevance, distance, and prominence for a particular search query. 

The 3-pack appears in a map format, showing the businesses’ locations, names, ratings, and other relevant information. 

The businesses displayed in the Google 3-pack are considered to be the most relevant and authoritative in their local area and thus, appearing in the 3 pack can greatly increase a business’s visibility, credibility, and ultimately, its customer base.

However, very few people know that Google 3 pack listing was not what it seems like today, earlier it was known as Google 7 pack. 

If you have searched, let’s say, ‘Dentist Near Me’, you would have witnessed 7 possible results of local dentist clinics near you.

But, soon Google adopted the new format of Google 3 pack, with the added feature of a map. It provides a better user experience and aids you in finding the shop or local business quite easily.

So, next time when you will search for the same query you will witness only 3 possible results. Thus, Google local 3 pack has become extremely essenial, especially when looking for importance of digital marketing in healthcare.

Though, it can be said that Google 3 pack ranking feature in the age of competition has become one of the most coveted things, which has inadvertently increased the need for local SEO services, especially for small and medium-sized business that wants to increase their sales and traffic with minimum marketing spends.

Why is the Google 3 Pack Important for SEO?

Ranking high in the Google 3-pack is crucial for local businesses as it can have a significant impact on their visibility and success. 

Here are some of the key benefits of ranking high in the Google local 3-pack:

1. Increased Visibility

The top three businesses displayed in the Google 3 pack listing are the first to be seen by potential customers, giving them a significant advantage over businesses that do not appear in the 3-pack.

Reports suggest that the monthly average of views on Google search for local businesses is more than 1000, so this fact can be taken as an indication of how important it is for such businesses to rank in the Google 3 pack for more clicks and conversions. 

2. Enhances Credibility

Being listed in the Google 3 pack suggests to potential customers that the business is reputable and trustworthy, which can positively impact its credibility and brand image.

Also, it further helps to generate positive reviews, as more than 85% of people read reviews before purchasing or availing of any service from the locally listed businesses on Google My Business

Thus, how pivotal it becomes to rank at the top and let your customer come to you rather than the opposite.

3. Higher Click-Through Rates

With the top three businesses being prominently displayed in the Google 3 pack more people will likely click through to their websites, potentially leading to increased traffic and sales.

Data has shown that Google 3 pack ranking improves the CTR of the listed businesses by 5% to 15%.

4. Improved Local Search Rankings

Ranking high in the Google 3 pack listing can also improve a business’s overall local search ranking, making it more likely to appear in the top search results for relevant keywords.

And, there is no mystery concerning the largest clicks and impressions being garnered on the first page of Google SERP.

5. Competitive Advantage 

A high ranking in the Google 3 pack provides a competitive advantage over businesses that do not appear in the 3-pack, giving them a significant head start in attracting local customers.

In conclusion, ranking high in the Google 3 pack SEO is a critical aspect of any local business’s online marketing strategy, as it can drive more traffic and increase visibility, credibility, leads, and success.

How does Google 3 Pack listing Work?

Google 3 Pack SEO works by using a combination of algorithms and data to determine the top three businesses that are most relevant, authoritative, and geographically close to a user’s location for a particular search query. 

The following are some of the key factors that Google takes into account when determining the businesses that appear in the 3-pack:

Relevance

Google uses a complex algorithm to determine the relevance of a business to a user’s search query based on factors such as keyword relevance, content quality, and website structure.

However, the various factors used by Google to determine the relevance of a local business are as follows:

• Business name, address, and phone number (NAP) consistency across the web
• Proper Keyword usage in business titles and content
• Links pointing to the business’s website
• The proximity of the business to the user’s location
• Reviews and ratings of the business
• Engagement on the business’s Google My Business profile

Distance

Google considers distance to be a significant local SEO ranking factor since it helps to identify relevancy and closeness to the searcher. 

The closer a company is to the searcher, the more probable it is that it will be relevant to their search query, and the higher it will rank in the local search results.

Google utilizes the location of the searcher to assess the closeness of companies and the relevancy of their content, keywords, and links. 

Google thinks that if a company is physically closer to the searcher, it is more likely to be relevant to their query, and will thus rank higher in the local search results.

For example, if you stand close to a Movie theatre and search for “Movie Theatre Near Me”, the chances of the nearest theatre being shown in Google 3 pack ranking increases, compared to the theatre which may have higher ratings or larger credibility.

By using distance as a ranking component, Google can provide its users with more accurate and relevant search results, hence enhancing the overall user experience and fostering confidence in the search engine.

Prominence

Google considers prominence to be a significant and one of the most primal ranking factors since it helps to represent a local business’s overall authority and credibility. 

This element is decided by several criteria, including the physical address of the company, the quality and quantity of its online evaluations, and the company’s total online presence and exposure.

Google employs prominence to assess a business’s importance and relevancy to the searcher’s location. 

A business that has a strong online presence and high levels of visibility are more likely to be perceived as an authoritative and trustworthy source of information and consequently ranks higher in local search results.

Prominence may be increased by boosting the quality and quantity of online reviews, expanding the business’s exposure through online directories and social media, and optimising the material on its website to be more relevant and authoritative. 

Google can give more accurate and relevant search results to its consumers by using prominence as a ranking criterion, which helps to improve the overall user experience and develop confidence in the search engine.

Google My Business

How does Google My Business impact 3-pack ranking for SEO? 

A well-optimized and verified Google My Business listing is crucial in determining a business’s ranking in the Google 3 pack. 

This includes having accurate business information, high-quality SEO optimization for image search, and positive customer reviews.

Once the relevant data has been analyzed, Google generates the 3-pack, displaying the top three businesses in a map format. 

The businesses are ranked based on the combination of relevance, distance, and prominence, with the top-ranked business appearing first in the 3-pack.

Thus, the Google 3 pack listing is a dynamic feature that is constantly evolving and changing as Google’s algorithms and data sources continue to improve. 

By understanding how the 3-pack works, businesses can take steps to improve their ranking and increase their visibility in the local search results.

Strategies on How to Rank Higher in the Google 3 Packs

A. Optimize Google My Business Listing

Creating and verifying a Google My Business listing is one of the most important steps in improving a business’s ranking in the Google local 3 pack. 

This includes: 

• Accurate business information
• High-Quality photos 
• Regular updates.

B. Build High-Quality and Relevant Backlinks

Backlinks from authoritative and relevant websites can help improve a business’s ranking in the Google 3 pack. 

It is important to focus on building high-quality backlinks that are relevant to the business and its industry.

C. Generate Positive Online Reviews

Did you know? An online buyer trusts online reviews and ratings as much as he/she trusts his/her best friend’s opinion.

Online reviews play a significant role in determining a business’s ranking in the Google 3 pack listing. 

However, Google’s 3-pack listings take time to include or portray content. 

But they also display the total number of reviews in addition to the star rating, providing a numerical representation of the extent to which customers have confidence in your business.

Having positive comments on your listing will encourage more people to check it out. Improve your reputation by monitoring and responding to feedback posted about you online.

Encouraging satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on sites like Google and Yelp can help improve a business’s ranking and visibility in the local search results.

D. Focus on Local Keywords

When optimizing a website for the Google local 3 pack, it is important to focus on local keywords that are relevant to the business and its location. 

This includes targeting keywords such as: 

• Business Name
• Location
• Products/Services Offered

E. Ensure Accurate NAP Information

Consistency in a business’s NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information across its website and other online platforms is critical in improving its ranking in the Google 3 pack listing. 

Barring business name, address, and phone number other things to consider are as follows:

• Ensure that the location of your business is Verified.
• Be Clear regarding your Working Hours and When you are Closed.
• Insert Relevant and Compelling Images of your business.
• Be Quick and Polite when addressing your Reviews and Queries.

In conclusion, the above strategies can help improve a business’s ranking in the Google 3 pack and increase its visibility in the local search results. 

By focusing on optimizing the Google My Business listing, building high-quality backlinks, generating positive online reviews, targeting local keywords, and ensuring accurate NAP information, businesses can take steps to improve their ranking and reach more potential customers.

Best Practices for Maintaining High Google 3 Pack Ranking

Once you have followed all the above-mentioned strategies on how to rank higher in the Google 3 Packs it’s time to check out the best practices to adhere to if you want to ensure a position in Google 3 pack.

A. Regularly Update Google My Business listing

Regularly updating and maintaining a Google My Business listing is important in maintaining a high ranking in the Google 3 pack lisitng. 

This includes updating business information, adding new photos, and responding to customer reviews.

B. Monitor and Respond to Online Reviews

Online reviews play a significant role in determining a business’s ranking in the Google 3 pack. 

Regularly monitoring and responding to reviews can help maintain a positive reputation and high ranking in the local search results.

C. Continuously Improve Website Relevance and Authority

A business’s website plays a key role in its ranking in the Google local 3 pack. 

Regularly updating and improving the website’s content, structure, and design can help maintain its relevance and authority, and improve its ranking in the local search results.

D. Stay up-to-date with Google’s Local Search Algorithm Updates

Google periodically updates its local search algorithm to improve the quality and accuracy of its search results. 

Staying up-to-date with these updates and making changes to optimize a business’s website and Google My Business listing accordingly can help maintain a high ranking in the Google 3 pack.

E. Good User Experience

More than 5 billion people in the world have a smartphone and there is no mystery behind why Google has started shifting to a ‘Mobile-First Approach’.

To ensure a seamless user experience Google has already established specific guidelines when it comes to ranking a website higher:

• Quicker image and video loading time.
• Mobile-friendly website pages with lower page loading time.
• Smooth navigation within the website.

Therefore, making your website more responsive has a direct influence on your local business since it increases your local visibility.

Conclusion

About 46% of Google queries are local and contain the phrase ‘Near me’. 

Whereas, more than 90% of the time, the Google Local 3 Pack is displayed at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs) when a local search is conducted. Making it a great way to get your business noticed, especially in this age of zero-click searches.

Therefore, ranking high in the Google 3 pack can greatly benefit a business by increasing its visibility and attracting more potential customers through local search results. 

And, to achieve this, businesses should focus on optimizing their Google My Business listing, building high-quality and relevant backlinks, generating positive online reviews, and focusing on local keywords. 

In summary, implementing the strategies and best practices outlined in this blog can help businesses improve and maintain a high ranking in the Google 3 pack listing, and ultimately reach and attract more potential customers through local search results. 

We encourage businesses to take action and implement these steps to achieve a higher ranking in the Google 3 pack.

So, unlock the power of Local Search with Uvisible’s Google 3-Pack Ranking Services! 

With our expert strategies, your business can reach new heights of online visibility and attract more customers in your area. 

Say goodbye to lost opportunities and hello to increased sales, by Contacting Us NOW!

FAQs

Q1. How do I rank in Google Local 3-pack?

To rank in Google Local 3-pack, optimize your Google My Business profile, generate positive reviews, make sure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) info is consistent, add photos & relevant keywords, and regularly engage with customers. Additionally, build high-quality backlinks & citations.

Q2. What is a 3-pack on Google?

A 3-pack on Google refers to the top 3 local businesses that appear at the top of the search results for a specific location-based query. It is a highly visible and sought-after feature in local SEO. Being listed can significantly increase visibility and drive traffic to your business.

Q3. Why is Google 3-pack important?

Google 3-pack is important as it displays the top 3 local businesses for a specific search query, making it highly noticeable to potential customers. Being listed in the 3-pack can lead to enhanced visibility, credibility, and online traffic to your business, which can ultimately lead to magnificent revenues.

Q4. How do I rank higher on Google local ads?

To rank higher on Google Local Ads, optimize your Google My Business profile, build positive reviews, have accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone) info, use relevant keywords, and regularly engage with customers. Additionally, consider using PPC advertising and campaigns, building backlinks and local citations, and having a strong website with quality content.

Q5. How do I optimize my local 3 pack?

To optimize your local 3-pack, make sure to have a complete and accurate Google My Business profile, generate positive reviews, have consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) info, add photos and  relevant keywords, and engage with customers. 

Q6. How do I advertise on Google local pack?

To advertise on Google Local Pack, create a Google My Business account, claim and verify your business, and create a well-optimized profile with complete and accurate information, photos, and keywords. You can also use Google Ads to promote your business in the Local Pack by targeting specific locations and keywords.