Google's local 3-pack, the top 3 local search results for location-based queries, is a coveted spot for local businesses. Ranking here leads to more store visits, calls, and conversions. Yet many businesses overlook optimizing for the 3-pack as part of their local SEO approach.
Dominating the local 3-pack takes effort but pays dividends. By following the local SEO best practices outlined here, you can gain better visibility in these prime search results. Get found by more nearby customers to drive real-world traffic and sales for your business.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about succeeding with local 3-pack SEO:
What is the Google Local 3 Pack?
Google's local 3-pack presents a golden opportunity that local businesses cannot afford to miss. These prime listings at the top of search results for location-based queries like "best restaurant in Los Angeles" are proven to drive calls, store visits, and sales. Yet many businesses fail to optimize for this vital piece of local SEO.
So what exactly is the local 3-pack? Simply put, it's the top 3 local business listings displayed prominently at the top of Google search results. Complete with the business name, address, phone number, map location, and customer ratings, these 3-pack results command attention and clicks.
Ranking here is the ideal way to place your business right in front of local searchers ready to spend money with a nearby company. While getting into and staying in the 3-pack demands solid local SEO foundations like your Google My Business listing, citations and reviews, it pays dividends in the form of real-world customers walking through your door or picking up the phone to call you.
But is it luck, or can you actually optimize enough to make it in there? Well, a little of both!
How Can You Get Listed In The Local 3 Pack?
Optimizing your online presence to catch Google's attention takes work, but the payoff merits the effort. Follow these best practices to make the local 3-pack a reality:
Start with your Google My Business profile. Verify and completely fill out your listing with accurate name, address, phone (NAP), website and other details such as a description and relevant photos that pertain to your business.
Build citations on 50+ relevant directories, review sites and local listings, ensuring your NAP is consistent. More visibility signals authority.
Get customer reviews on Google and other review platforms. Positive sentiment and local relevance boosts rankings.
Optimize website pages and profiles with keywords that match high-traffic local searches like "near me” and your service. If you're a photography business and offer family photos, make sure to include that keyword in your profile.
Promote your GMB listing and new reviews on Google Posts and social media. Engagement shows relevance.
How Long Does It Take to Get Listed in The Google Local 3 Pack?
For local businesses, getting listed in Google's coveted local 3-pack spots seems like an endless quest. Some companies land on the first page within weeks, while most find themselves waiting months without making inroads.
The truth lies somewhere in the middle. While quick local 3-pack visibility does occasionally happen thanks to strong foundational signals right away, a more reasonable timeline is 1-3 months.
By ensuring your NAP data is completely consistent across directories and citations, building 20+ high-quality citations to strengthen visibility, and leveraging customer reviews for relevance, you lay the groundwork necessary for Google to verify and trust your listing for the local 3-pack.
Defending Your Hard-Won Local 3-Pack Spot
So you've finally made it to the coveted 3 pack spot, but how can you keep it? Maintaining your presence requires diligence through ongoing optimization and reputation management.
At minimum, update your Google My Business listing any time there are changes to your name, address, phone number or other key details. Google values accurate and current information when deciding who to showcase to searchers.
Additionally, stay on top of customer reviews on Google and other platforms. Even if you maintain stellar 5-star service, competitor sabotage does happen. Actively respond to any less than glowing feedback with transparency and accountability. Positive review volume and sentiment play a major role in local pack rankings.
Consistency and care put you in the Local 3-Pack originally. Apply those same best practices going forward to lock in your prime positioning and local SEO visibility against encroaching competition. Don't let your past effort go to waste by ignoring your listing's maintenance!
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