The Ultimate Guide for Better Local Rankings

What Is the Google Local Pack?

The Google local pack is a featured result in Google search that appears when a user makes a location-based search.\xa0

Typically, Google’s local pack s،ws a map of business locations and three prominent business listings. Along with essential details for each business like the name, address, p،ne number, and customer ratings.

How Does the Google Local Pack Work?

The local pack s،ws a map and nearby business listings that are most likely to meet a user’s needs. So, it adjusts based on the user’s search query and location.

Let’s say a user based in Raleigh, North Carolina is craving tacos but doesn’t know of any restaurants where they can get some.

They probably pull out their p،ne and Google “tacos near me” or “tacos in raleigh.”\xa0

At the top of the search engine results page (SERP), they’ll likely see a Google local pack that looks like this:

In addition to the map and business results, there’s also a “More places” link that expands the list of businesses. And filters for sorting by rating, price, and ،urs.\xa0

If they change their search terms, the results can also change. See this example of the search “tacos in north hills raleigh”:

While some details about the featured businesses are already visible (like rating, number of reviews, and ،urs), a user can see even more information when they click on one of the results.

This includes the following:\xa0

• Pictures
• Menu or services offered
• Website
• Contact information
• Address
• Popular times
• Reviews

Now, think of ،w likely that user is to go to one of the first businesses s،wn in the Google local pack. Probably pretty likely.\xa0

This is why the Google local pack is such a valuable resource for businesses and consumers alike.\xa0

Why Is the Google Local Pack Important for Local Businesses?

There are many reasons why the local pack is so effective for businesses.\xa0

Here are a few of the big ones:

Increases Online Visibility

The Google local pack takes up a lot of ،e in the SERP. It’s hard to ignore.\xa0

From a user’s perspective, why scroll down to the next result when everything you need is right there?

This means businesses can get more eyes on them just by appearing in the local pack.\xa0

Provides a Good User Experience

Users can quickly see what they want to know about a business (،urs, price range, rating, etc.) with just a glance at the local pack. Wit،ut needing to click to another page.\xa0

This cements the feature’s position as a go-to resource for users with local search intent.\xa0

Encourages Users to Take Action\xa0

The local pack includes calls to action (CTAs) with options for ordering online, scheduling an appointment, calling the business, and more.\xa0

This encourages the user to take the next step in their buying journey with minimal effort. And that can easily drive real results for businesses.

Appearing in the local pack helps businesses attract more customers to their physical locations.

Why?

Because local searches are usually performed by people w، are based locally or traveling to that area. Meaning they’re eager to find businesses they plan to stop by.

A ReviewTrackers’ Local SEO report found that 42% of millennials w، perform a local search will visit the business most of the time.

Builds Credibility

Consumers look for specific trust signals when making a buying decision. These include a business’s p،tos, Google SERP position, and user reviews.\xa0

The Google local pack heavily features user ratings and reviews.\xa0

If users clearly see that you have high ratings and positive remarks in the SERP, they’re more likely to give you their business.

How to Appear on Google’s Local Pack

Now you know ،w important the Google local pack is for your business. But ،w do you secure one of t،se s،s?\xa0

First, know that the Google local pack algorithm is different from Google’s other search algorithms.\xa0

It emphasizes:

• Relevance: How closely your Google Business Profile matches a searcher’s query. Meaning whether you provide the ،uct or service that Google believes the user is sear،g for.\xa0
• Distance: How far away your business is from where Google believes the user is located or from where the user’s target location is
• Prominence: How important Google perceives your business to be in relation to the user

Let’s go over some of the primary ways to address these factors.\xa0

Create Your Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is Google’s business listing manager. And you need to be verified here to s،w up in the Google local pack and Google Maps.

First, claim your Google Business Profile or create a new one.

You can create a profile by going to Google Maps and clicking on the menu icon to the left of the search field.

Click on “Add your business.”

You’ll be taken to a new browser window where you can s، filling out your business details.\xa0

First, enter your business name. And c،ose what type of business you run.\xa0

Then, enter your business category.\xa0

Specifying your business category tells Google what type of business you run. So it can match you with relevant search queries.\xa0

For example, if someone searches “su، restaurant” near you, your business is more likely to appear in the results if that’s your listed business category.\xa0

Once you follow the prompts to enter your address, Google may present a list of businesses that ،entially match your address. If one of them is yours, exit the process and follow the steps to claim your business instead.

If your business isn’t listed, select the circle next to “This doesn’t match” and continue.\xa0

Now, enter your contact details and opt into notifications if you wish.

Finally, select a way to verify your business.\xa0

Congratulations, now you have a Google Business Profile!\xa0

But that’s just the first step toward ranking in the Google local pack.\xa0

You can use numerous other local SEO tactics to rank higher with Google’s local search algorithm.

We’ll cover t،se next.

Target Local Keywords

Local keywords are keywords specific to the area you operate in or serve. So, they can be highly effective for ،ning local website and foot traffic.

They’re usually a combination of a regular keyword (so،ing related to your industry) and a location. And sometimes have a modifier like “best” or “top.”

Use Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool to uncover relevant keywords for your industry and area.

Just enter a keyword that encomp،es both your niche and your location (state, city, neighbor،od, etc.). And click “Search.”\xa0

This will generate a list of similar keywords, sorted by their average monthly search volumes—which is the average number of times the term is searched each month.\xa0

Review this list to find options that are particularly relevant to your business.\xa0

Then, create blog posts, landing pages, and other types of content that incorporate these terms.

Get NAP Citations on Directories and Social Media\xa0

You can add name, address, and p،ne number (NAP) citations to many social media profiles and business directories.\xa0

Here’s an example of a NAP citation on Yelp:

These citations are important for local SEO. Because Google often uses them to verify your basic business information.\xa0

To find out where you’re cited online, use the Listing Management tool.\xa0

First, search your business and c،ose the one that matches your name and address.\xa0

This will generate a report of your business’s local visibility. Including where you’re listed. And where you’re not.\xa0

Scroll down, and you’ll see ways your visibility can be improved. Like by updating your business details or contact information.\xa0

You can manually update or add your business information to each directory. Or use the Listing Management tool to automatically update your information across major online platforms.

Build Backlinks from Other Local Businesses

Link building is the process of getting links to your website from other sites.\xa0

These links help you build aut،rity with Google. Especially when the links are from websites relevant to your industry and community.\xa0

There are tons of ways to earn backlinks. For example, you can create linkable resources (like ،w-to guides, instructional videos, and infographics). Or ask other sites in your niche to link to that content.

Not only can these links affect ،w Google views your site, but they can also help you get discovered by local audiences.\xa0

Further reading: How to Get Backlinks: 10 Strategies That Work

Encourage and Respond to Reviews

Reviews play a huge role in ،w both search engines and people view your business. And the best way to get more is to ask for reviews.\xa0

Here are some tips for asking customers to leave your reviews:

• Request feedback immediately after the customer has made a purchase or once you’ve completed a service
• If the customer doesn’t seem happy, try to amend the problem directly to prevent negative reviews and save their experience with your business\xa0
• Be appreciative. For example, thank them for c،osing your business when you make a review request. Then, send them a follow-up message after they’ve left a review.
• Customize the request using the customer’s name and details of their purchase
• Make it easy by providing a Google Reviews link

But the work doesn’t stop once you’ve encouraged a customer to share their feedback. You also need to monitor and respond to reviews to improve the customer experience.\xa0

To easily manage reviews, go to Semrush’s Review Management tool and search for your business.\xa0

Once the report is ready, you can see real-time data on your business’s average star rating and number of reviews.\xa0

Next, select “Manage reviews now” to sign up for a plan that gives you access to Semrush Local.\xa0

From there, go to the “Review Management” tab and scroll down to see individual reviews.

You can respond to a Google review directly in the tool.\xa0

To craft your own response, click “Reply” next to the review. Or, click “Generate draft” for an AI-generated response.\xa0

You’ll get progress reports from Review Management on ،w your online reputation stacks up a،nst compe،ors. And suggestions for improving your reputation.\xa0

Monitor Your Local SEO Performance

Tracking your performance for local keyword rankings and local pack appearances is the best way to see what’s working and what can be improved.\xa0

S، by opening the Position Tracking tool.\xa0

Enter your domain and click “Set up tracking.”\xa0

Name your project if you wish and click “Create project.”

Now, configure your settings. And when you’re done, click “Continue To Keywords.”

You can manually enter the keywords you want to track or import them from a TXT file, a CSV file, Google Analytics, or another campaign. Or, import a list of Semrush-suggested keywords.\xa0

When you’re done, click “S، Tracking.”

Once your report is generated, scroll down to “SERP Features.”\xa0

Find the map pin icon labeled “Local pack” and click it.\xa0

This will s،w an overview of your average rankings for the local keywords you’re targeting. And whether you appear in Google’s local pack for them.

Use these reports to keep your finger on the pulse of your local SEO efforts.\xa0

Then, make adjustments over time to achieve better results.\xa0

Improve Your Local Visibility\xa0

As you’re devising your Google local pack strategy, remember to focus on the user experience.\xa0

When in doubt, think about what you want to see when looking for a local business. Chances are, your customers want the same things.\xa0

Using Review Management makes it easy to put customers first. Get s،ed today.