Appearing in Google’s Local 3-Pack can be a game-changer for your business. It’s that coveted section at the top of local search results that displays the top three businesses for location-based queries like “plumber near me” or “best coffee shop in [city].” Getting featured here can dramatically increase your website traffic, phone calls, and in-store visits.
But how do you land one of those top three spots? In this article, we’ll break down the simple yet powerful steps you need to take to win a place in Google’s Local 3-Pack and dominate your local market in 2025.
What Is Google’s Local 3-Pack?
The Local 3-Pack is the map-based display on the first page of Google’s search results that shows:
-
A map with three top local businesses
-
Business name, rating, and number of reviews
-
Business category, hours, and a link to the website or directions
Appearing in the Local Pack means more visibility, more clicks, and more customers. So how do you get there?
✅ Step 1: Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the foundation of Local SEO and directly determines whether you show up in the Local 3-Pack.
Here’s how to optimize it:
-
Claim and verify your business on Google Business Profile
-
Use your actual business name (no keywords stuffing!)
-
Choose the right categories (primary and secondary)
-
Fill in accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone)
-
Add your website URL, hours of operation, and business description
-
Upload high-quality images regularly
-
Enable messaging and respond promptly
Pro Tip: Google favors active profiles—update yours weekly with posts, promotions, or events.
✅ Step 2: Build Consistent Local Citations
Citations are mentions of your business on directories and websites like Yelp, Bing Places, Apple Maps, and industry-specific platforms.
-
Ensure your NAP is consistent across every listing
-
Remove or correct duplicate and outdated entries
-
Use tools like Moz Local, Whitespark, or BrightLocal for citation management
Google values consistency. Even small discrepancies (like “St.” vs. “Street”) can harm your visibility.
✅ Step 3: Get More High-Quality Reviews
Online reviews play a massive role in your local search ranking and credibility.
-
Ask happy customers for Google reviews
-
Respond to every review—positive or negative
-
Use follow-up emails, receipts, or QR codes to encourage reviews
-
Avoid fake or paid reviews—they can get your profile suspended
Pro Tip: Consistent review growth is more important than a huge spike followed by silence.
✅ Step 4: Optimize for Local Keywords
To be found, you need to speak the language of your local audience.
-
Add location-specific keywords to your website’s titles, headers, and content
-
Use tools like Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, or Google Keyword Planner to find popular local search terms
-
Include “near me” phrases where relevant
-
Write blog posts about local topics, events, and neighborhood guides
Example: Instead of just “plumber,” use “24/7 emergency plumber in Austin.”
✅ Step 5: Add Local Business Schema Markup
Schema markup helps search engines understand your business information more accurately.
-
Use LocalBusiness schema on your homepage or contact page
-
Include details like business type, location, opening hours, and services
-
Use free tools like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper
-
Test your schema with Google’s Rich Results Test to ensure it works correctly
Schema doesn’t guarantee Local Pack placement, but it enhances your profile’s relevance and trustworthiness.
✅ Step 6: Increase Local Engagement and Authority
Google looks at signals beyond your profile and website to determine authority.
-
Get backlinks from local news websites, blogs, and business associations
-
Sponsor local events, charities, or sports teams for mentions
-
Create location-based social media content with geotags and hashtags
-
Partner with local influencers or microbloggers
The more you’re seen and mentioned online locally, the stronger your chances of ranking in the 3-Pack.
✅ Step 7: Track and Improve Your Rankings
It’s important to know where you stand and how to improve.
-
Use tools like BrightLocal, GeoRanker, or Local Falcon to track your local rankings
-
Monitor your Google Business Profile insights (views, clicks, calls)
-
Check your website traffic in Google Analytics
-
Monitor keyword rankings in Google Search Console
Adjust your strategy based on what’s working—focus on high-performing content, build citations where you’re weak, and keep those reviews flowing.
Bonus: Optimize for Mobile and Voice Search
More people search via mobile and voice than ever before.
-
Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and fast-loading
-
Use conversational keywords and FAQ-style content to answer voice queries
-
Add clear CTAs like “Call Now” or “Get Directions”
-
Keep your business hours and location info accurate for map-based results
Final Thoughts
Winning in Google’s Local 3-Pack doesn’t require a huge budget—it requires consistency, accuracy, and community focus.
To recap, here are your simple steps:
-
Optimize your Google Business Profile
-
Keep citations consistent
-
Get and respond to reviews
-
Use local keywords strategically
-
Add schema markup to your site
-
Engage with your local community and build authority
-
Track and refine your strategy regularly
Follow these steps, and your business will not only rank higher—but attract more loyal, local customers who are ready to take action.
Also, you can learn more about Local SEO here.