Originally posted on https://macmillandesign.com/internet-basics/google-map-pack-benefits/

 

Do you wish to increase your small business’ search engine rankings? Are you looking to increase your customer base? Do you want to improve your brand’s visibility in the local business listings?

Competition among small businesses in the United States is at an all-time high. In fact, there are about 30.2 million small businesses in the country today.

Thankfully, there are ways to help you get a step ahead of the competition. One of which is through the Google Map Pack. This is the group of three businesses that concerns your search.

You can find this at the top of the page, right after the advertisements. In essence, this Google 3-Pack contains few but key details on three businesses that you typed in the search box.

Continue reading below to get a better understanding of how it can benefit your business.

Global Search Fast Facts (For Those in a Hurry)

• 93% of online sessions begin with a search (and 90.1% of those are on Google).
• 81% of people do some online research before making large purchases. (61% of internet users do research on a product online before making any purchase.)
• 47% of consumers view 3-5 pieces of content before contacting the vendor. (For example, your Google map listing and then a few of your web pages.)
• 72% of online marketers say content marketing is their most powerful Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tool.
• 75% of people never visit the second page of search engines.
• Content length matters: The length of the first-page result on Google averages of 1,890 words.
• 70-80% of paid Google advertisements are completely ignored by users, and only receive 10% of clicks on average.
• 40% of mobile website visitors will leave your site if it takes more than 3 seconds to lo

Local Search Fast Facts

• 78% of local, mobile searches result in an offline purchase.
• 86% of people find the location of a business using Google Maps.
• 61% of people who perform a search on a mobile phone are more likely to contact local businesses who have a mobile-friendly site.
• 88% of consumers view online reviews as trustworthy as a personal recommendation from a friend.
• 18% of local, mobile searches result in a sale within 24 hours.
• There has been a 900%+ growth in mobile searches using “near me” and “today/tonight” (for example “electricians near me” and “concerts near me tonight”.

Why You Should Rank in the Google Map Pack

The numbers speak for themselves, your local business benefits in the “map pack”

Before we go into the details of how to get in the Google Maps Pack, you must first realize the “why.” It is important to note that Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) containing a local pack often get the majority of clicks. The local 3-Pack specifically gets 44-61%* of the total clicks.

Now let’s tackle the main reasons why your business should rank in the Google Map Pack as part of your digital marketing strategy.

1. Superb Positioning

First, and foremost, Google 3-Pack holds the number 1 position in 93% of all Google searches. This means the 3-Pack can position your business as one of the most relevant in the eyes of customers.

The 3-Pack gives online searchers a quick glance of your business. This is important considering people’s short attention span. Consumers tend to gravitate towards businesses they can easily find online.

They also consider what other people have to say about your business.

The 3-Pack massively helps improve your brand’s online visibility. If your business appears on the 3-Pack, it means people always see you on Page 1 of Google.

2. Influences Buying Decisions

The next reason to get into the Google 3-Pack is it helps influence consumers’ buying decisions. Studies show that close to 80% of local searches via mobile devices translate to direct purchases. These purchases take place within the next 24 hours after the online search.

Thus, if people see your business in the Maps Pack, you can expect the number of phone calls you receive to increase. The more phone calls you get, the more sales you can generate.

The great thing about the 3-Pack is they make things easier for customers. The pack comes with a click-to-call feature. This feature allows online searchers to call your business with only one click of the click-to-call button.

Studies show that 70% of mobile searchers use this button to get in touch with businesses. Moreover, they can click your business name to find out more details about your company.

Furthermore, one click of your business’ image leads to a map. This gives customers an idea of how close they are from your location.

In addition, you can also put links to your social media platforms. If you have a Facebook account, you can provide a link in your entry. Customers can simply click on the Facebook icon that redirects them to your company’s Facebook account.

3. Get the Reviews Out

Another big reason to go for Google Maps Pack is the chance to showcase customer reviews. Once online searchers click your 3-Pack entry, Google gives them a summary of your customer reviews.

At first glance, they can already see your business’ overall ratings. They can also skim through every review by simply scrolling down.

Keep in mind, however, that you need to work on your reviews. The more positive reviews your business have, the higher your chances of ranking in the 3-Pack.

How to Rank in the Google Maps Pack

Now that you have an idea of the advantages of Maps Packs, let’s find out how you can rank in the 3-Pack. Here are some valuable tips to consider:

1. Start with “Google My Business” 

The first thing you should do is create a Google My Business (GMB) page. Find out if your business is already part of the GMB listing. You can do this by typing the name of your company in the “Business Name” box.

Once you see your business name in the listing, don’t hesitate to claim it. Seeing your name simply means it was likely created through data from other listings.

Verify your ownership thereafter. If no matches come up, then you can register your company.

2. Verify Your Address

To verify your company’s address, you should fill out a GMB application form. After 3 to 5 days, Google will send you a verification code via post. Enter this code in your GMB account.

You can also use the Gmail account that you used for registering in GMB. This is the Gmail account in your Google Search Console and Google Analytics. Once you do this, Google links your accounts to your business location.

This will automatically verify your address.

3. Optimize Your Listings

The next order of business is to optimize your listings. This involves filling in the important details about your business. The information that you provide will affect your brand’s search engine visibility.

You will need to provide information on the following fields:

• Business Name
• Category
• NAP data
• Pictures
• Reviews
• Business Citations

4. Optimize Your Website

Lastly, you also need to optimize your website. To do so, you need to optimize your content (we can help). Include the name of the state, town, region, and district of your business’ location.

You also need to look into the SEO health of your website (there’s a free SEO Review below). This concerns the technical condition of your website.

It is mobile-friendly? Is it secure? How fast is it?

How about its crawlability? These are some of the questions that pertain to your site’s SEO health.

Lastly, you need to check on your website’s link authority. This involves the quality inbound links and citations that you earn. These links come from local authoritative sources.

Let Our Mobile Digital Solutions Help

Ranking high in the Google Map Pack is doable. But it does take some hard work on your part. As for other areas, we can help provide custom solutions that are in line with your business goals. Whether it is SEO or a digital marketing strategy that you need, we can give it to you.

Send us a message or call us today. Let us know what you need and let us discuss your options.

Cover all areas and take your business to the next level, today!

*There are many studies showing a range of results, depending on the industry and nature of the search. For example, brick and mortar results vs services that come to your home.