The Google 3 Pack is a feature in Google Maps that displays the top three local businesses related to a person’s local search query. The Google 3 Pack appears at the top of the search results and is designed to provide users with quick and relevant information about local businesses.
You will often see it when you search for terms that include an address in them. So for example Plumbers, Albany Creek will produce a result like this.
Why the 3 Pack is Important:
1 Visibility: The Google 3 Pack is one of the first things users see when they search for local businesses. Appearing in the 3 Pack can increase visibility and attract more customers.
2. Credibility: The businesses that appear in the Google 3 Pack are considered to be credible and trustworthy by Google. Being listed in the 3 Pack can increase credibility and establish trust with potential customers.
3. Increased Traffic: The Google 3 Pack is a powerful tool for driving traffic to a business’s website. By appearing in the 3 Pack, businesses can attract more customers and increase website traffic.
In research done by Moz they identified that:-
- 44% of people clicked on a result in the Local Pack
- 8% choose to load more local results
- 19% clicked on the paid result
- 29% clicked on the organic listings.
That means more people visited the Local Listings than paid ads and organic listings in the search. So we know that people click here.
The other thing that we know is that the search that they performed “Plumbers Albany Creek” is one that has a high likelihood that they are looking for a plumber now. This is what we call buying intent. They are searching for a plumber probably because they have a plumbing problem that they need to be solved now.
So the 3 pack get more clicks from people that are searching with intent to purchase/use your service.
In the Plumber Albany Creek example above there were in fact over 200 businesses listed in this search on Google Maps. So that is a pretty crowded place to be. But for the 3 businesses that are listed in the 3 pack, they have a massive head start. We know from the Moz research that 36% of people searching clicked one of the 3 businesses in the 3 pack.
What Information is Included in the 3 Pack:
Business Name: The name of the business is displayed in the 3 Pack.
Business Location: The location of the business is displayed on the map in the 3 Pack.
Business Phone: The contact number for your business so that a person can call you straight away.
Business Services: This shows exactly what a business does
Business Rating: The average rating of the business is displayed in the 3 Pack.
Business Reviews: The number of reviews a business has received is displayed in the 3 Pack.
Business Category: The category the business belongs to is displayed in the 3 Pack.
All important information for a potential client to know before they can decide to work with your business.
How to Rank Higher in the Google 3 Pack:
1 Complete and Accurate Google Business Profile: A complete and accurate Google Business profile is crucial for ranking in the 3 Pack. Make sure to include all relevant information about your business, such as business hours, services offered, images, and a description that accurately describes your business.
2. Keyword Optimization: Use relevant keywords in your business name, description, and categories to improve visibility in search results. Research popular keywords used by potential customers and incorporate them into your Google Business profile.
3. Encourage Customer Reviews: Positive customer reviews can significantly impact your 3 Pack ranking. Encourage customers to leave reviews on your Google Business profile and respond to both positive and negative reviews to show that you value customer feedback.
4. Local Citations: Local citations, or mentions of your business information on other websites, can help improve your 3 Pack ranking. Make sure your business information is consistent and accurate across all online directories, such as Yellow Pages and Yelp.
5. On-page Optimization: Ensure that your website is optimized for search engines by including relevant keywords, a clear and concise description of your business, and well-structured content.
6. Link Building: Quality inbound links from other reputable websites to your website can improve your website’s authority and rank in the 3 Pack.
7. Online Reputation Management: Maintaining a positive online reputation can have a significant impact on your 3 Pack ranking. Respond to both positive and negative reviews, and address any issues that may negatively impact your reputation.
8. Mobile-Friendly Website: A mobile-friendly website is essential as more and more users access Google Maps through their mobile devices. Make sure your website is optimized for mobile and provides a seamless user experience on all devices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ranking in the Google 3 Pack:
1 Inconsistent Information: Inconsistent information across different online directories can negatively impact your 3 Pack ranking. Make sure your business information is accurate and consistent across all online directories. This is most important with your NAP. Name (business name), address, and phone.
2. Duplicate Listings: Duplicate listings for your business on Google can confuse potential customers and harm your 3 Pack ranking. Make sure there is only one accurate listing for your business on Google.
3. Incomplete Google Business Profile: An incomplete Google Business profile can negatively impact your 3 Pack ranking. Make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date, including all relevant information about your business.
4. Ignoring Negative Reviews: Negative reviews can have a significant impact on your 3 Pack ranking. Respond to negative reviews and address any issues to show that you value customer feedback.
5. Lack of Keyword Optimization: Failing to include relevant keywords in your business name, description, and categories can lower your visibility in search results and harm your 3 Pack ranking.
6. Poor Online Reputation: A poor online reputation can harm your 3 Pack ranking. Respond to both positive and negative reviews and address any issues that may negatively impact your reputation.
How to Monitor and Maintain your Google 3 Pack Ranking:
1 Monitor Your Google Business Profile: Regularly check your Google Business profile to ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date.
2. Monitor Customer Reviews: Keep an eye on customer reviews to respond to any issues and maintain a positive online reputation.
3. Monitor Competitors: Monitor your competitors’ Google Business profiles to stay ahead of the competition and identify areas for improvement.
4. Regularly Update Your Website: Regularly update your website with relevant and valuable content to improve your website’s authority and maintain your 3 Pack ranking.
5. Track Keyword Rankings: Use keyword tracking tools to monitor your website’s ranking for relevant keywords and identify areas for improvement.
By avoiding common mistakes and regularly monitoring and maintaining your Google Business profile and website, you can maintain and improve your 3 Pack ranking and attract more customers to your business.
The Google 3 Pack is a powerful tool for attracting more customers and increasing visibility for local businesses. By optimizing your Google Business profile, using keywords, encouraging reviews, managing duplicate listings, and improving your website, you can rank higher in the Google 3 Pack and attract more customers to your business.
By implementing these strategies, you can increase your chances of ranking higher in the Google 3 Pack and attracting more customers to your business.
