Have you ever searched for a business on Google and noticed that the top three results appear in a highlighted section above the rest? That’s the Google 3-Pack, and it’s the prime real estate for local businesses. Ranking in the google 3-Pack means more visibility, more clicks, and more customers—but getting there takes some strategic optimization.
Just Imagine: A potential customer is looking for a service you offer. They grab their phone, type in “best coffee shop near me” or “top-rated digital marketing agency in [your city]”, and hit search. The results pop up—but your business is nowhere to be found. Frustrating, right?
If your business isn’t showing up in the top three Google Maps results (also known as the Google 3-Pack, you’re missing out on a massive chunk of potential customers. But don’t worry—I’m going to walk you through how to check your Google Map ranking and what you can do to boost it. Let’s get started!
How to Check Your Google Map Ranking in Google 3-Pack?
Before you can improve your ranking, you need to know where you currently stand in Google 3-Pack. Here are three quick ways to check:
1. The Incognito Search Test
- Open a private/incognito browser window to avoid biased results.
- Search for a keyword relevant to your business, like “SEO services near me”.
- Scroll through the Google Maps results and see where your business appears.
2. Google’s Local Finder
- Search for your business category (e.g., “bakery in [your city]”) on Google.
- Click on “More places” below the top three Google Maps listings.
- This expands the results and shows where your business ranks.
3. Use a Google Map Rank Checker Tool
If you want a more precise view, Google 3-Pack checker tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark let you check rankings based on different locations. This is especially useful if your business serves multiple areas.
Why Google Map Ranking Matters
Let’s say you own a cozy Italian restaurant in town. You serve the best homemade pasta, your ambiance is perfect, and your customer service is top-notch. But here’s the thing—if people searching for “Italian restaurant near me” don’t see your business at the top of Google Maps, all of that hard work goes unnoticed.
Why should you care about ranking higher in Google 3-Pack?
? More Visibility: 93% of consumers use Google to find local businesses. If you’re not ranking, you’re invisible.
? Higher Credibility: Users trust Google’s top recommendations more than ads or lower-ranked listings.
? More Customers & Revenue: A high Google Map ranking translates into more website visits, calls, and walk-ins.
How to Improve Your Google Map Ranking
Now for the good stuff! If you want to move up in Google Maps rankings, you’ll need to optimize several aspects of your online presence.
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is like your storefront on Google Maps. If it’s incomplete or inaccurate, Google won’t prioritize it. Here’s what you should do:
- Fill in ALL details (business name, accurate address, phone number, hours, website, services, etc.).
- Choose the right categories—being specific helps (e.g., “Digital Marketing Agency” instead of just “Marketing”).
- Upload high-quality photos of your business, team, or products (businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions!).
- Post regular updates (offers, events, news). Google favors active profiles.
? Pro Tip: Google rewards businesses that engage with customers. Keep your profile updated and respond to every inquiry!
2. Get More (and Better) Reviews
Google LOVES businesses that customers love. Positive reviews influence your ranking, so make sure you:
- Ask happy customers for reviews—a simple “Would you mind leaving us a quick review?” can go a long way.
- Make it easy by sending them a direct link to your Google review page.
- Respond to every review (yes, even the bad ones!). Show potential customers that you care.
- Use keywords naturally in your responses, like “Thanks for trusting our SEO consulting services in [city]!”
? Example: Customer: “Amazing service! They helped my website rank higher in just a few months.”
You: “Thanks for your kind words! Helping businesses with their SEO strategy is what we love doing. Glad to see your ranking improve!”
3. Optimize Your Website for Local SEO
Google looks at your website to determine your local search relevance. Make sure you:
- Use location-based keywords (e.g., “SEO expert in [your city]” in titles, headers, and content).
- Embed a Google Map on your contact page.
- Ensure your site loads fast—a slow website can hurt your ranking. Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights to check speed.
- Make your site mobile-friendly (over 60% of searches are on mobile!).
4. Build Local Citations & Backlinks
Google trusts businesses that have consistent information across the web. You should:
- List your business on directories like Yelp, Bing Places, and industry-specific directories.
- Make sure your business name, address, and phone (NAP) are consistent across all listings.
- Get backlinks from local websites (e.g., a guest post on a local blog or a mention from a chamber of commerce website).
? Success Story: One of our clients, a small plumbing company, went from ranking #12 to #3 just by fixing inconsistent business listings and getting backlinks from a home improvement blog!
5. Engage With Your Audience
Google values engagement! Here’s how you can boost interactions:
- Post weekly updates on your Google Business Profile (share promotions, events, or blog posts).
- Answer FAQs in the Q&A section of your Google listing.
- Encourage customers to use Google Maps for directions—this signals to Google that people are actively engaging with your business.
Want to Rank Higher on Google 3-Pack? Let’s Talk.
All of this might sound like a lot, but you don’t have to do it alone. We specialize in helping businesses dominate Google Maps rankings with proven strategies.
? Not sure where you currently rank? We offer an SEO audit to check your position and identify areas for improvement. For a minimal charge, we’ll provide a custom plan to get you higher rankings, more traffic, and more customers.
? Book a FREE consultation today, and let’s take your business to the top of Google Maps!
