If you’re a local business owner, getting into the Google Map Pack (those top 3 map results that show up when people search “near me”) can be a total game-changer. It’s where the clicks happen, it’s where the calls come from and most importantly, it’s free traffic.
The best part? You don’t need to pay for ads to get in. With the right local SEO strategy, your business can show up in the map pack naturally and stay there.
Here’s exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Claim and Fully Optimize Your Google Business Profile
This is non-negotiable. If your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) isn’t claimed, verified, and optimized, you won’t even be in the running.
What to do:
- Use your exact business name (no keyword stuffing)
- Add your correct address, phone number, and business hours
- Choose the most accurate category (and relevant secondary categories)
- Write a clear business description that includes your main service keywords
- Upload high-quality photos (inside, outside, staff, services, etc.)
- Add your products or services with short descriptions
Google rewards complete, consistent, and detailed profiles.
Step 2: Get Consistent Local Citations Across the Web
Google looks at more than just your own website; it checks other sites to confirm your business info. If your name, address, and phone number (NAP) don’t match across directories, it hurts your credibility.
What to do:
- List your business on top directories like Yelp, Apple Maps, Bing, YellowPages, and industry-specific sites
- Use identical business info everywhere no variations in phone number, suite number, or spelling
Think of it as digital consistency that builds trust with Google.
Step 3: Encourage Real Google Reviews (and Respond to Them)
Reviews don’t just build trust with customers; they influence your map pack rankings too. Businesses with high-quality reviews (especially ones that mention services or keywords) tend to rank higher.
What to do:
- Ask happy customers to leave a Google review (make it easy with a direct link)
- Don’t offer rewards or discounts for reviews it violates Google’s terms
- Respond to every review, even the bad ones (calmly and professionally)
Engagement shows Google you care about customers and that matters.
Step 4: Add Location Pages to Your Website
If your business serves multiple cities or neighborhoods, you need pages on your site for each location. These pages help reinforce your relevance for local searches.
What to do:
- Create a separate landing page for each location or service area
- Include that city’s name in the page title, URL, and content
- Add local details like landmarks, testimonials, or service-specific info
These pages send strong local signals to Google and they help users trust you’re nearby.
Step 5: Embed Google Maps on Your Contact Page
It sounds simple, but embedding a Google Map of your exact business location helps reinforce your address and NAP consistency.
What to do:
- Use the Google Maps embed code
- Place it on your “Contact” or “Visit Us” page
- Make sure the map pin shows your actual business location not a general area
This adds credibility and makes your site user-friendly.
Step 6: Post Regularly on Your Google Business Profile
Yes, you can post updates directly to your Google Business Profile and Google loves businesses that stay active.
What to do:
- Share updates about new services, events, seasonal offers, or blog posts
- Use a photo, a few sentences, and a link to your site
- Post weekly if possible it keeps your profile fresh and competitive
These small updates can help you stand out and give you an edge in local rankings.
Step 7: Build Local Backlinks and Mentions
Just like traditional SEO, backlinks matter for local rankings too, especially when they come from local websites.
What to do:
- Sponsor community events or local nonprofits (and ask for a link)
- Get featured on local blogs, business directories, or news sites
- Partner with other businesses for mutual shout-outs or collaborations
The more your business is mentioned on trusted local sites, the stronger your ranking power.
Final Word: The Map Pack Is Prime Real Estate—And You Can Earn It
You don’t need a big ad budget or a big brand name to show up in the Google Map Pack. You just need a clean, consistent, and strategic local SEO approach that tells Google: “I’m here, I’m trustworthy, and I’m relevant.”
If you’re ready to claim your spot at the top of local search without paying for ads, check out RankYourPage.com, a resource created by a Top Rated Plus SEO expert who helps local businesses dominate the map pack the right way.
