Google has evolved to do more than just show links. One of the features helping users is the Top Places List, often called the Local Pack or Map Pack, which shows the most relevant businesses, landmarks, or points of interest for location-based searches. This guide explains everything about Top Places Lists, why they matter, and how to optimise your business to appear there.
What Is the Top Places List in Google Search?
The Top Places List is a location-based result in Google Search that highlights the most relevant local businesses or points of interest for a search query.
Key features:
- Usually includes three to four businesses or locations
- Shows business name, rating, address, phone, and map
- Can appear for searches like “restaurants near me” or “hotels in London”
This feature is part of Google’s Local Search ecosystem, helping users find trusted, nearby locations quickly.
Why Top Places Lists Matter for Businesses
Top Places Lists are critical for local businesses because:
- They increase visibility on the first page of Google Search
- Encourage more traffic to websites or physical locations
- Enhance credibility with ratings and reviews
- Improve click-through rates (CTR) for local searches
Being featured can often outperform organic listings, as users are more likely to click these trusted local recommendations.
How Google Determines Top Places
Google evaluates several factors to decide which businesses appear in the Top Places List:
Relevance
How closely your business matches the user’s search query.
Example: A user searching “best Italian restaurant near me” will see restaurants classified as Italian.
Distance
Google estimates how far each business is from the searcher or specified location.
Prominence
The popularity and authority of a business. This includes:
- Reviews and ratings
- Website authority
- Backlinks
- Citations in directories
Components of a Top Places List
Business Name
Clear and consistent across platforms
Address & Contact Info
Includes phone number, website, and business address
Reviews & Ratings
Star ratings and review counts influence prominence
Map Integration
Location pin shows position on Google Maps
Optional Extras
- Photos
- Opening hours
- Short descriptions or posts
How to Optimise Your Business for the Top Places List
1. Claim and Verify Google Business Profile
- Claim your listing via Google Business Profile
- Verify ownership through mail, phone, or email
2. Complete Your Profile
- Add accurate business name, address, phone number (NAP)
- Include website and hours of operation
- Choose relevant categories
3. Collect and Respond to Reviews
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews
- Respond professionally to all feedback
- High ratings improve prominence
4. Add Photos and Posts
- Upload high-quality images of products or services
- Regularly post updates, offers, or news
5. Optimise Your Website
- Include location-specific keywords
- Ensure your website loads fast and is mobile-friendly
- Add structured data markup for local business
6. Build Citations and Backlinks
- List your business in relevant directories
- Get mentions in blogs, local news, or partner websites
Common Mistakes Businesses Make
Inconsistent NAP
Having different addresses or phone numbers online confuses Google
Ignoring Reviews
Low engagement or unanswered reviews reduce trust
Missing Categories
Choosing the wrong business category can prevent appearing for relevant searches
Poor Website Performance
Slow or non-mobile-friendly sites reduce visibility
Lack of Local Signals
No local backlinks, events, or posts can hurt prominence
Top Places List and SEO
Optimising for Top Places Lists is a form of local SEO. Factors include:
- Google Business Profile optimisation
- On-page SEO for location pages
- Structured data markup
- Local link building
Local SEO differs from traditional SEO because proximity matters more than pure authority.
Measuring Success in Top Places Lists
Key Metrics
- Clicks to website from the listing
- Directions requested
- Calls initiated
- User engagement with posts and photos
Tools
- Google Business Profile Insights
- Google Analytics for referral traffic
- Local rank trackers
Advanced Strategies to Maintain Top Placement
Encourage Repeat Reviews
- Regularly ask customers for feedback
- Respond to reviews promptly
Monitor Competitors
- Track competitors’ listings and ratings
- Analyse keywords they rank for
Post Updates Regularly
- Add promotions, news, or events weekly
- Highlight seasonal offers
Use Structured Data
- Implement schema.org for LocalBusiness
- Helps Google understand business type and offerings
Challenges and Considerations
- Competition in urban areas can be high
- Negative reviews can impact prominence
- Location changes or closures require updates
- Seasonal demand fluctuations affect visibility
Future of Top Places Lists
Google is increasingly integrating AI-driven results:
- AI Overviews may include local recommendations
- Chat-based search may highlight top local businesses
- Voice search prioritises nearby locations with high prominence
Businesses that combine traditional local SEO with emerging AI search optimisation will maintain visibility in the long term.
The Top Places List in Google Search is a critical tool for local visibility. Businesses that invest in:
- Accurate Google Business Profiles
- High-quality reviews and photos
- Website optimisation and local signals
will gain trust, engagement, and traffic. Combining SEO best practices with user-focused strategies ensures your business consistently appears in Google’s Top Places List.
What is the Top Places List in Google Search?
The Top Places List is a location-based search feature that displays the most relevant local businesses or points of interest. It typically includes business name, address, rating, phone, and a map, helping users find nearby options quickly.
How does Google determine which businesses appear in the Top Places List?
Google evaluates relevance, distance, and prominence. Relevance matches the search query, distance measures proximity to the user, and prominence considers reviews, citations, and overall authority.
Why is appearing in the Top Places List important for businesses?
Being in the Top Places List boosts visibility, credibility, and traffic. Users are more likely to click on these listings, call the business, or request directions, making it a powerful tool for local marketing.
How can a business optimise for the Top Places List?
Businesses should claim their Google Business Profile, provide accurate NAP (name, address, phone), encourage reviews, post photos regularly, and optimise their website for local keywords and structured data.
Do reviews and ratings affect Top Places List rankings?
Yes. High ratings and positive reviews increase a business’s prominence, making it more likely to appear in the Top Places List. Responding to reviews also signals engagement and trustworthiness.
Can Top Places Lists appear for all types of searches?
Top Places Lists appear primarily for local, location-based searches, such as restaurants, hotels, or service providers near me or in a specific city. They are not shown for general informational searches.
