The section of Google search results showing local businesses with a map, usually the top 3 listings.
Why the Map Pack Matters
The Map Pack is the most valuable piece of real estate in local search. It matters because it is a direct path to a highly motivated audience. When a user sees the Map Pack, they are often in the final stages of their buying journey and are ready to take action—whether that’s visiting a store, calling a number, or getting directions. A business that appears in the Map Pack gains a massive advantage in visibility, and it can lead to a significant increase in qualified traffic and sales. It’s the ultimate goal of any successful local SEO strategy.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The way you optimize for the Map Pack is a content and technical SEO strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can optimize for the Map Pack by providing a clear, consistent, and accurate NAP on their website. A good SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math can help you add Local Business Schema, which is a key part of your local SEO strategy.
Shopify
On Shopify, the Map Pack is essential for a physical store. You can optimize for it by providing clear, consistent, and accurate information about your business. You should also ensure your Google Business Profile is complete and up-to-date, as Google often pulls information from there.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for the Map Pack. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated local SEO strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for your local business.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your local SEO performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use the Map Pack will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites that also have a physical store can use the Map Pack to attract local customers. A site that sells running shoes could optimize for keywords like “running shoes store near me.”
Local Businesses
Local businesses are the most affected by the Map Pack. A plumber in Dubai, for example, must optimize for keywords like “plumber Dubai” and “emergency plumber Dubai” to attract local customers.
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can also be affected by the Map Pack if they have a physical office or a local customer base. A company that sells project management software could optimize for keywords like “project management software in Dubai.”
Blogs
Blogs can also be affected by the Map Pack if they cover a specific geographic area. A blog about cooking can create content about “best restaurants in Dubai” to attract local readers.
Do’s and Don’ts of the Map Pack
Do’s
- Do claim and optimize your Google Business Profile. This is the most powerful tool for local SEO.
- Do ensure a consistent NAP. Your Name, Address, and Phone Number should be the same across all platforms.
- Do get a backlink from a local website. A backlink from a local newspaper or a local blog can significantly boost your rankings.
- Do get positive customer reviews. A high number of positive reviews can significantly boost your rankings.
Don’ts
- Don’t use false or misleading information. This can lead to a penalty.
- Don’t use a fake address or phone number. This is a clear violation of Google’s guidelines and can lead to a severe penalty.
- Don’t ignore the importance of reviews. A high number of positive reviews can significantly boost your rankings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to claim and verify your Google Business Profile: This is the most common mistake. Your GBP is the most powerful tool for local SEO.
- Having an inconsistent NAP: A lack of consistency can confuse Google.
- Ignoring the importance of reviews: A high number of positive reviews can significantly boost your rankings.
FAQs
What are the three main ranking factors for the Map Pack?
The three main ranking factors for the Map Pack are relevance, proximity, and prominence. Relevance measures how well your business listing matches a user’s query. Proximity is the distance from the searcher to your business. Prominence measures how well-known and trustworthy your business is online.
How do I get my business into the Map Pack?
You get your business into the Map Pack by claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile, ensuring a consistent NAP across the web, getting positive customer reviews, and building local backlinks.
Is the Map Pack the same as a rich result?
Yes. This is a type of rich result. A rich result is a search result that displays additional information, such as star ratings, product prices, or event dates.
How is the Map Pack different from organic search results?
This displays business listings from Google Business Profile, while organic search results are taken from Google’s index of websites. The Map Pack is designed for a local search query, while organic results are for all search queries.
Can a business without a physical address be in the Map Pack?
Yes. A business that serves customers in a specific area, such as a plumber or a mobile personal trainer, can appear in the Map Pack even without a physical storefront. This is known as a Service Area Business.
