For businesses going after local customers, the Local Pack is one of the most powerful features on the search engine results page (SERP). Also known as the “3-pack,” it shows the top three local businesses that match a user’s search, complete with a map and all the essential details.
Landing a spot here can boost visibility, drive more traffic, and help you close more deals. But how to improve Local Pack for the SEO benefit? That’s the million-dollar question.
To get your business into the local pack, you need a solid local SEO game plan that shows you’re relevant, credible, and easy to find.
Don’t worry, though—GetFound has broken it all down! Our experts will walk you through how to improve Local Pack for the SEO benefit, helping you rank higher and connect with customers who are ready to take action.
Let’s get you in that local spotlight!
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
A fully optimized Google Business Profile (GBP) is critical for improving local pack rankings. Google uses information from your GBP to populate the local pack, so ensuring it is complete and accurate is the first step in optimizing for local SEO.
Steps to optimize your GBP for the local pack:
- Claim and Verify Your Profile
If you haven’t already, claim your Google Business Profile and verify it to show Google that your business is legitimate.
- Ensure Accurate NAP Information
Your business’s Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) must be correct and consistent with your website and other online directories.
- Add Photos and Videos
High-quality images and videos of your storefront, products, and services make your profile more engaging and trustworthy.
- Write a Detailed Business Description
Use relevant keywords to describe your services and location in a natural way. For example, “Best Italian restaurant in downtown Los Angeles.”
- Keep Business Hours Updated
Include accurate opening and closing hours, and update them for holidays or special events.
A well-maintained GBP signals to Google that your business is reliable, increasing the likelihood of appearing in the local pack.
2. Focus on Reviews and Ratings
When discussing how to improve local pack for the SEO benefit, reviews and ratings are among the most influential factors. Positive reviews not only enhance your reputation but also act as a ranking signal for the local pack.
Tips for managing reviews:
- Encourage Satisfied Customers to Leave Reviews
Politely ask your happy customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile.
- Respond to All Reviews
Engage with both positive and negative reviews to show that you value customer feedback. Responding to negative reviews professionally can also help rebuild trust.
- Avoid Fake Reviews
Focus on genuine reviews, as Google penalizes businesses that use fake or incentivized reviews.
Businesses with high ratings and a substantial number of reviews are more likely to appear in the local pack and attract clicks from potential customers.
3. Ensure NAP Consistency Across All Platforms
NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone number) is a crucial component of local SEO. Google cross-references your business information across multiple platforms, including your website, online directories, and social media.
How to ensure NAP consistency:
- Use the exact same formatting for your business details on all platforms.
- Regularly audit and update your information on directories like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Yellow Pages.
- Use tools like Moz Local or BrightLocal to manage citations and identify inconsistencies.
Consistent NAP information builds trust with Google, improving your local pack rankings.
4. Incorporate Local Keywords
Using location-specific keywords throughout your online presence is another key step in how to improve local pack for the SEO benefit. These keywords help Google understand your business’s relevance to local searches.
How to use local keywords effectively:
- Add location-based keywords to your website’s meta titles, meta descriptions, headers, and content.
- Include local keywords in your Google Business Profile description.
- Create blog posts or landing pages focused on local topics, such as “Top Restaurants in Brooklyn” or “Plumbing Services in Denver.”
By aligning your content with the language your audience uses in their searches, you increase your chances of appearing in the local pack.
5. Build High-Quality Local Citations
Citations are mentions of your business’s NAP details on third-party websites like directories and review platforms. The more consistent and authoritative your citations, the more likely your business is to rank in the local pack.
How to build and manage local citations:
- List your business on reputable directories.
- Focus on niche directories relevant to your field, such as healthcare directories for medical practices.
- Regularly audit your citations to ensure accuracy and remove duplicates or outdated listings.
Citations act as “votes of confidence” for your business, helping Google recognize its credibility and relevance.
6. Enhance Mobile Friendliness
Most local searches are conducted on mobile devices, so optimizing for mobile is essential for improving your local pack rankings.
How to improve mobile friendliness:
- Ensure your website is responsive, meaning it adapts to different screen sizes.
- Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool to identify and fix issues.
- Optimize loading speed by compressing images, minimizing code, and using a content delivery network (CDN).
- Add click-to-call buttons, making it easier for mobile users to contact your business.
A mobile-friendly website not only improves user experience but also signals to Google that your business is accessible to mobile searchers.
Also Read: Free Yourself from Orphan Page Headaches with These Steps!
7. Use Structured Data Markup
Structured data markup, or schema, helps search engines understand your business’s details more effectively. By implementing structured data, you can enhance your chances of appearing in the local pack.
Steps to implement structured data:
- Use schema markup to highlight your business name, address, phone number, and business hours.
- Add schema for reviews and ratings to improve the appearance of your listings.
- Use tools like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper to generate schema code for your website.
Structured data increases the relevance of your business in local searches, boosting your local pack performance.
8. Track and Optimize Your Performance
The final step in how to improve local pack for the SEO benefit is ongoing monitoring and optimization. By analyzing your local SEO performance, you can identify areas for improvement and refine your strategy.
Tools to track local SEO performance:
- Google Analytics
Monitor traffic from local searches and assess user behavior.
- Google Search Console
Check for errors and track impressions and clicks for location-based queries.
- Local Rank Tracking Tools
Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to track your rankings in the local pack.
Regular analysis ensures your efforts are delivering results and helps you stay ahead of competitors.
Need Help with SEO or Digital Marketing? Consult GetFound!
Knowing how to improve Local Pack for the SEO benefit is key if you want your business to dominate in your local market.
By fine-tuning things like your Google Business Profile, managing reviews, keeping NAP consistent, and using local keywords, you’ll increase your chances of landing in that coveted local pack and attracting more customers.
But ranking in the local pack isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a solid connection with your community, earning trust, and sparking real engagement. With the right strategy, the local pack becomes your secret weapon for growth.
Want to make sure your business shines on Google? Hit up GetFound—we’re here to help you crush your SEO goals and get the best results for your business!
