What Is Google Map Pack?

Google Map Pack is the term used to describe the most prominent position in Google’s local search results – where businesses are listed and their locations are identified on a map with place marker icons. Map Pack has become a critical factor in how consumers decide where and what to buy when they search online.

Ranking in the Google Map Pack is important for all businesses, but especially for enterprises that operate at the local level. Consumers often skip results that don’t meet their search parameters for a specific location. If the first search result that comes up for an enterprise business is a primary brand website, then the chances of that link getting clicked are low.

What Is Google Map Pack and Why Is It Important?

Google Map Pack is a set of three Google Maps-based results that will often appear when users conduct local searches for businesses. Within the Map Pack, users see a business’ Google reviews and overall star-rating, a brief business summary, the business address, hours, pricing information, and featured photos. Map Pack links display ahead of traditional link-based search results. Since only the most highly-ranked businesses are featured in the Map Pack results, competition is fierce. 

Eighty-seven percent of mobile phone owners use a search engine daily, and according to Google, ‌mobile searches for “best place to buy” have grown over 70 percent in the past two years. Searches for “local” + “business(es)” have grown by more than 80 percent, including searches like “local businesses near me.” 

Google Map Pack occupies the majority of real estate on a mobile phone screen, so when Map Pack shows up, consumers naturally respond. 

How to Appear in Map Pack Results

Google’s algorithms determine which businesses appear in Map Pack results. Although the company is secretive about how top results are selected, there are steps that businesses can take to improve their chances of being featured.

1. Claim your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) listing.
2. Generate more online reviews and develop brand-consistent responses.
3. Build citations, or mentions of your business name on the web.

To learn more about how to optimize your brand presence for Google Map Pack, contact SOCi’s local marketing specialists.