Understanding the Map Pack
The Map Pack (also called the Local Pack or Local 3-Pack) is the box at the top of Google search results that shows a map and three local business listings. It is the most valuable real estate in local search.
Why the Map Pack matters
- Appears above organic results: Users see it first
- Takes a large share of the clicks on a local search results page
- Shows key business info: Name, rating, hours, phone number, and directions
- Mobile-dominant: On mobile, the Map Pack takes up most of the screen
What appears in the Map Pack
Each Map Pack listing shows:
- Business name
- Star rating and review count
- Business category
- Address or distance
- Hours (open/closed status)
- Phone number
- Website link
How to get into the Map Pack
Getting into the Map Pack requires strong performance across Google's three local ranking factors: relevance, distance, and prominence.
The factors you can control:
- Profile completeness and accuracy
- Review volume and quality
- Post frequency and relevance
- Category optimization
- Citation consistency across the web
The factor you cannot change:
- Physical distance from the searcher
Map Pack vs. organic results
The Map Pack and organic results are ranked by different algorithms. You can rank well in one and poorly in the other. Local businesses should optimize for both, but the Map Pack typically drives more phone calls and visits.
How Maps Agent targets the Map Pack
Maps Agent's optimization strategy is specifically designed to improve your Map Pack rankings. Every optimization we make, from posts and descriptions to categories and keywords, is evaluated on its impact on Map Pack visibility.
Our monthly reports include your Map Pack ranking for key search terms so you can track progress.