If you’ve ever searched for a nearby restaurant, plumber, or salon, you’ve likely noticed that Google highlights the top three local businesses directly on the map. That coveted section, known as the Google Map Pack, can be a major traffic driver for local businesses. Appearing in those top three spots not only increases visibility but can also lead to more calls, website visits, and foot traffic. If you’re wondering how to rank in the map pack, NEXTFLY, an Indianapolis digital marketing company, shares the local SEO secrets for 2025 that will get you ranking fast.
What is the Map Pack?
The Google Map Pack (also called the “Local 3-Pack”) is the group of three business listings that appear at the top of local search results, just below the map. When someone searches “coffee shop near me” or “roofing company in Indianapolis,” Google shows the three most relevant and trustworthy options within that area.
Being featured in this top section is incredibly valuable. Businesses that rank in the Map Pack get more visibility, more clicks, and more calls than those buried lower on the page. For local service providers, ranking in the Map Pack can mean the difference between a full schedule and slow weeks.
Understanding Google’s Core Ranking Factors for the Map Pack
Google’s local search algorithm relies on three key pillars to determine which businesses rank in the Map Pack: relevance, distance, and prominence.
- Relevance measures how closely your business matches what the user is searching for. This includes your business category, description, and services. The more accurate and detailed your Google Business Profile is, the better your relevance score will be. This is when keywords can help not only define your business, but can also help connect you with customers searching for your services.
- Distance considers how far your business is from the searcher’s location. While you can’t change where you’re physically located, you can optimize your listings and web pages for the areas you serve. Be sure to have pages on your website that say where you work. The map relies on this information to show you customers in specific areas.
- Prominence refers to how well-known and trusted your business appears online. Reviews, local citations, backlinks, and social media presence all contribute to your prominence in Google’s eyes. Make sure you have a presence in other places besides Google.
Understanding these factors is the foundation for improving your local SEO and ranking in the Map Pack.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Rank in the Map Pack
1. Create and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is your digital storefront on Google Maps. It tells users (and Google) exactly who you are, what you do, and where you’re located. The GBP is like social media for businesses, and the more you participate and update your profile, Google will reward you with higher rankings.
To make your profile work for you:
- Fill out every field—include business hours, services, contact info, and a detailed description.
- Add high-quality photos of your team, location, and services.
- Double-check that your address is accurate, especially if you share a building with other businesses.
- If you have multiple listings or locations, claim and manage them to ensure consistency.
- Keep your profile fresh by posting updates, photos, and news regularly.
A well-maintained Google Business Profile can significantly increase your chances of showing up in the Map Pack. An easy way to remember to update your GBP is when you post on social media, post on your GBP too, even if its just a picture.
2. Make Sure Your NAP Is Uniform and Build Citations
NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number, and consistency is key. Your NAP should be identical everywhere it appears online, from your website footer to local directories. Even small differences like “Street” vs. “St.” can cause confusion for search engines.
You can build free local citations on sites such as:
- Yelp
- Bing Places
- Apple Maps
- Better Business Bureau
- Local Chamber of Commerce listings
- Trade Groups
- Directory websites like Angie’s List or Nextdoor
Each consistent citation reinforces your business’s legitimacy in Google’s eyes and boosts your ability to rank in the Map Pack.
3. Get Reviews from Customers
Customer reviews are one of the most powerful ranking factors for local SEO. Not only do they influence how potential customers view your business, but they also signal trust and authority to Google.
Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews—and be sure to respond to each one, whether it’s positive or negative. Thoughtful, professional responses show that you value feedback and engage with your audience.
How To Remove A Bad Review From Google Business Profile
If you do have a bad review, you won’t be able to remove it. You can instead post a reply explaining your half of the story or offer an apology to help smooth things over. Reaching out to the reviewer offline and asking them to change their review by offering to correct the service wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
Businesses with a higher volume of positive reviews tend to rank higher both on Google Maps and in traditional search results.
4. Optimize Your Website for Local SEO
Your website still plays a major role in your local rankings. To strengthen your local SEO efforts:
- Use local keywords naturally throughout your content, such as “roofing company in Carmel, IN.”
- Create service area pages that target specific nearby locations. This helps Google understand where you operate and increases your visibility in those areas.
- Focus on smaller markets first—it’s easier to dominate in “Carmel, IN” or “Fishers, IN” before competing for “Indianapolis.”
The stronger your website’s local SEO, the more likely your business will appear in the Map Pack.
Talk to NEXTFLY® About Optimizing Your Website to Rank in the Map Pack
Ranking in Google’s Map Pack requires ongoing effort, attention to detail, and the right SEO strategy. At NEXTFLY, we specialize in optimizing Google Business Profiles and websites to help Indianapolis-area businesses improve visibility, attract more leads, and stand out from competitors.
The Google Map Pack is a powerful tool for driving local traffic and building credibility online. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, maintaining consistent NAP citations, collecting reviews, and improving your website’s local SEO, you can boost your chances of securing a top spot.
Let NEXTFLY help you navigate the process and fine-tune your local SEO strategy so your business can rank in the Map Pack in 2025.