What is Local Pack?

Definition

The Local Pack (also known as the '3-Pack' or 'Map Pack') is a prominent SERP feature that displays three local business listings alongside a Google Maps snippet. It appears at the top of organic results for queries with local intent, showing each business's name, star rating, address, hours, and a brief description. The Local Pack is the most coveted real estate in local search because of its high visibility and click-through rates.

Why it matters

The Local Pack captures approximately 44% of clicks on local search results pages. Being featured in this top-three position dramatically increases your visibility, phone calls, and website visits. Businesses outside the Local Pack often see significantly less local traffic, even if they rank well in traditional organic results below it.

How to implement

Optimize your Google Business Profile with complete and accurate information. Choose the most relevant primary and secondary categories. Earn positive reviews consistently and respond to every review. Ensure NAP consistency across all citations. Build local relevance through content and local link building. Proximity to the searcher plays a role, but strong signals in other areas can help you rank even when you're not the closest option.

Common mistakes

• xAssuming proximity alone determines Local Pack rankings without optimizing other signals.
• xChoosing overly broad or incorrect GBP categories that don't match your core services.
• xHaving a low volume of reviews or a poor average star rating compared to competitors.

Examples

• -Searching 'dentist near me' shows three dental practices with their ratings, addresses, and a map pinpointing their locations.
• -A search for 'pizza delivery Chicago' displays a Local Pack of three pizza restaurants with phone numbers and hours.

Related terms