Ever wondered why some businesses always show up in Google’s Local 3-Pack while yours is stuck on page two?
SEO agencies love to keep secrets, but today, we’re breaking the silence.
In this guide, you’ll discover 7 powerful Local SEO strategies that agencies don’t tell you—because if you knew them, you wouldn’t need to hire them.
Let’s dive in and get your business to the top of local search results!
Key Takeaways
- Google’s Local 3-Pack is the prime real estate for local businesses.
- Ranking factors include relevance, proximity, and prominence—but there’s more to it than that.
- Google My Business (GMB) optimization is non-negotiable.
- Local reviews, backlinks, and citations play a huge role.
- Behavioral signals like clicks and engagement influence rankings.
- Most SEO agencies won’t share these secrets—but we will!
What is Google’s Local 3-Pack?
Google’s Local 3-Pack is the top three business listings that appear when you search for local services.
For example, if you search for “best pizza near me,” Google shows three businesses in a map-based box.
This is prime real estate—businesses in this box get more clicks, calls, and customers than any other spot on the page.
But how do you get there?
Most SEO agencies won’t tell you, but we will. Let’s dive into the 7 secrets that can get your business into Google’s Local 3-Pack fast!
1. Optimize Your Google My Business (GMB) Profile
Google My Business (GMB) is the foundation of Local SEO.
Here’s how to fully optimize your GMB profile for maximum visibility:
- Fill out every section completely—including business name, address, phone number (NAP), website, and hours.
- Upload high-quality photos and videos of your business.
- Use Google Posts to share updates, offers, and events.
- Choose the right business categories to match what customers are searching for.
- Include a keyword-rich business description—but keep it natural.
If your GMB isn’t 100% complete, you’re already losing rankings.
Need help crafting the perfect business listing? Check out this guide from Backlinko on optimizing online content.
2. Get More (and Better) Customer Reviews
Reviews are one of the biggest ranking factors in Google’s Local 3-Pack.
Google favors businesses with high ratings, frequent reviews, and detailed customer feedback.
Here’s how to get more reviews (without breaking Google’s rules):
- Ask happy customers directly—the best time is right after a purchase or service.
- Use a review request email or SMS with a direct link to your GMB listing.
- Respond to every review—especially negative ones—to show engagement.
- Encourage keyword-rich reviews by asking specific questions.
For example, instead of:
“Great pizza!”
Encourage:
“The pepperoni pizza at Tony’s Pizzeria is the best I’ve ever had! Crispy crust, gooey cheese, and the perfect amount of spice. Plus, the staff was super friendly and service was fast!“
Google reads reviews like content—so the more relevant keywords customers use, the better your rankings!
3. Maintain Local Citations & NAP Consistency
A local citation is any mention of your business on the web, like directories (Yelp, BBB, Angi, Apple Maps).
Here’s why they matter:
- Google checks for NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone Number) across different websites.
- If your business details are inconsistent, it confuses Google—and hurts your rankings.
- Get listed on high-authority directories like Yelp, Bing Places, and industry-specific sites.
How to check your NAP consistency?
Use tools like Moz Local or BrightLocal to scan for incorrect business listings.
If your NAP is messy, fix it ASAP—it could be the reason you’re missing out on the Local 3-Pack.
4. Build High-Quality Local Backlinks
Most SEO agencies focus on generic backlinks—but local businesses need local backlinks.
Why?
Because Google prioritizes relevance. A backlink from a local news site or business association carries more weight than one from a random blog.
Here’s how to get local backlinks fast:
- Sponsor a local event and get listed on their website.
- Join your local Chamber of Commerce (they usually link to members).
- Partner with local bloggers or news sites for feature stories.
- Get listed in city or industry directories with high authority.
The more local relevance your backlinks have, the higher you’ll rank in Google’s Local 3-Pack.
Need help crafting better content to attract backlinks? Check out this guide on writing the best blog posts.
5. Create Geo-Targeted Content & Location Pages
Content isn’t just for blogs—it’s a secret weapon for Local SEO.
If you serve multiple areas, you need location-specific landing pages.
For example:
🚫 Bad: A single page that lists “We serve Dallas, Houston, and Austin.”
✅ Good: Three separate pages:
- “Best Plumber in Dallas”
- “24/7 Plumbing Services in Houston”
- “Top-Rated Emergency Plumber in Austin”
Each page should:
- Include location-specific keywords
- Feature local testimonials and case studies
- Embed Google Maps with your business location
This boosts your relevance and makes it easier for Google to rank your business higher.
6. Increase Engagement & Behavioral Signals
Google tracks user behavior on search results.
If people click on your listing and stay on your page, Google sees it as a good result and ranks it higher.
Here’s how to boost engagement:
- Use Google My Business Q&A to add relevant FAQs.
- Include buttons for “Call Now” or “Get Directions” on your website.
- Improve your website speed and mobile-friendliness.
- Add real customer photos—people trust them more than stock images.
Google loves engagement—so the more people interact with your listing, the higher you’ll rank!
7. Embed Google Maps on Your Website
This simple hack can instantly boost your Local SEO rankings.
Here’s why:
- It reinforces your business location for Google’s algorithm.
- It helps users find your location faster, improving CTR.
- It sends strong local signals to Google.
How to embed Google Maps:
- Go to Google Maps, search for your business.
- Click the “Share” button and select “Embed map.”
- Copy the code and paste it onto your Contact Us or Location page.
This tiny tweak can make a big difference in your Local 3-Pack rankings!
Final Thoughts: Time to Dominate the Local 3-Pack!
Now that you know the 7 secrets to ranking in Google’s Local 3-Pack, it’s time to take action!
Start by:
✅ Optimizing your GMB profile
✅ Getting more reviews
✅ Fixing your citations
✅ Building local backlinks
✅ Creating geo-targeted pages
Need help creating a content for your site? Check out our content marketing services
Want more advanced SEO tips? Watch this YouTube video on ranking in local search.
Go implement these strategies—and watch your business skyrocket to the Local 3-Pack!
