How Do I Get Into the Google 3 Pack? A Step-by-Step Guide 

What Is the Google 3 Pack? 

When you search for local businesses on Google—like “plumber near me” or “best coffee shop in [your city]”—you’ll see a map with three business listings underneath it. That’s the Google 3 Pack. It’s the first thing users see before scrolling down to regular search results. And because it appears above traditional organic listings, it gets the majority of clicks. 

Each listing includes: 

• Business name 

• Google rating (stars) 

• Address 

• Phone number 

• Hours of operation 

• A link to the website or directions 

For local businesses, this visibility is a game-changer. 

But Google doesn’t just randomly pick three businesses. It uses a mix of relevance, distance, and prominence. That means the right strategy can get you there—even if you’re up against bigger competitors. 

How Do I Get Into the Google 3 Pack? The Key Ranking Factors 

Google considers three major factors when deciding which businesses make it into the local pack: 

1. Relevance – Does your business match the search query?

Google wants to show businesses that best match what users are searching for. If someone searches for “roofing contractor in Doylestown,” Google isn’t going to show a landscaping company. That’s obvious. 

But relevance goes deeper than just business categories. Your website content, Google Business Profile (GBP) details, and even customer reviews need to align with what people are searching for. 

Action Step: 

• Ensure your Google Business Profile is fully completed with accurate categories, services, and descriptions. 

• Use the exact keywords people search for in your business description, posts, and website content. 

2. Distance – How close is your business to the searcher?

Google personalizes search results based on location. A business five miles away won’t outrank a competitor that’s one mile away—unless it has significantly stronger signals (better reviews, better optimization, etc.). 

Action Step: 

• Make sure your address is correct on your Google Business Profile and matches your website. 

• If you serve multiple locations, create local landing pages on your website to improve visibility in those areas. 

3. Prominence – How well-known is your business online?

Google favors businesses with strong online authority. That includes a mix of reviews, backlinks, website quality, and local citations. 

Businesses with high ratings, consistent online mentions, and strong engagement are far more likely to make the cut. 

Action Step: 

• Get more 5-star Google reviews and respond to every single one. 

• Build local citations—list your business on directories like Yelp, Angi, BBB, and industry-specific sites. 

• Earn backlinks from local websites, blogs, and news sources. 

Step-by-Step: How to Get Into the Google 3 Pack 

Now that we know what Google looks for, let’s put it into action. 

Step 1: Optimize Your Google Business Profile 

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the foundation of your local SEO strategy. If it’s incomplete or inaccurate, you won’t rank—no matter how great your website is. 

• Claim & Verify Your Profile – If you haven’t already, claim your GBP and verify it with Google. 

• Use Exact Business Name – Don’t stuff keywords into your name. If your business is “Smith Plumbing,” don’t write “Smith Plumbing | Best Plumber in Philadelphia.” That can get you suspended. 

• Choose the Right Categories – Your primary category should be the most relevant to your business. Add secondary categories for related services. 

• Complete Every Section – Add your address, phone number, website, business hours, and services. 

• Write a Keyword-Optimized Description – Use keywords naturally to describe what you do. 

• Post Regular Updates – Google rewards engagement. Post updates, offers, and photos to keep your profile active. 

Pro Tip: Businesses that post updates at least once a week tend to rank higher in the 3 Pack. 

Step 2: Build High-Quality Reviews 

Reviews are one of the biggest ranking factors for the Google 3 Pack. A business with 100 reviews (and a solid 4.8-star rating) will usually outrank a competitor with 10 reviews. 

How to Get More Reviews: 

• Ask customers right after service (in person, by email, or via text). 

• Make it easy—send them a direct link to your review page. 

• Reply to every review—even negative ones. (Google favors engagement.) 

• Avoid fake reviews. Google removes them, and it can hurt your ranking. 

Step 3: Improve Your Website’s Local SEO 

Your website needs to reinforce your local authority. If it’s not optimized, it won’t support your GBP ranking. 

• Use Local Keywords – Your service pages should include city and service-based keywords naturally. Example: “Reliable HVAC repair in Warminster.” 

• Create Location Pages – If you serve multiple towns, create dedicated pages for each location. 

• Embed Google Maps – Add a Google Map of your business location to your website’s contact page. 

• Ensure Mobile-Friendliness – Google ranks mobile-friendly sites higher. 

• Speed Up Your Site – Slow websites lose rankings. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check yours. 

Step 4: Get Local Citations & Backlinks 

Google trusts businesses that have consistent online information across multiple sites. That’s where local citations come in. 

• Submit Your Business to Directories – Yelp, BBB, Angi, Houzz, Nextdoor, industry-specific directories, etc. 

• Get Local Backlinks – Ask local blogs, news sites, and business partners to link to your website. 

• Fix Any NAP Inconsistencies – Your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) must be identical everywhere. 

Pro Tip: Even small inconsistencies (like “Street” vs. “St.”) can confuse Google. Keep it uniform. 

Step 5: Stay Active & Track Performance 

Google rewards businesses that stay active and engaged. That means updating your GBP, getting reviews, posting regularly, and tracking performance. 

• Use Google Analytics & GBP Insights – Monitor how many calls, clicks, and views your profile gets. 

• Adjust Strategies as Needed – If rankings drop, check for competitor moves, negative reviews, or NAP inconsistencies. 

• Keep Posting & Engaging – Google doesn’t like stale profiles. Stay active. 

Ready to Claim Your Spot in the Google 3 Pack? 

Getting into the Google 3 Pack takes strategy, consistency, and local SEO expertise. You could figure it out through trial and error—or you could let experts handle it. 

We help businesses just like yours get into the 3 Pack, drive more leads, and grow. If you’re ready to get serious about local rankings, let’s talk. We’ll handle the heavy lifting—so you can focus on running your business. 

Want to see how we can help? Let’s chat.