What is the Google Map Pack?

Lia Bartley

When you search Google for a local business, such as “plumber near me”, “best café in Chester” or “garden centre Wirral”, you will often see a map at the top of the results with three business listings underneath it.

This section is known as the Google Map Pack.

It’s one of the most valuable places your business can appear online because it’s usually shown before the normal website results. For people searching on a phone, it can take up most of the screen, which means it’s often the first thing they see.

The Map Pack usually shows useful information such as your business name, location, opening hours, reviews, star rating and photos, along with buttons to call, visit your website or get directions. This makes it easy for potential customers to take action without needing to scroll any further.

For example, if someone searches for “emergency electrician near me”, they’re probably ready to call someone quickly. If your business appears in the Map Pack with good reviews, clear opening hours and a nearby location, you have a much better chance of winning that enquiry.

This matters because local searches often come from people who are close to making a decision. They’re not just browsing; they’re looking for a business they can trust right now.

So, how can you improve your chances of appearing there?

A good starting point is to claim and fully complete your Google Business Profile. This should include accurate contact details, your website, opening times, services, photos and business description. Reviews are also important, so asking happy customers to leave feedback can make a real difference. It’s also worth making sure your business details are consistent across other websites, directories and local listings.

Google decides which businesses appear in the Map Pack based on several factors, including relevance, distance and prominence. In simple terms, Google wants to show the most useful local results for each search.

For local businesses, the Google Map Pack isn’t something to ignore – it can help you get more calls, more website visits and ultimately, more customers through the door.

Need help improving your local visibility on Google? Get in touch with Engage Web and let’s help more customers find your business.

About
Latest Posts

Lia Bartley

Content Editor at Engage Web

With years of experience in the financial sector, Lia has swapped the world of mis-sold PPI in exchange for life as an eagle-eyed editor at Engage Web, ensuring our wonderful clients have equally wonderful content on their websites.