Top of the Map Pack: Your Guide to Local SEO & High Google Rankings
Dominate the Map Pack (Local SEO)
Most local business competition happens right here, on the first page of Google.
Our goal is to move your business into the Map Pack—the highly visible section that appears above organic search results and drives the majority of local calls and directions.
I. The Three Pillars of Local Dominance
Your local SEO ranking is defined by three factors Google uses: Relevance, Prominence, and Proximity. You can influence the first two dramatically.
Relevance: How well your business matches the searcher’s keywords.
Prominence: How well-known and authoritative your business is (what you control!).
Proximity: How close your business is to the searcher (the only factor you cannot change).
II. Your #1 Asset: The Google Business Profile (GBP)
The GBP is your primary vehicle for achieving Relevance and building Prominence.
Accurate NAP & Categories: Your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) must be identical everywhere online. Use all three relevant business categories.
The Trust Signal (Reviews): Your star rating and volume of reviews is the strongest Prominence signal you have. Businesses with high, fresh ratings automatically get priority in the Map Pack.
*(Internal Link: Need to boost your star rating? Read our full guide: Reviews are the New Currency).
The Content Engine: Use the Google Posts feature weekly. Posting timely updates, offers, and events tells Google you are an active, relevant business, which directly boosts your rankings.
III. The Authority Builder: Website & Backlinks
To rank high, Google needs to see that other authoritative local sources trust you.
NAP Consistency: Your website must perfectly match the NAP on your GBP.
Local Backlinks: Getting links from high-authority sources in your area (like local news sites, Chambers of Commerce, or—most powerfully—a local media site like The Local Aim) is crucial. A link from a trusted source signals immense Prominence to Google.
