What is a Local SEO 3-Pack and How Can You Rank For It?
June 17, 2025
Local businesses have a unique chance to attract more customers by appearing in the local SEO 3 pack, also known as the Google 3 pack. This is the section at the very top of Google’s local search results that showcases three local businesses most relevant to a user’s search. Nearly half of all Google searches have local intent, and 44% of local searchers click on a result from the 3 pack, making this feature a game changer for visibility and growth. In fact, businesses listed in the local SEO 3 pack receive 126% more traffic than those ranked 4-10, and 80% of local searches lead to a conversion within a day. If you want to rank in the 3 pack in your whole city, or simply want to know how to get in the Google 3 pack, this guide gives you everything you need, including the latest data and actionable steps.
What is the Local SEO 3 Pack?
The local SEO 3 pack is a set of three business listings that appear at the top of Google’s search results when someone searches for a local service, such as “coffee shop near me” or “plumber in [City]”. This section is accompanied by a map and displays essential business details like business name, average star rating and total number of reviews, main business category, address and phone number, operating hours, website link, and directions.
Google’s algorithm selects these three businesses based on relevance, distance, and prominence, aiming to match the user’s intent as closely as possible. The local SEO 3 pack is dynamic—results can change based on the searcher’s location and the exact search terms used.
Did you know? In 93% of Google local searches, the local 3 pack ranks in the #1 position, and 44% of local searchers click on a 3 pack result, compared to just 29% for organic results and 19% for paid ads.
Why the Local SEO 3 Pack Matters
Appearing in the local SEO 3 pack is more than just a visibility boost—it can directly impact your bottom line:
Higher Click-Through Rates: The 3 pack receives nearly double the clicks of the first page of organic results and almost triple that of paid listings.
Increased Trust: 68% of searchers trust local 3 pack listings, while only 27% trust organic results below the 3 pack.
More Actions: Businesses in the 3 pack receive 93% more actions (calls, website clicks, driving directions) than those ranked 4-10.
Faster Results: 80% of local searches lead to a conversion within a day, making the 3 pack a powerful way to drive immediate business.
Customers are 2.7 times more likely to consider a business reputable if they find a complete Google Business Profile on Search and Maps.
How Does Google Choose the 3 Pack?
Google uses a mix of factors to decide which businesses appear in the local SEO 3 pack:
Relevance
How well your business matches what the searcher is looking for. This is determined by your business category, description, and services listed on your Google Business Profile.
Distance
How close your business is to the searcher’s location or the location specified in the search.
Prominence
How well-known and reputable your business is, both online and offline. This includes your review count and ratings, backlinks, directory listings, and overall web presence.
(Source: Created Internally)
How to Get in the Google 3 Pack: Actionable Steps
Ranking in the 3 pack is possible for any local business willing to put in the work. Here’s how to get started:
1. Complete and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Claim and verify your Google Business Profile (GBP).
Fill out every section: business name, address, phone, hours, category, and description.
Add high-quality photos—44% of all local results have featured photos.
Keep your hours and contact information up to date.
Use keywords naturally in your business description.
Element | Why It Matters |
Business Name | Must match real-world name |
Address & Phone | Consistency builds trust |
Category | Drives relevance |
Description | Helps Google match user intent |
Photos | Increases engagement |
Reviews | Boosts credibility and ranking |
2. Get More (and Better) Reviews
Ask happy customers to leave reviews on your Google profile—75% of consumers say they “always” or “regularly” read online reviews when researching local businesses.
Respond to every review, positive or negative, to show you care.
73% of consumers trust reviews written within the past month.
A strong star rating can grab attention and drive more clicks.
3. Build Local and Quality Backlinks
Get links from local organizations, chambers of commerce, and local news sites.
Sponsor local events to earn mentions and links.
Quality backlinks from trusted sites boost your authority and improve your chances of ranking in the 3 pack.
4. Ensure NAP Consistency
Your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) must be identical across all online directories and your website.
Inconsistent information can hurt your credibility and lower your chances of ranking.
5. Use Local Business Schema Markup
Add schema markup to your website to help Google understand your business details.
This can improve your relevance and visibility in local search results.
6. Target the Right Location
To rank in the 3 pack in a whole city, your business must be located within the city borders as recognized by Google.
Service area businesses should list all areas served, but proximity to the searcher is still a key factor.
7. Build Your Social Media Presence
Active social profiles can drive more traffic to your website.
Social signals and reviews from platforms like Facebook can further boost your reputation.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Competing With Established Businesses
Focus on building more reviews and local links.
Highlight unique services or specialties in your GBP.
Getting Reviews
Make it easy: send review links by text or email after a sale.
Offer gentle reminders, but never pay for fake reviews.
Staying Consistent
Use tools or spreadsheets to track your NAP across all listings.
Regularly audit your online presence for outdated or incorrect info.
Can You Rank in the 3 Pack for an Entire City?
Ranking in the 3 pack in a whole city depends on your business’s location and how Google interprets city borders. If your address is within the city limits, you have a better chance of appearing for searches in that city. However, Google heavily personalizes results based on the searcher’s location, so businesses closer to the searcher are more likely to appear.
Tip: If you want to appear in multiple cities, consider opening additional verified locations or optimizing your service area listings.
Final Thoughts
Getting into the local SEO 3 pack is one of the most effective ways to boost your business’s online visibility and attract more local customers. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, building local links, collecting reviews, and maintaining consistent business information, you can improve your chances of ranking in the 3 pack—even across an entire city. The impact is clear: more visibility, more clicks, and more customers for your business.
If you’re ready to see your business grow, start applying these tips today and watch your local search presence thrive. And if you’re looking for expert help, Passionfruit is here to support your local SEO journey—reach out to us anytime to get started.
FAQ: Local SEO 3 Pack
1. What is the local SEO 3 pack?
The local SEO 3 pack is the top three business listings shown in Google’s local search results, along with a map and key business details.
2. What are the main factors to rank in the 3 pack?
Complete and optimized Google Business Profile
Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) details
Positive and frequent reviews
Quality local backlinks
Proximity to the searcher
3. How often do people click on the 3 pack?
44% of local searchers click on a 3 pack result, making it the most clicked section in local search.
4. What actions can improve your 3 pack ranking?
Claim and verify your Google Business Profile
Get more reviews and respond to them
Build local backlinks
Keep your business info consistent online
5. Can you rank in the 3 pack for multiple cities?
You can, but your business must have a verified address in each city or use service area listings. Google prioritizes businesses within the city borders for city-specific searches.
