The Reality of Google’s Local 3-Pack
As you may or may not have noticed Google has decided to whittle down their local 7-pack to just 3 listings for businesses in any particular area. This certainly isn’t the first Google Maps algorithmic change and it is probably won’t be the last, but it does raise some questions, concerns, and excitement for both consumers and their service providers. The question that is on the minds of everyone is “Why did Google do this?” And Google’s answer is typically the same every time a change is made; they want to improve the overall user experience. Also, with the fairly recent mobile-friendly frenzy it is said to improve search in that medium as well.
However, some people speculate that it is just another way for Google to push more companies to use paid listings. The main concern is for business owners that did not make the cut, as they ponder the decrease in sales that is likely to come. The excitement comes, quite obviously, for those businesses that are fully visible in the 3-pack, right under that eye-catching map that shows exactly where they are located.
Being in the local 3-pack could improve your website traffic
Unlike the paid listings of the Home Services 3-pack that is now being tested for San Francisco this universal system does not include a phone number, but instead gives you an option to click on the Plumbing or HVAC website of your choice – even if your selection is slim. It also produces click-to-call buttons when searched in mobile. This minimalist approach to local business search can benefit your company greatly, that is if you are among the lucky 3, as a lot more traffic will be directed toward your website and hopefully generate a better conversion rate. Below the name of your business your review rating is displayed along with your hours of operation and sometimes the street that your company is located on. People can also click for directions, but then again why would they want to do that without viewing your site first?
For those of you that were in spots 4, 5, 6, and 7 my condolences, but instead of getting angry or hopeless there are some ways to bump out your competition. Think of this as a game of digital shuffleboard with your entire livelihood on the line and you will do everything in your power to be sure that your Plumbing or HVAC business remains in tact.
6 ways to better your chances of being part of the pack
- First and foremost make sure that you are following all of Google’s rules, you don’t want to discard some tiny regulation that you deemed insignificant because it will wind up costing your more than you think.
- Make sure your Google Maps listing is claimed and that all of your information is correct.
- This probably goes without saying but make sure that you have a physical address for your company and that your name, address, and phone number is consistent all across the Web.
- Although you do want a lot of citations you need to keep in mind that quantity does not substitute for quality.
- Reviews…reviews…reviews! To establish trust with prospects in your community and reinforce the reliability of your Plumbing or HVAC business you need to continue to acquire and display testimonials from your satisfied customers.
- New and engaging content whether visual or text-based followed by strong calls to action will surely be noticed by Google and help to improve your rankings.
I wish you the best of luck in your grueling climb back to the top of the Google 3-pack. And for those of you who have already made it congratulations, but don’t get too comfortable because without a lot of hard work you could find yourself taking the ultimate plunge…
For more information on the Google Maps local 3-pack you can watch this helpful video:
At Plumbing & HVAC SEO we can put your company on the map. Click here to schedule a time to talk with us or call us directly at 866-610-4647.
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