The Google Local Pack: How Map Results Are Chosen and What You Can Change

It is the cluster of map-based business listings that appears for searches with local intent, such as "plumber near me" or "dentist in Leeds". Searchers can call, get directions or open the profile without visiting a website.

Because it sits above many ordinary results, appearing here can bring calls that an organic ranking alone would not.

Google has said local results rely mainly on relevance, distance and prominence. Relevance is how well a profile matches the search. Distance is how far the business is from the searcher or the location in the search. Prominence reflects how well known the business is, using information such as reviews, links and web presence.

You cannot change distance, but you can control the others through accurate data and a genuine reputation.

Complete every field with accurate information, choose the primary category that best describes the main service, add services and products, keep hours current and upload real photos. Respond to reviews and ask for new ones regularly.

Make your website consistent: same name, address and phone details, clear service pages and local content. Avoid keyword-stuffed names and virtual addresses, which break guidelines and can lead to suspension.

Search from different points in your service area, on a phone, signed out where possible. Grid-based rank trackers can help, but they sample a moment. Judge success by calls, direction requests and bookings in the profile insights and your own tracking.

Review monthly and fix problems at the profile, then the website, then the wider web presence.