What is digital marketing, and why is it important?

Digital marketing refers to the use of online strategies like SEO, social media, PPC, and email campaigns to promote products or services. It's essential because it helps businesses reach their target audience, generate leads, and boost sales in a cost-effective way. At FOG Digital Marketing, we specialize in crafting custom strategies that ensure your business gets noticed online.

How long does it take to see results from SEO?

SEO results can vary depending on the competitiveness of your industry and the state of your website. On average, it takes 3 to 6 months to see noticeable improvements. FOG Digital Marketing helps speed up the process by using proven SEO techniques that drive local traffic and increase your website’s search engine ranking.

What is the difference between SEO and PPC?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) focuses on improving your website’s organic search rankings, while PPC (Pay-Per-Click) is a paid strategy where you bid for top placement on search engines. At FOG Digital Marketing, we help you decide which strategy—or combination of both—best fits your business goals.

Why should I hire a digital marketing agency?

A digital marketing agency like FOG Digital Marketing has the expertise, tools, and resources to implement a comprehensive online strategy that drives growth. We help you focus on running your business while we handle the complexities of digital marketing, from SEO to web design to social media.

What are the benefits of social media marketing for small businesses?

Social media marketing allows small businesses to connect directly with their audience, build brand loyalty, and drive website traffic. FOG Digital Marketing develops personalized social media strategies to help you engage followers and convert them into customers, growing your business effectively.

How much should a small business spend on digital marketing?

Digital marketing budgets vary based on business size, goals, and industry. A general rule is to spend 7-10% of your revenue on marketing. At FOG Digital Marketing, we offer affordable digital marketing services designed to maximize your ROI and help your business grow within your budget.

How does website design impact SEO?

A well-designed website improves SEO by enhancing user experience, increasing mobile-friendliness, and optimizing page speed. FOG Digital Marketing creates SEO-friendly web designs that not only look great but also improve your search rankings and help you connect with more customers.

Can I handle digital marketing myself?

While small business owners can handle basic digital marketing tasks, it’s challenging to stay up-to-date with industry changes and trends. Hiring a professional team like FOG Digital Marketing ensures your digital marketing efforts are effective, consistent, and aligned with your business goals.

What is local SEO, and why is it important?

Local SEO focuses on optimizing your website and online presence to attract local customers. This includes appearing in local searches and Google Maps results. FOG Digital Marketing uses local SEO strategies to help businesses in San Antonio and surrounding areas improve visibility and get more customers.

How does content marketing help my business grow?

Content marketing provides valuable information that engages your audience, builds trust, and positions your business as an industry leader. FOG Digital Marketing develops content that not only attracts visitors but also converts them into customers, helping you grow your business.

Google Maps SEO: Getting Visibility in the Map Pack

July 28, 2025

Google Business Profile, SEO

Why Showing Up in the Google Map Pack Matters More Than Ever

Imagine a potential customer searches “plumber near me” or “best dentist in San Antonio.” What do they see first?

Chances are, it’s the Google Map Pack — that high-visibility section at the top of search results showing three local businesses, complete with reviews, photos, directions, and calls to action. These listings get up to 44% of all local clicks, according to multiple SEO studies.

If your business isn’t showing up there, you’re missing out on qualified, high-intent traffic—and your competitors are winning those calls.

Let’s break down how Google Maps SEO works, how to rank in the Map Pack, and the exact strategies you can implement to increase your visibility and leads.

What Is the Google Map Pack?

The Google Map Pack (also called the Local Pack or 3-Pack) is a group of three local business listings that appear directly beneath the map on Google Search and Google Maps.

It includes:

Business name
Star rating from Google Reviews
Address and open hours
Call button (mobile)
Directions
Website link

Unlike organic search results, the Map Pack pulls from your Google Business Profile (GBP), not your website—although your site still influences your rank.

How Google Determines Map Pack Rankings (Local Search Ranking Factors)

Google uses three main factors for local pack rankings:

Relevance – How well your Google Business Profile matches the search query.
Distance – How close your business is to the searcher or their specified location.
Prominence – How well-known and credible your business is online.

Under “prominence,” things like:

Google reviews (quality, quantity, and response)
Local citations and directory listings
Website authority (including SEO)
Content consistency across the web

All play a role.

✅ See Google’s official guide on local ranking factors

Step-by-Step: How to Improve Google Maps SEO

1. Claim and Fully Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Make sure your listing is:

Verified
Complete with accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone)
Updated with categories, services, business hours, and photos
Keyword-rich in the business description and services section

📍 Our Google Business Profile Optimization Services

2. Use Local Keywords (The Right Way)

Include relevant geo-modifiers (like “San Antonio SEO” or “plumber in Dallas”) in:

Your GBP services and description
Website content
Schema markup
Review responses (naturally)

Use tools like Google Search Console or Ubersuggest to identify which local queries you already show for.

3. Get Consistent Local Citations

Your business should be listed consistently across directories like:

Yelp
Yellow Pages
BBB
Chamber of Commerce
Facebook
Apple Maps

Inconsistent NAP info can hurt your rankings.

🧰 Tip: Use tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark to audit and fix your listings.

4. Increase Google Reviews — and Respond to Them

Google reviews are one of the top ranking factors. Encourage happy clients to leave reviews by:

Asking via email or SMS
Adding a “Leave a Review” button on your website
Creating a QR code that leads directly to your GBP review form

📈 Businesses that reply to reviews regularly also rank higher and show stronger trust signals.

📍 Read: How to Ask for Google Reviews

5. Add High-Quality Local Photos and Videos

Images improve engagement and CTR, which affect rankings. Add:

Team photos
Office/storefront pics
Product images
Before/after photos (for services)

Google also reads EXIF data like geo-coordinates if you upload photos from mobile devices.

6. Post Weekly Updates

Use Google Posts to share:

Special offers
News
Blog content
Events
Customer spotlights

These posts increase activity on your listing, helping with visibility.

Google Maps SEO Optimization Checklist

Strategy	Status	Notes
GBP fully verified and updated	✅	Include services and service areas
NAP consistency across web	✅	Use tools to audit citations
At least 30 Google reviews	🔄	Include keywords in review responses
Weekly Google Posts	🔄	Add CTAs in each post
Keyword-optimized website	✅	Add local landing pages where needed
Mobile-friendly design	✅	Important for mobile search ranking
Schema markup installed	✅	Include LocalBusiness schema

What About Website SEO? Does It Still Matter?

Absolutely. While the Map Pack comes from your Google Business Profile, your website still plays a role in your prominence.

Google checks:

Your site’s authority and backlinks
Keyword relevance
Internal linking structure
Mobile usability

For example, if you’re trying to rank for “landscaping San Antonio,” your site should have a page optimized for that keyword, and your GBP services should align.

📍 See our Local SEO Services

Bonus: Use UTM Tags to Track Your Map Pack Performance

Want to see how much traffic you’re really getting from your GBP listing? Use UTM parameters when adding your website link: https://yourwebsite.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=maps&utm_campaign=localseo

This allows you to track Map Pack traffic in Google Analytics or GA4.

Common Mistakes That Keep You Out of the Map Pack

🚫 Inconsistent business info across the web
🚫 Low number of reviews (or no responses)
🚫 Missing business categories
🚫 No local keywords on website
🚫 Outdated hours or phone number
🚫 No local citations
🚫 Not using Google Posts

Fixing these is often the difference between showing up at the top or not at all.

Final Thoughts: Why the Map Pack Is Your Fastest Path to Local Leads

The Google Map Pack isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s prime real estate that drives real results. And the good news? It’s not reserved for huge companies with giant ad budgets. Local SEO, done right, levels the playing field.

If you’re not showing up, your competitors are. But with the strategies in this guide, you can improve your Google Maps SEO and start turning searches into sales.

Ready to Show Up on Google Maps?

At FOG Digital Marketing, we’ve helped dozens of local businesses appear in the Map Pack and increase calls, clicks, and clients.

We’ll review your Google Business Profile, citations, website, and local signals—and create a plan to improve your visibility.

👉 Schedule your free strategy call today »

Our Blog

Google Maps SEO: Getting Visibility in the Map Pack

Table of Contents

Why Showing Up in the Google Map Pack Matters More Than Ever

What Is the Google Map Pack?

How Google Determines Map Pack Rankings (Local Search Ranking Factors)