How to Dominate the Google Maps 3-Pack in Your Local Market
If you've ever searched for a local business on your phone, you’ve seen the Google Maps 3-Pack — the three businesses that appear at the very top of the results, right under the map. These three listings get 60–70% of all clicks, which means if your business isn’t showing up there, you’re missing out on the majority of calls, leads, and website visits in Florence, AL and Jackson, TN.
Ranking in the Maps 3-Pack isn’t luck — it’s a strategy.
And once you know the formula, you can outrank competitors who have been there for years.
At Lime Group, we optimize Google Business Profiles every day, and these are the exact steps we use to push small businesses into the 3-Pack and keep them there.
⭐ 1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile Completely
Most businesses don’t fill out their profile completely — which is why they never break into the 3-Pack.
Google wants full, accurate, detailed information.
This includes:
✔ Proper category selection
✔ Service areas
✔ Business description
✔ Hours of operation
✔ Services list
✔ Products (if applicable)
✔ Attributes
✔ Opening date
✔ Website link
✔ Appointment link
Every empty field is a missed ranking opportunity.
⭐ 2. Pick the Right Primary Category (It’s Your #1 Ranking Factor)
This is the most critical part of GBP setup.
If you choose the wrong primary category, you’ll never rank for the right searches.
Examples:
A web designer should use → Website Designer
A photographer should use → Photographer
A realtor should use → Real Estate Agent
A HVAC tech should use → HVAC Contractor
Your primary category tells Google exactly what you want to rank for.
⭐ 3. Add Secondary Categories to Increase Visibility
Secondary categories expand the number of searches you show up in.
For example:
A marketing agency in Florence might add:
✔ Marketing Agency
✔ Advertising Agency
✔ Internet Marketing Service
✔ Web Designer
✔ Graphic Designer
The more relevant categories, the more visibility.
⭐ 4. Get Consistent Google Reviews (With Local Keywords)
Reviews impact Maps rankings more than almost anything else.
Google looks at:
✔ Review count
✔ Review frequency
✔ Star rating
✔ Review “velocity”
✔ Relevance
✔ Keywords in reviews
✔ Owner responses
Ask customers to mention:
“Florence”
“The Shoals”
“Jackson TN”
Your service type
Local keywords inside reviews improve your ranking dramatically.
⭐ 5. Make Weekly Google Posts
Google Posts act like mini social posts inside your profile.
Posting weekly helps you:
✔ Rank higher
✔ Show customer activity
✔ Improve trust
✔ Highlight services
✔ Promote updates
Most businesses never use this feature — which gives you a major edge.
⭐ 6. Upload High-Quality Photos Regularly
Google rewards profiles with frequent, fresh photos.
Upload:
✔ Projects
✔ Office or storefront
✔ Before/after images
✔ Staff
✔ Products
✔ Community involvement
Photos with customers (with permission) perform extremely well.
⭐ 7. Add All Your Services (With Descriptions)
Most businesses skip this step — big mistake.
You should manually enter:
✔ Every service you offer
✔ A clear description
✔ Prices if applicable
✔ Links to your website pages
This boosts relevance and helps Google understand your business.
⭐ 8. Add Your Service Areas
Make sure Florence, The Shoals, and Jackson TN are listed clearly.
This includes:
✔ Neighborhoods
✔ Surrounding cities
✔ Counties
✔ Delivery or service zones
If Google doesn’t know where you serve, it can’t rank you locally.
⭐ 9. Check Your NAP Consistency
NAP = Name, Address, Phone number.
Google checks for consistency across:
Social media
Directories
Your website
Local citations
Industry listings
If your info doesn’t match exactly, your rankings drop.
⭐ 10. Build Local Backlinks (This Is Critical)
Backlinks prove to Google that you're a real local business.
Strong local backlink sources:
✔ Florence Chamber
✔ Shoals Business Community
✔ Jackson TN directories
✔ Local blogs
✔ Sponsorship listings
✔ Local news articles
✔ Community organizations
Local backlinks + strong GBP = 3-Pack domination.
⭐ 11. Keep Your Website Fast, Mobile-First & Clean
Your website and GBP work together.
If your website loads slowly or feels outdated, your Maps performance drops.
Optimize for:
✔ Fast load times
✔ Mobile-first layout
✔ Clean navigation
✔ Clear CTAs
✔ Local content
✔ Page speed best practices
Google wants to rank businesses that provide great user experiences.
⭐ 12. Use Local Keywords Naturally
Google reads everything — your:
• Website
• Reviews
• GBP description
• Posts
• Service list
Use natural local keywords like:
“Website design in Florence AL”
“SEO services in Jackson TN”
“The Shoals area marketing”
This aligns your entire online presence with your target cities.
⭐ The Bottom Line
Domination in the Google Maps 3-Pack comes from consistency — not luck.
To rank higher, focus on:
✔ A complete, optimized GBP
✔ Fresh reviews
✔ New photos
✔ Weekly Google Posts
✔ Local backlinks
✔ Fast, mobile-friendly website
✔ Accurate service areas
✔ Category optimization
Businesses in Florence, AL and Jackson, TN that follow this formula consistently beat competitors who have no plan at all.
At Lime Group, we help small businesses optimize their Google Business Profiles, increase rankings, and show up where customers are searching every day.
📞 (256) 443-2714 | (731) 215-5449
Lime Group, LLC
Web Design • SEO • Online Marketing
Serving Florence, AL & Jackson, TN
#GoogleMaps #3PackRanking #LocalSEO #FlorenceAL #JacksonTN #LimeGroup #SmallBusinessMarketing