Local pack

Why it matters

For searches like 'dentist near me' or 'restaurant in Indiranagar', the pack takes the top of the screen on a phone. It shows a map, ratings and a call or directions button, so people choose and act in a few taps. Appearing in it is the local equivalent of ranking first.

Entries come from Google Business Profile listings. Google states that local ranking depends mainly on relevance, distance and prominence: how well your profile matches the search, how far you are from the searcher or the location they named, and how well known you are, drawing on reviews, links and web presence.

How to get into it

• Claim and complete your Google Business Profile. No profile, no pack.
• Pick accurate categories and list your services so relevance is clear.
• Collect genuine reviews steadily and reply to them. Review count, score and recency all matter.
• Keep your details identical everywhere: see NAP consistency.
• Build local prominence, such as mentions in local press, associations and partner sites, plus backlinks.
• Have a page for each location and service on your site, so the profile links to something specific.

Common mistakes

• Expecting to rank across the whole city. Distance matters; a clinic in one neighbourhood will rank best nearby.
• Using a fake address to appear closer. It risks suspension.
• Paying for reviews or filling the name with keywords.
• Checking your ranking from your own phone, which is personalised to your location and history. Use a proper local rank check from several points.

Strong profile work is the heart of local SEO.