How to Rank in Google’s Local Pack (Map Listings) and Get More Local Clients

When someone searches “electrician near me” or “plumber in London,” Google shows map listings at the top of the page—this is called the Local Pack. If your business isn’t showing up there, you’re missing out on high-quality, ready-to-book customers.

In this guide, we’ll show tradespeople and local service businesses how to rank higher in Google’s Local Pack—and get more calls, bookings, and jobs from people in your area.

What Is Google’s Local Pack?

The Local Pack is the map with 3 business listings that appears at the top of Google search results for local intent searches.

Example searches that trigger it:

“Emergency electrician Hackney”
“Plumber near me”
“Boiler repair East London”

These listings get more visibility and clicks than regular search results—especially on mobile.

5 Steps to Rank in Google’s Local Pack

1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the #1 factor for appearing in the Local Pack.

Key Actions:

Fill out every field: business name, address, phone, website, hours
Add real photos of your work, team, and vehicles
Select accurate categories (e.g., “Plumber,” “Electrician,” “Builder”)
Write a keyword-rich business description (mention the areas you serve)

Bonus Tip: Post regular updates and offers to your GBP to show activity.

Don’t have a Google Business Profile or need help optimising it? Our SEO services include full GBP setup and optimisation.

2. Get Consistent Local Citations

Google checks that your business info (Name, Address, Phone—NAP) is consistent across the web.

Where to List Your Business:

Yell
Thomson Local
Checkatrade / TrustATrader
Yelp
Local directories and trade association sites

Fix any mismatches—even a small typo in your address can hurt your rankings.

3. Collect Real Google Reviews (And Respond!)

Reviews are a major ranking factor in the Local Pack—and they help you build trust with potential customers.

Tips to Get More Reviews:

Ask every happy customer to leave a review
Send a direct Google review link via text or email
Respond to all reviews (good and bad) to show engagement

We help businesses automate review requests as part of our SEO packages.

4. Local SEO on Your Website (Yes, It Matters!)

Google uses your website to validate your location and services.

Key Optimisations:

Create a dedicated service area page (e.g., “Electrician in Camden”)
Add location-based keywords to titles and meta descriptions
Embed a Google Map on your contact page
Include your NAP in the website footer

Our web design services include full local SEO optimisation to help you rank in your area.

5. Use Google Ads for the Local Pack (Map Ads)

Did you know you can pay to appear in the Local Pack via Local Services Ads (LSAs) or location-based Google Ads?

Benefits:

Show up above the organic listings
Pay per lead, not click (for LSAs)
Appear when people are ready to book

We manage Google Ads campaigns that bring in real jobs, not just clicks. Learn more about our PPC services.

Bonus: Track Your Local Pack Rankings

Use tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark to see how you’re ranking in different postcodes. Track your progress and keep improving.

Final Thoughts: Local Pack = Local Leads

Ranking in Google’s Local Pack can be a game-changer for tradespeople and service businesses in London. By following these steps, you’ll improve your visibility and get more calls and jobs—without paying for every click.

Want to rank higher in the Local Pack?
Book a Free SEO Audit and let’s help your business get found by local customers.