A-Google Local Pack Tracking

B-2 Different Ranking Systems

C-3 Pack Makes More Money/Create More Calls Than G Maps

*While most people are focusing on MAPS rankings, Maps is not what brings the phone calls and the cash.

That is done through the local 3 pack (Google PLACES [which is part of search]).

If you look at the 3 pack, then click through to more places, you will see that the url still shows you are in G SEARCH.

Click on a listing and take a look at the url, you will see what I am saying is true.

If you click through to DIRECTIONS, you will see you are redirected to MAPS.

They are 2 separate results data sets.

These 2 data sets used to be almost a perfect match to one another, but that is no longer the case.

This is something we discovered in April 2025 when we saw our maps rankings start to split even though we weren't doing anything differently and our 3 Pack rankings were staying steady where they were (this happened on keyword search, but was not true for BRANDED searches).

A competitor has already released this new tracking system for the different algorithm.

Since the MAPS API is not tracking Local Places, this is something we desperately need.

After testing for months (April-November) these are our findings.

And this is backed up by Sterling Sky as well as many others who have confirmed this change.

Being in the Local Places 3 pack is infinitely more valuable (4X-20X according to chat GPT) than ranking is the top 20 of G Maps because this is how searchers discover the BEST (not the closest) match to their search query.

For us, this is a must have feature.

Thanks,

Roger

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1-Your Google Maps Rankings Don’t Match Your Local Pack Rankings

Two different Google systems =

Two different ranking results.

Your business can look like a winner in one

and invisible in the other.

2-Google Maps chooses businesses based on:

✔ Distance

✔ Pin accuracy

✔ Hours

✔ Quick convenience

Maps = Proximity.

It wants the nearest option.

3-What Maps Rewards

Maps rewards businesses that are:

➡️ Physically close

➡️ Easy to reach

➡️ Verified and active

➡️ Clear and simple to identify

Even if reviews aren’t the best.

4-Local Pack = “Best Match”

The Local Pack uses stronger ranking signals:

✔ Reviews

✔ Review velocity

✔ Website authority

✔ Category match

✔ Expertise and trust

Local Pack = Quality.

It wants the best option.

5-What Local Pack Rewards

Local Pack highlights businesses that have:

➡️ More reviews

➡️ Better ratings

➡️ Stronger website content

➡️ A well-built GBP

➡️ Clear subject relevance

Even if they’re farther away.

6-Why the Gap Is Growing

Maps:

➡️ Shows many businesses

➡️ Expands your search radius

➡️ Simplifies choices

Local Pack:

➡️ Filters aggressively

➡️ Only 3 winners

➡️ Prioritizes reputation

Different goals → different results.

7-Example of the Split

A business can:

⭐ Rank #1 in Maps because it’s close

but

⬇️ Rank #7 in Local Pack because competitors have better authority.

Or the reverse.

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