The Google Map Pack
Ranking Blueprint

If you run a local service business in Greenville, the "Map Pack" (that block of 3 maps listings at the top of Google search results) is the most valuable real estate on the internet. It captures over 44% of all clicks for local intent searches.

1. Why the Map Pack is Do-or-Die

When someone’s water heater bursts or their AC dies in July, they don’t scroll to page 2 of Google. They search "plumber near me" and call one of the top three results. If you aren't there, you are invisible to nearly half of your potential market.

Ranking here isn't luck. It's a formula based on three core pillars: Proximity (how close you are), Relevance (do you do what they need), and Prominence (are you trusted).

2. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Your GBP is your new homepage. Treat it like one. Most businesses claim it and forget it. To win, you need to actively manage it.

• Primary Category: Be specific. Don't just pick "Contractor" if you are an "HVAC Contractor."
• Service Areas: List Greenville and surrounding key areas like Greer, Taylors, and Simpsonville—but don't spam cities you don't actually serve.
• Photos: Upload real photos of your team, trucks, and completed jobs. Stock photos kill trust. Google's AI actually scans images to verify they match your services.
• Q&A: Seed your own Q&A section with common questions (e.g., "Do you offer emergency financing?") and answer them thoroughly.

3. The Velocity of Reviews

It’s not just about having 5 stars; it’s about recency and keywords. A competitor with a 4.8 rating and 200 reviews often beats a 5.0 rating with only 10 reviews.

The Strategy:

Automate the ask. Send a text request immediately after a job is completed. Ask customers to mention the specific service they received in the review (e.g., "fixed my leak" or "installed new roof"). These keywords in reviews are massive ranking signals.

4. Consistency in Citations (NAP)

Google verifies your business exists by checking other directories like Yelp, YellowPages, and local Chambers of Commerce. This is called your NAP (Name, Address, Phone).

"If your address is '123 Main St' on Google and '123 Main Street Suite A' on Yelp, Google gets confused. Confusion kills rankings."

Audit your citations. Ensure your business name, address, and phone number are 100% identical across the top 50 directories.

5. Website Authority Signals

Your GBP doesn't live in a vacuum. It’s tethered to your website. If your website is weak, your map ranking will stall.

• Embed the Map: Put your Google Map embed on your contact page and footer.
• Local Content: Create dedicated pages for each suburb you serve (e.g., "Roofing Services in Travelers Rest").
• Schema Markup: Add "LocalBusiness" schema code to your site header. This speaks directly to Google's bots about who you are and where you are located.