How to reach the top of the Google Map Pack in your city

When someone in your city searches "dentist", "plumber" or "lawyer", something Google has built over the past five years kicks in: three map results open at the top, before the first blue link.

That's where customers actually click. That's where your work lies.

What decides who shows up in the Map Pack

Three factors matter most. Not complicated things — just things most of your competitors don't do properly:

1. Profile quality. The right category (primary), the correct address, opening hours that are accurate, and real photos. It sounds trivial. Most competitors don't do it.
2. NAP consistency. Name, address and phone number should be identical on your Google profile, your website, social media and business directories. Even small differences like "AS" vs. "as" can cost you ranking.
3. Reviews. Count, freshness and content. Three reviews from 2022 lose to a competitor with 50 from 2025.

What you can do yourself this week

• Search your most important service + your city. Are you in the Map Pack?
• Check your Google Business Profile: are the opening hours up to date? Do you have photos from the past year?
• Ask three happy customers for a Google review. It feels pushy, but most people say yes if you ask.

What we usually set up

For local SEO clients we set up:

• Google Business Profile (right category, photos, weekly posts)
• A dedicated page about your city on the website
• An automatic flow to ask customers for reviews once they're done
• A monthly report on Map Pack ranking for your most important keywords

It typically takes 6–10 weeks before you see clear movement. Longer in competitive cities like Oslo and Bergen.

One caveat

Map Pack ranking requires a verified physical address in the city. Google sends a letter. That's the one thing you can't fake.

If you serve several cities from one address, you can still rank organically in the other cities — just not in the Map Pack there.

Want a free check of your Google profile? Get in touch.