The 3 Ranking Factors That Determine Google 3 Pack Placement
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
When customers search for local services, the Google 3 Pack is often where the decision happens. The three businesses displayed at the top of the page receive the majority of attention, and often the majority of calls.
While Google does not publish a full algorithm for how it chooses those three listings, it has confirmed that local results are primarily based on three factors: relevance, distance, and prominence.
Understanding these signals helps small businesses focus on what actually improves placement.
Google 3 Pack Relevance: How Closely Your Business Matches the Search
Relevance refers to how well your business aligns with what someone is searching for.
Google evaluates your Google Business Profile category, service descriptions, business details, and website content. If someone searches for “emergency plumber,” Google favors businesses that clearly indicate emergency plumbing services in their profile and supporting content.
Clear service alignment strengthens your ability to compete for Google 3 Pack placement.
Distance: How Close You Are to the Searcher
Distance measures proximity between the searcher and your business location.
If multiple businesses are similarly optimized, the one closer to the searcher often appears higher. This is especially noticeable on mobile devices where location signals are strong.
While geography cannot be changed, improving the other ranking factors can help you compete more consistently within your service area.
Prominence: How Established Your Business Appears Online
Prominence reflects how well-known and trusted your business appears across the web.
This includes:
Review quantity and quality
Review recency and responses
Consistent business information across directories
Local backlinks and website authority
Businesses that actively maintain their profiles and engage with customer reviews tend to build stronger prominence over time.
No single change guarantees Google 3 Pack placement. However, businesses that consistently strengthen relevance, support local authority, and maintain accurate information improve their chances of appearing where customers are ready to act.
