When someone searches “plumber near me” or “dentist in Burnaby,” they see a familiar 3-pack of businesses appear at the top of the results — the Google Map Pack.
If your business isn’t in that top 3, you’re losing clicks, calls, and customers.
This guide will show you exactly how to rank in the Google Map Pack using proven local SEO strategies tailored for Burnaby-area businesses.
What Is the Google Map Pack?
The Map Pack (also called the Local Pack or 3-Pack) is the set of three business listings that appear with a map when users search for a local service.
It includes:
- Your business name
- Google star rating
- Location & service area
- Phone number
- Operating hours
- A link to your website or directions
And it sits above organic results. That makes it the most valuable real estate in local search.
Why Ranking in the Map Pack Matters
- 70% of local searchers click a business in the Map Pack
- It drives calls, visits, and bookings without paying for ads
- Shows trust through reviews and proximity
- Crucial for businesses serving a defined local area (e.g., plumbers, dentists, lawyers, restaurants)
Google’s Top Ranking Factors for the Map Pack
According to Google and multiple SEO studies, Map Pack rankings depend on three core factors:
1. Relevance
How well your business matches the searcher’s intent.
2. Distance
How close your location (or listed service area) is to the searcher.
3. Prominence
How well-known and trusted your business is online, based on reviews, backlinks, and mentions.
Let’s break down how to influence each one.
Step-by-Step: How to Rank in the Google Map Pack
Step 1: Claim and Fully Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the #1 tool for local rankings. Fill it out completely and accurately:
- Add your correct business name, category, address, and phone
- Upload real photos of your location, team, and work
- Add services and service areas (e.g., “Burnaby,” “Metrotown,” “South Slope”)
- Include a well-written business description with local keywords
- Enable messaging and add your website link
Contact us if you need a professionally optimized GBP
Step 2: Get High-Quality Google Reviews
Reviews are a major trust and ranking signal. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews regularly — and respond to all of them.
Tips:
- Don’t use fake or incentivized reviews
- Include keywords naturally in your replies
- Set up automated follow-ups to request reviews after service
Step 3: Add Local Keywords to Your Site and GBP
Use specific, localized phrases like:
- “Burnaby family lawyer”
- “chiropractor in North Burnaby”
- “best electrician Metrotown”
Add these naturally to:
- Service pages
- Google Business Profile
- Blog posts
- Meta descriptions and headers
See how we build city pages that rank
Step 4: Build Local Citations and Directory Listings
Citations = mentions of your business’s Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) across trusted directories like:
- Yelp
- YellowPages
- BBB
- 411.ca
- Local Chamber of Commerce
Make sure your NAP is consistent across all platforms.
Step 5: Embed a Google Map on Your Website
On your Contact or Homepage, embed your actual Google Map with your location pin. This helps reinforce trust and supports ranking signals.
View our optimized Contact Page
Step 6: Use Local Schema Markup
Add LocalBusiness schema to your homepage and Service schema to other pages. This structured data helps Google understand who you are, what you do, and where you serve.
We can help you implement schema properly → Contact us
Step 7: Keep Posting Regularly
Google encourages active profiles. Post updates, offers, event announcements, or blog previews once a week through your GBP dashboard.
This shows Google that your business is active, responsive, and trusted.
Bonus Tips to Avoid Common Map Pack Mistakes
- Don’t use a PO box or virtual office
- Don’t list irrelevant categories (e.g., listing as “restaurant” if you’re a café)
- Don’t keyword stuff your business name (“Best Plumbing Co Burnaby | Affordable Plumbing”)
Real-World Results
“After Burnaby SEO optimized our Google Business Profile and built location pages, we started showing up in the top 3 for all of our target keywords. Our phone hasn’t stopped ringing.”
– Jess D
Burnaby Roofing Contractor
“I didn’t know anything about SEO. They walked me through everything and helped me get more clients without spending on ads.”
– Jason L.
Burnaby Electrician
Want to Rank in the Map Pack?
We’ve helped dozens of businesses in Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, and across BC rank in the Google Map Pack — and we can help you, too.