ou’re ranking for impressions but not getting clicks. That’s frustrating — and fixable. In 2026, the Local Pack (the map + top 3 listings) is driven by a blend of the old (NAP consistency, backlinks) and the new (AI signals, engagement/behavioral data). Below I’ll explain what actually moves the needle,…
Intro — why automation + AI matter for local businessesLocal search is different from “regular” SEO: users want timely, location-specific answers (nearby stores, opening hours, reviews), and Google is evolving fast to satisfy those micro-moments. AI now powers how search understands intent, highlights reviews, and surfaces local results — which…
When you search for a local business — like “coffee shop near me,” “digital marketing agency Toronto,” or “plumber in Chicago” — you probably see a map with business listings above the regular search results. That section is called the Local 3-Pack (or Map Pack). Ranking there can make a…