How to rank in local search and Google Maps, and how your Google Business Profile and website work together.
When someone in Tampa Bay searches for “roofer near me” or “accountant in Brandon,” Google usually shows a map with three businesses under it before any regular website results. That box is called the local pack, or map pack, and for most service businesses it’s the most valuable spot on the page. The businesses in it get the calls, the direction requests and the website visits.
Google reviews do two jobs at once. They help convince a new customer to call you instead of the business listed next to you, and Google itself says more reviews and positive ratings can help your local ranking. Most small businesses have plenty of happy customers. The problem is that very few of them leave a review unless someone asks.
Your Google Business Profile is free, it shows up on Google Maps, and customers can call you straight from it. So it’s a fair question for any small business owner in Riverview, Apollo Beach or anywhere in Tampa Bay: if the profile already brings in calls, do you really need a website too?