Local SEO in 2026: How Julie Karges Helps Businesses Reach Google’s Top 3 Map Results
Rank Where It Matters Most
When people search for a business near them, Google usually shows a small map with three businesses at the top of the page. This is called the Google Map Pack, and it is often the first thing customers see.
Being in those top three spots can make a huge difference. It can lead to more phone calls, website visits, and customers walking through your door.
This guide explains why the Map Pack matters and how Julie Karges helps businesses improve their visibility and reach those top results.
Why Google Maps Visability Matters
When someone searches for something like “pizza near me” or “plumber open now,” Google shows nearby businesses first.
Research shows:
About 8 out of 10 people search for local businesses every week
Many of those searches lead to a call or visit within the same day
If your business is not showing up in the top map results, customers may choose a competitor instead.
Local SEO vs. Traditional SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps businesses appear in Google search results. Traditional SEO focuses on ranking websites nationally or across large areas. Local SEO focuses on helping businesses appear in searches within their community.
For local businesses, the most important factor is often your Google Business Profile — the listing that appears in Google Maps with your reviews, photos, hours, and contact information.
Success in Local SEO usually means more:
Phone calls
Requests for directions
Website visits
Walk-in customers
The Five Ranking Factors You Can Control
Relevance – Your business profile should clearly describe what you offer. Choosing the right categories and using the correct keywords helps Google understand your services.
Proximity – Google prioritizes businesses that are close to the person searching. Making sure your address and service areas are correct helps Google match you with nearby customers.
Prominence – Businesses with strong reputations tend to rank higher. This includes having positive reviews and being listed on trusted websites.
Engagement – Customer interactions also matter. Calls, direction requests, photo views, and questions all signal that people are interested in your business.
Activity – Active profiles perform better. Posting updates, photos, and responding to reviews regularly helps keep your listing visible.
Julie Karges’ 5-Step Process for Improving Local Rankings
Step 1: Local Visibility Audit – First, the current search rankings and business listings are reviewed to see where improvements can be made.
Step 2: Profile Optimization – The Google Business Profile is updated with the correct categories, descriptions, and information to help Google understand the business.
Step 3: Increasing Customer Engagement – This includes strategies to gain more reviews, respond to customer feedback, and keep the listing active with updates and photos.
Step 4: Building Local Authority – The business is listed on trusted directories and local websites to strengthen credibility and improve search visibility.
Step 5: Tracking Progress – Ranking improvements are monitored over time to measure growth across the service area.
Example Results
A smoothie shop in San Diego improved its ranking from #8 to #1 in the local map results within about 74 days. During that time, the business experienced:
A 650% increase in profile interactions
A major increase in customer inquiries
193% year-over-year sales growth
Simple Things You Can Do Today
Even small improvements can help your business appear more often in local searches.
Ask happy customers to leave reviews
Respond to every review (both positive and negative)
Upload photos of your business regularly
Post updates, events, or offers
Make sure your business information is the same across Google, Yelp, Apple Maps, and other directories
Final Thoughts
For local businesses, being visible in Google Maps can make a major difference in attracting new customers. Julie Karges’ Local SEO services help businesses improve their online visibility so customers can find them quickly and easily. If you’d like to see how your business currently ranks in local search results, a quick SEO assessment can help identify opportunities for improvement.