What About Today?
Google’s search engine results page has undergone a profound evolution since its humble
beginnings in the late 1990s. The transition from simple blue links to a multifaceted layout,
including paid ads, local listings, and Google Maps, has significantly altered the digital
landscape. These changes have not only enhanced user experience but also reshaped how
businesses compete for visibility, emphasizing the importance of SEO, paid advertising, and
local optimization.
Today, Google’s page layout objective is to maximize visibility, while also serving commercial
interests. At the very top, you’ll typically find Google Paid Ads. These are usually reserved for
businesses bidding on keywords through Google Ads, and they often dominate the top 1 to 4
slots. Below the ads, Google may display a Google Maps section, which is particularly common
for local or service-based searches, as well as the Google 3-Pack.
What Is the Google 3-Pack?
The Google 3-Pack is a trio of nearby businesses selected based on proximity, relevance, and most importantly, review quality. Each listing shows the business name, rating, hours, and address, often including a click-to-call or directions option. Receiving reviews on your Google Business Profile (GBP) and responding to them in a timely manner should be your top priority. It's a highly competitive space, but the rewards are immense, as these listings receive around 73% of clicks, especially on mobile devices.
Finally, Organic Search Results occupy the remaining space, featuring content-rich websites
that have earned their ranking through diligent SEO best practices rather than advertising
spend. These results may also include images, Backlinks, and updated content. For
businesses, understanding and implementing these SEO strategies is crucial for success in the
digital marketplace.
With Funnel Storms' AI-powered Google Business Profile (GBP) management service, we make
sure you dominate local search automatically. Our intelligent virtual assistant handles everything
for you, ensuring your profile is continually optimized, up-to-date, and working 24/7. This will
help attract new clients and keep you in the Google 3-Pack through Daily GBP optimization,
review management, and profile enhancement.