Imagine this: You’re searching for “Italian restaurants near me” on your phone, expecting to see the usual three top results. But suddenly, only two businesses show up. Welcome to the latest Google experiment—the Local 2-Pack.
For years, we’ve relied on Google’s Local 3-Pack, where three businesses are highlighted at the top of local search results. Now, users in the US, UK, and Canada have started spotting Local 2-Packs, and naturally, the SEO world is buzzing with questions.
What Exactly Is a Local 2-Pack?
In case you’re new to the game, Google’s Local Pack is that prime real estate at the top of search results where local businesses get their time to shine. Usually, it’s a 3-Pack: three businesses shown along with a map. But now, we’re seeing two businesses displayed instead of three. Here’s the kicker—it’s only happening on mobile searches so far.
Some are speculating that this could be a small test, but given its widespread presence across different industries and regions, it might just be a slow rollout. And if it sticks, local businesses are in for some serious competition.
Why Should You Care About This?
Let’s face it: Local search is everything for brick-and-mortar businesses. When people search for “plumbers near me” or “best tacos in town,” that local pack determines who gets the clicks, the calls, and the customers. Fewer spots mean tougher competition. Period.
But there’s more to the story. Some experts, like local SEO guru Darren Shaw, believe that three is the magic number when it comes to choices. “I doubt this 2-Pack will stick either,” says Shaw. But what if it does? Google’s all about testing new waters, and we’ve seen them shake things up before.
And here’s where things get interesting—this could open up more space for paid ads. That’s right. Several SEOs are speculating that Google is making room to sneak in more ad spots, giving businesses who invest in Google Ads an upper hand. So, if you’re not advertising yet, you might want to rethink your strategy.
What Can You Do About It?
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Right now, the 2-Pack has only been spotted on mobile searches, and there’s no official word from Google that it’s here to stay. But let’s get real for a second. Local SEO is already competitive, and if we lose a slot in the Local Pack, it’s going to get even more cutthroat.
Here’s how you can stay ahead of the game:
Double down on your local SEO: Make sure your Google Business Profile (GBP) is optimized to the max. Keep your business info up-to-date, collect more reviews, and post regular updates.
Consider Google Ads: If the 2-Pack is making room for more ads, this could be your chance to stay visible. Paid ads might become even more crucial as competition tightens.
Track your rankings: Don’t wait until you drop out of the Local Pack to realize there’s a problem. Tools like Local Rank Trackers can help you keep tabs on where your business stands.
Test it yourself: Try searching for your business or industry-related queries on mobile and see what shows up. If you notice the 2-Pack for your vertical, it might be time to rethink your strategy.
As always, we’ll be keeping an eye on the situation, so stay tuned for more updates. But for now, local businesses need to prepare for the possibility of a leaner Local Pack.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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