Let's talk about something that could genuinely improve the online visibility of your kitchen renovation business - the Google Map Pack. You might have spotted it yourself when searching online: that handy section close to the top of Google's search results shows three local businesses with a map. For local businesses like yours, appearing in this prime spot could be the difference between a diary full of projects and wondering where your next project will come from.
What Exactly Is the Google Map Pack?
It's the most valuable piece of real estate on Google's search results. When someone searches for "kitchen designer" or "kitchen renovation" in your area, Google displays three to five local businesses with a map showing their locations. It's like having your showroom in the best spot on the high street.
Each business listing in the Map Pack shows essential details about your business:
Your business name and where to find you
What your previous clients think (those all-important star ratings and reviews)
When you're open, including whether you're open right now
How to get in touch - your website link and directions
What exactly you do
Why Should You Care About It?
Getting your kitchen renovation business into the Map Pack is like having the best shop window in town. Here's why it matters:
First off, you'll be right where potential clients can see you. The Map Pack block sits prominently close to the top of the page, and research shows it attracts nearly half of all clicks. That's an awful lot of potential kitchen projects coming your way.
Then, there's the way it displays your business. Unlike plain text listings, the Map Pack shows off your star ratings and photos - perfect for a visual business like kitchen design. It's particularly brilliant on mobile phones, where it takes up most of the screen. These days, when someone's looking for a kitchen specialist while they're out and about, they'll see your business first.
Best of all, potential clients can find everything they need to know about your business at a glance. They don't even need to visit your website to give you a ring or pop your address in their sat nav.
How It's Different from Regular Search Results
The Map Pack is designed for local businesses, which makes it quite different from regular Google results. While standard search results might show kitchen suppliers from across the country, the Map Pack focuses on businesses right where your potential clients are looking.
Its visual layout makes your business more appealing too. Instead of just text links, clients see your location on a map, glowing reviews, and photos of your work. This leads to more direct enquiries - people picking up the phone or planning a visit to discuss their kitchen dreams.
How Google Chooses Who Gets In
Google's quite clever about choosing which businesses appear in the Map Pack. It looks at three main things:
How relevant your business is to what someone's searching for. If someone's looking for a kitchen designer who specialises in period properties, Google wants to show them exactly that.
Where your business is located compared to the person searching. If someone's looking for a kitchen specialist in Manchester, they're more likely to see businesses in and around Manchester.
How prominent your business is online - this includes everything from your reviews to mentions of your business across the web.
To appear in the Map Pack, you need to correctly set up and optimise your Google Business Profile.
Sign up at the bottom of this page for our daily tips to help you set up and optimise yours. You'll receive bite-sized pointers you can tackle during your tea break, and within three weeks, you'll have a fully optimised profile ready to attract new clients.
Making Your Business Map Pack Ready
In the meantime, to give your kitchen renovation business the best chance of appearing in the Map Pack, you'll want to focus on several areas:
Make sure all your business information is spot-on and up-to-date. Your contact details, opening hours, and services should be crystal clear.
Build up those all-important reviews from happy clients. A steady stream of positive feedback about your kitchen transformations goes a long way.
Keep your profile active by sharing photos of your latest kitchen projects and posting updates about your business.
Make sure your business details are consistent everywhere online - from your website to local business directories.
Make your website fast and mobile-friendly. Google and customers notice these things.
Regular updates through Google Posts help, too - share your latest kitchen transformations or tips for planning a renovation.
The Way Forward
The Google Map Pack is one of the most valuable tools for getting local businesses noticed. Focus on maintaining an excellent Google Business Profile, collect genuine reviews from satisfied clients, and keep your online presence consistent, and you'll boost your chances of appearing in this prime position. After all, if you're creating beautiful kitchens for your clients, you deserve to be seen by others looking for your expertise.
Common Questions About the Map Pack
Q1: I've noticed my business appears in the Map Pack for some searches but not others - why is this happening?
This is normal and usually relates to the searcher's location and specific search terms. Google tailors results based on where the person is searching from and what exactly they're looking for. You might appear for "kitchen designer in Nottingham" but not for "kitchen showroom in Nottingham", depending on various factors, including your business description and location.
Q2: If my competitor has more reviews than me, will they always rank higher?
Not necessarily. While reviews are important, they're just one piece of the puzzle. Google considers many factors, including how recent the reviews are, your location relative to the searcher, and how well your business profile matches what people are searching for. Quality often matters more than quantity.
Q3: Do I need to post updates every day to stay visible in the Map Pack?
You don't need to post daily, but regular updates help. Aim for quality over quantity - sharing one meaningful post about a completed kitchen renovation project each week is more valuable than daily posts without substance. Focus on updates that showcase your expertise and recent work.
Q4: My business appears in the Map Pack on my computer but not on my phone - is something wrong?
This is quite common and usually down to different locations being detected on different devices. Mobile searches are heavily influenced by exact location, so results can vary as you move around. Try searching from various locations to get a better picture of your visibility.
Q5: I've recently relocated my kitchen showroom - how long will it take for the Map Pack to reflect my new location?
Once you've updated your Google Business Profile with your new location, the Map Pack usually adjusts within a few days. However, it might take a few weeks for your business to build up strong visibility in your new area. Keep your profile active during the transition to help speed up the process.
Are you ready to improve your online visibility? We have 25 years of experience helping businesses of all sizes grow, and we can help you, too.
Contact us today (the details are at the bottom of the page) for a quick chat about putting you on the map, too.