In 2025, businesses across Florida are noticing a change in their visibility on Google Maps. The once-familiar 3-pack—those top three local business listings shown on search result pages—has become more competitive than ever. This trend, referred to as “Map Pack shrinkage,” is a result of ongoing Google updates that now show fewer local listings by default, especially on mobile.
So, what does this mean for your business? More importantly, how can you protect or improve your ranking in the Map Pack as it becomes even more selective?
Let’s break it down.
What Is the Map Pack and Why Is It Shrinking?
The Map Pack (also called the Local Pack) is the set of business listings that appear in a prominent box near the top of a Google results page when users search for local services (e.g., “roofing company near me” or “dentist in Tampa”).
In previous years, the Map Pack consistently showed three businesses, but more searches now only show two or even one listing—especially on mobile or for hyper-local searches. Additionally, some packs are blended with ads or AI Overviews, pushing organic visibility lower.
Why the change?
- Google is prioritizing relevance and proximity more than ever
- AI enhancements are influencing which results are surfaced first
- Paid ads and sponsored local listings are competing for space
- The layout is being refined for smaller screens and faster answers
What This Means for Your Business
Map Pack shrinkage means fewer spots, more competition, and increased importance on local SEO precision. If you’re not in the top 1–2 results, your visibility—and inbound leads—can take a hit.
Here’s what your Florida business should focus on to maintain your Map Pack presence.
How to Stay Ranked in the Map Pack
✅ Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP) Fully
This is non-negotiable. Ensure:
- Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate and consistent
- Your categories reflect your core services
- You regularly post updates, offers, or event content
- You respond to reviews and customer Q&As
Pro tip: Use Florida-specific phrases in your posts like “Serving Sarasota homeowners” or “Trusted by Orlando families for over 10 years.”
✅ Build Up Positive, Recent Reviews
Reviews play a critical role in both ranking and click-through rates.
- Ask for reviews after each completed job
- Respond to all reviews—positive or negative
- Use keywords and service terms naturally in your responses (e.g., “Thanks for trusting us with your Clearwater AC repair!”)
✅ Focus on Proximity and Localized Content
If your business serves multiple cities, create service area pages or GBP profiles (if eligible) that reflect those locations. Use neighborhood names, local landmarks, or ZIP codes in your content.
For example:
“Providing termite inspections throughout Wesley Chapel, especially near Meadow Pointe and Seven Oaks.”
✅ Embed Maps and Local Cues on Your Website
Embed a Google Map on your contact page and include schema markup for LocalBusiness. Also, make sure your website supports mobile-first indexing with fast load speeds and clear CTAs.
✅ Earn Local Links and Mentions
Mentions from other local websites help validate your presence. Think:
- Sponsoring a local event or youth sports team
- Participating in Florida Chamber of Commerce events
- Collaborating with nearby businesses on content or promotions
As the Map Pack shrinks, staying ranked requires more than just claiming your listing. You need to treat your Google Business Profile like an active marketing asset—not a static directory entry. By focusing on reviews, local content, and community engagement, your Florida business can maintain visibility even as the SERP landscape tightens.
📍 Ready to Lock in Your Map Pack Position?
At SEO Consulting Experts, we specialize in helping Florida businesses dominate local search and stay in the Map Pack—even as space gets more limited. Let’s build a local SEO strategy that doesn’t just rank—but converts.
👉 Book a Local SEO Consultation and let’s keep your business front and center in Florida search.
