Mobile search is bigger than ever, with more people now performing internet searches using a mobile device (smartphone, tablet) instead of computers. As you might expect, people who do a mobile search for a business in their area usually want to fill an immediate need. Google designed the Maps pack to display local businesses that meet a searcher’s needs, with Maps listings appearing at or very near the top of Google search results.

If your business appears in the Maps, you have a shot at getting the searcher’s attention. However, Google employs a different algorithm to generate Maps results than it does for organic results. An optimized business website is no longer enough to get your business the local exposure it needs.