Most local businesses focus only on Google Business Profile updates, reviews, or citations for Maps ranking. But one powerful piece is often missing: backlinks.
Backlinks from niche-relevant sites act like “votes of trust.” The stronger your website authority, the higher your chances of showing up in the Maps 3-pack.
Think of it this way: reviews build trust with customers, backlinks build trust with Google.
Have you noticed how competitors with fewer reviews sometimes still outrank you? Backlinks are usually the reason.