If you’re a fence contractor, you’ve probably searched for your business online and wondered, “Why am I not showing up in that top map section?” That map section is called the Local Pack. It shows up right under the paid ads when someone searches for something like “fence company near me.”
Getting your business in that spot can bring in more calls and more jobs. But how does it work? And what can you do to show up there more often? That’s what we’re going to break down in this blog.
What Is the Local Pack?
The Local Pack is the group of three businesses that show up in Google Maps results on the first page. It usually includes the business name, review rating, address, phone number, and sometimes a photo.
For fence contractors, this is prime real estate. If you’re in the Local Pack, you’re more likely to get found by local homeowners or property managers.
Why the Local Pack Matters
Most people don’t scroll past the first page. And a lot of folks don’t even look at the websites. They just click a phone number in the map results and call.
That means if you’re not in the Local Pack, you’re probably losing jobs to someone who is.
What Affects Local Pack Rankings?
Google doesn’t tell us everything. But based on experience and tests, these are the things that matter the most:
1. Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your GBP is your online listing. It needs to be set up right. Here are a few things to check:
- Business name: Make sure it’s correct and matches your website.
- Category: Use “Fence Contractor.”
- Address: Use a real address. PO Boxes don’t work.
- Hours: Keep them up to date.
- Phone number: Use a local number.
- Website: Link to your homepage or fence service page.
- Services: List your services. Don’t skip this.
2. Reviews
Reviews help build trust. But they also tell Google that people like your business. A few tips:
- Ask every happy customer to leave a review.
- Respond to every review, even the bad ones.
- Use the word “fence” or “fencing” when replying, if it makes sense.
3. Location
Google tries to show businesses close to the person searching. So if someone searches from across town, you may not show up. But if you’re nearby and your profile is strong, you have a better shot.
4. Website SEO
Your website tells Google what you do and where you do it. A few basics:
- Use the word “fence contractor” in your titles and text.
- Add your city or town name in the right places.
- Write about your services in a clear way.
- Make sure your site loads fast and works on phones.
5. Local Citations
These are other places where your business info shows up, like Yelp or Angi. Make sure your name, address, and phone match exactly.
6. Backlinks
A backlink is when another site links to yours. It’s like a vote of confidence. Quality is more important than quantity.
How to Improve Your Local Pack Rankings
Let’s look at some steps you can take right now.
Fix Your Google Business Profile
- Pick the right category.
- Upload photos of your work.
- Add all your services.
- Post updates or offers.
Google likes active profiles.
Get More Reviews
Make it easy. Text customers a link after each job. Thank them when they leave a review.
Improve Your Website
Make sure it’s clear where you work and what you do. Add service pages for different fence types. Use real photos. Don’t forget your contact page.
Build Local Links
- Join your local Chamber of Commerce.
- Sponsor a youth sports team.
- Get listed in local business directories.
These all help your rankings.
Add Service Area Pages
If you work in more than one town, create a page for each one. For example:
- Fence Contractor in Tampa
- Fence Repair in Brandon
Keep the content different on each page.
Common Mistakes Fence Contractors Make
Some things can hurt your chances of showing up in the Local Pack. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using a fake address or shared space
- Having a profile with missing info
- Not asking for reviews
- Having a slow or outdated website
Avoid these and you’ll be ahead of many competitors.
What About Ads?
Google Ads and Local Service Ads (LSAs) can put you at the top of the page, above the map. But they don’t affect the Local Pack rankings. They’re separate.
Still, using ads can help you get leads while you build your organic rankings.
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO means making changes to your website and online presence so you show up more in local searches. It helps you show up in both the map and regular results.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Area | What It Helps | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Google Business | Map rankings | Google Maps search |
| Website SEO | Both | Fence contractor in [city] |
| Reviews | Map + trust | Star rating, customer feedback |
| Backlinks | Trust + rank | Local blog links to your site |
| Citations | Consistency | Yelp, Angi, BBB listings |
All these parts work together.
How Long Does It Take to Rank?
It depends. If you’re in a small town and do things right, you might see results in weeks. In bigger cities, it could take months.
But most fence contractors start seeing changes within 2-3 months if they stay active.
Final Thoughts
Getting into the Local Pack isn’t magic. It’s a mix of having the right setup, being active, and staying consistent. You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to take action.
At FenceWebs, we’ve worked with fence contractors for over five years. We know what works because we do it every day.
Whether you want more jobs, more calls, or just to finally show up in that map section, these steps can help.
And if you ever feel stuck or just want someone to handle it for you, we’re always here to help.
