Google uses three factors to decide which businesses appear in the Map Pack:
1. Relevance
How well your business matches what the searcher is looking for.
This is driven by your Google Business Profile categories, your business description, the services you list, and the content on your website.
Someone searches “emergency plumber.” If your profile says “plumbing contractor” with emergency services listed, you are relevant. If it just says “plumber” with no service details, Google has less confidence.
2. Distance
How close you are to the person searching.
This is the cifra you have the least control over. Google uses the searcher’s location at the moment they search and calculates proximity to your listed address.
You cannot game distance. You can only make sure your address is accurate and your service areas are properly defined.
3. Prominence
How well-known and trusted your business is.
This is where most of the work happens. Prominence is influenced by your review count and quality, citation consistency, backlinks, overall web presence, and GBP engagement.
You cannot move your building closer to the searcher. But you can build a stronger reputation than every competitor in your area.