Why No Agency Can Guarantee a Top 3 Position in Local Search Results
Many businesses are approached by web marketing agencies promising something very appealing: a guaranteed spot in the Top 3 local search results on Google.
But is that really possible?
What Is the “Top 3 Local Search Results”?
The Top 3 local search results, also known as the Local Pack, refer to the three local businesses highlighted by Google when a user performs a local search. These results appear on both Google Search and Google Maps and are highly sought after by local businesses because they appear before organic results, offering significantly increased visibility.
The Local Pack is made up of Google Business Profile listings, but it is important to understand that the Top 3 is not the profile itself, but rather a position within Google’s local search results.
The Local Pack allows users to quickly find nearby businesses and access key information such as address, phone number, reviews, and business hours.
How Does Google Determine Local Rankings?
Google ranks businesses in the Top 3 local search results based on three main factors.
Relevance
Relevance measures how well a business matches a user’s search query. This includes categories, business descriptions, services, and keywords found on the Google Business Profile and the website.
Distance
Distance considers how close the business is to the user’s location at the time of the search.
Prominence
Prominence evaluates a business’s popularity and credibility by looking at customer reviews, local citations, backlinks, overall online presence, and activity on the Google Business Profile.
It’s important to note that these factors are dynamic and personalized. This means that two users in the same city may see different local results depending on their exact location, search history, and device.
Why No One Can Guarantee a Spot in the Top 3 Local Results
No agency can guarantee a position in the Top 3 local search results because many variables are outside their control. A user’s exact location, search history, and individual behavior directly influence which results are shown. Google’s algorithm fully controls the Local Pack, and even a perfectly optimized Google Business Profile cannot ensure a fixed or permanent position in the Top 3 local results.
Common Myths and Misleading Promises
Some agencies make misleading claims. The myth of privileged partnerships with Google is completely false. There is also frequent confusion between local SEO (organic and local results) and Google Ads, which are two very different things. Google Ads offer more control because they are paid placements. While performance can be analyzed and optimized, even ads do not guarantee a specific position. Ads may appear in different locations depending on competition and bidding strategies. Organic and local results, on the other hand, cannot be bought or directly controlled.
What a Reputable Agency Can Actually Do
Although it is impossible to guarantee a Top 3 local ranking, Google Business Profiles can be optimized to maximize your chances. A qualified agency can improve your likelihood of appearing in the Local Pack by working on multiple factors: optimizing the business name, categories, description, photos, hours, and posts to ensure the profile is complete and attractive. They can implement an authentic review strategy, manage review responses to build trust and credibility, and strengthen your overall local presence by optimizing your website for local SEO, securing consistent local citations, and creating relevant geo-targeted content. An agency can also analyze performance using Google Insights, adjust content strategies, and monitor local keywords to identify new opportunities. All of these efforts help improve local visibility and reputation—without ever being able to guarantee a precise Top 3 position.
How to Recognize a Good Local Marketing Agency
A good local marketing agency focuses on optimization and measurable results rather than unrealistic promises. It is transparent about the limits of local SEO and clearly explains what can and cannot be guaranteed. It uses concrete metrics to track performance, such as profile views, website clicks, phone calls, direction requests, and review growth. Strategies are adjusted based on real data—not marketing hype.
Any reputable agency acts as a strategic partner, offering personalized, realistic, and professional guidance.
Conclusion
The Top 3 local search results cannot be bought or guaranteed. Businesses should be cautious of unrealistic promises and view their agency as a strategic partner capable of optimizing local visibility in a professional, transparent, and sustainable way.
Looking to climb Google search results — without shady promises 😉? Contact us!