Follow these in order. Each step compounds on the last.
Google's local algorithm rewards completeness. Verify your listing, then fill every field: legal business name, exact category, service areas, hours, phone, website, products, services & a long description with your primary keyword.
Your primary category is the single biggest on-profile ranking factor. Search the keyword you want to rank for, study the top 3 listings, and match the category they use. Add 3 to 5 secondary categories for coverage.
Review count, recency & keywords inside the review text all influence the local pack. Aim for 2 to 5 new reviews per week. Ask happy customers to mention the service they bought and the city they're in.
Your Name, Address & Phone must be identical on Yelp, Bing, Apple Maps, Facebook, BBB & 50+ niche directories. Inconsistent data confuses Google and pushes you off the map pack.
Google Posts, photos uploaded weekly, and seeded Q&A all send freshness signals. Treat your profile like a mini social account: 1 post + 3 photos every week minimum.
Links from local newspapers, chambers of commerce, suppliers & sponsorships pass geographic relevance. Pair that with 1 service page per city you want to dominate, each 800+ words.
Use a grid based rank tracker (not just one zip code). Measure where you sit at 1 mile, 3 miles & 5 miles from your pin. Whatever moves the needle, do more of it.