As a business owner, you know how important it is to attract new customers and grow your customer base. In today's digital age, one of the most effective ways to reach potential customers is through online advertising. And when it comes to online advertising, Google Ads is one of the most powerful platforms available.
But did you know that there's a type of Google Ad specifically designed for local service providers? It's called Google Local Service Ads, and it's a game-changer for businesses that provide services to local customers.
In this blog post, we'll dive into what Google Local Service Ads are, how they work, and why they're so important for local service providers. Whether you're a plumber, electrician, HVAC technician, or any other type of local service provider, you won't want to miss this guide to Google Local Service Ads.
What are Google Local Service Ads?
Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) are a type of advertising that allows local service providers to showcase their services to potential customers who are searching for services in their local area. These ads appear at the very top of Google search results, above even traditional Google Ads, and are distinguished by a green "Google Guaranteed" badge.
How they differ from other types of Google Ads
Unlike traditional Google Ads, which rely on keyword targeting and bidding to reach potential customers, Google Local Service Ads use a different model. Instead of bidding on specific keywords, local service providers are selected based on their proximity to the searcher, their service offerings, and their reputation.
Benefits of Google Local Service Ads
There are many benefits to using Google Local Service Ads, including:
Increased visibility: Local Service Ads appear at the top of search results, giving your business maximum exposure to potential customers.
Credibility: The "Google Guaranteed" badge helps establish trust with potential customers, as it indicates that your business has been vetted by Google and is considered a trustworthy provider.
Guaranteed leads: With Local Service Ads, you only pay for leads that you receive through the platform, ensuring that your advertising dollars are being spent effectively.
In the next section, we'll take a closer look at how Google Local Service Ads work, including eligibility requirements and how to set up a campaign.
How do Google Local Service Ads work?
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible to run Local Service Ads, your business must meet certain requirements, including:
Be licensed and insured in your local area
Pass a background check
Have a good reputation based on customer reviews
How to create and set up a Google Local Service Ad campaign
Setting up a Local Service Ad campaign is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:
Create a Google My Business account: Local Service Ads are managed through your Google My Business account, so you'll need to set one up if you haven't already.
Apply for the Google Guarantee: To be eligible for Local Service Ads, you'll need to apply for the Google Guarantee. This involves completing a background check and providing proof of insurance and licensing.
Set up your campaign: Once you've been approved for the Google Guarantee, you can set up your Local Service Ad campaign. This involves selecting the services you offer, setting your service area, and setting your budget.
Receive and respond to leads: When potential customers contact you through your Local Service Ad, you'll receive the lead in your Google My Business account. You'll have the option to accept or decline the lead, and if you accept it, you'll be charged the cost of the lead.
How ads are displayed and where they appear
Local Service Ads appear at the top of Google search results, above even traditional Google Ads. They are displayed in a prominent position and include your business name, a brief description of your services, your contact information, and your Google Guaranteed badge.
In the next section, we'll explore the advantages of using Google Local Service Ads, including increased visibility and credibility, and the pay-per-lead pricing model.
Advantages of using Google Local Service Ads
Increased visibility and credibility
As mentioned earlier Local Service Ads appear at the very top of Google search results, above traditional Google Ads, giving your business maximum visibility to potential customers. Additionally, the Google Guaranteed badge helps establish trust with potential customers, as it indicates that your business has been vetted by Google and is considered a trustworthy provider.
Guaranteed leads
With Local Service Ads, you only pay for leads that you receive through the platform. This means that you don't have to worry about wasting your advertising budget on clicks that don't result in actual leads. Instead, you can be confident that your advertising dollars are being spent effectively.
Pay-per-lead pricing model
Local Service Ads use a pay-per-lead pricing model, which means that you only pay when a potential customer contacts you through the platform. This pricing model is particularly advantageous for local service providers, as it ensures that you only pay for leads that have a high likelihood of converting into actual customers.
In addition to these advantages, Local Service Ads also offer a range of other benefits, including:
Easy setup and management through your Google My Business account
No ongoing maintenance or optimization required
Access to detailed analytics and reporting to help you track your campaign's performance
In the next section, we'll provide some tips for optimizing your Google Local Service Ads to ensure that you get the most out of your advertising investment.
Tips for optimizing your Google Local Service Ads
Choose the right services
When setting up your Local Service Ad campaign, be sure to choose the services that you offer carefully. Make sure that the services you select are highly relevant to your business and are likely to generate a lot of interest from potential customers.
Set your service area carefully
Your service area should be set to the areas where you're able to provide your services. Be sure to include any areas that you're willing to travel to, but don't include areas that are outside of your service range.
Optimize your business listing
Your business listing should include all of the information that potential customers need to make an informed decision about whether to contact you or not. This includes your business name, contact information, a description of your services, and customer reviews.
Respond promptly to leads
When you receive a lead through your Local Service Ad, it's important to respond promptly. This helps ensure that you're able to connect with potential customers while they're still interested in your services.
Collect and showcase customer reviews
Customer reviews are an important part of your Local Service Ad campaign. Make sure to collect reviews from satisfied customers and showcase them prominently on your business listing. This can help establish trust with potential customers and increase the likelihood that they'll contact you.
Monitor your campaign performance
Finally, it's important to monitor your Local Service Ad campaign's performance closely. Use the analytics and reporting tools available through your Google My Business account to track your leads, conversions, and ROI, and make adjustments to your campaign as needed.
By following these tips, you can optimize your Local Service Ad campaign and ensure that you get the most out of your advertising investment.
Conclusion
Google Local Service Ads are a powerful tool for local service providers looking to increase their visibility and generate more leads. By appearing at the very top of Google search results and using a pay-per-lead pricing model, Local Service Ads can help businesses connect with potential customers quickly and efficiently.
To make the most of Local Service Ads, it's important to ensure that your business meets the eligibility requirements, set up your campaign carefully, and optimize your ads for maximum effectiveness. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can create a successful Local Service Ad campaign that drives real results for your business.
If you're a local service provider looking to increase your visibility and generate more leads, consider giving Google Local Service Ads a try. With their high visibility, pay-per-lead pricing model, and easy setup and management, Local Service Ads could be the perfect advertising solution for your business.
Want us to set up your Google Local Service Ads for you? Contact us today to get started.