In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Google announced that it would be giving $340 million in ad credits to small- and medium-sized businesses last month. This comes in part with an $800 million effort from the organization to give back to businesses struggling to deal with the repercussions of the coronavirus. On Monday however, the company clarified user’s eligibility around these ad credits and the intended timeline for its disbursement. Red Shark Digital, a premier marketing agency Raleigh NC, wants to make sure that you are aware of the updates.

SMB Ad Credits

Google announced these credits are to be used for future ad spend until the end of 2020 across all Google Ads platforms. At first, the company had said small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) would be eligible if they had been active advertisers since January 1, 2019 and adhere to Google Ads policies. Google has now clarified that the credits apply to SMBS globally who have spent ten out of twelve months in 2019 and either in January and/or February of 2020. All customers eligible include those businesses who have utilized a Google Ads account directly or through a partner, a marketing agency or third-party that manages it on behalf of other brands. The organization is striving to give back specifically to those committed advertisers who were advertising before the pandemic reached its peak.  As stated by Google:

“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our communities. They represent about 90 percent of all businesses and more than half of employment worldwide, according to the World Bank. COVID-19 has posed a particular challenge to these businesses, who may be facing closures and declining revenue even as they find ways to support and protect their employees. The ad credit is our gesture to show support and solidarity with these businesses as they continue to engage with their customers.”

When Will I Receive My Credits?

The credits are set to hit eligible accounts in phases beginning in late May. One ad credit is received per customer. If multiple eligible accounts are connected to one manager account, each of the accounts will receive an ad credit. As noted, these ad credits will be applicable across all platforms including Search, Display, and YouTube as well as all campaign types.  The spend allotted to each account is not yet specified by Google, but will be dependent on previous spend and where the account set up is located.  All credits must be used by Dec 31, 2020. After the New Year, the ad credit expires and any unused portion will be removed from the Google Ads account.

As COVID-19 continues to take its toll on the world around us, many small- and medium-sized businesses have suffered severely during this crisis. The ad credits program from Google is meant to help active, committed advertisers promote their businesses and on Google platforms throughout the rest of the year. Google Ads and search engine marketing remain a constant resource for businesses to engage with their customers online, especially during these times of crisis. To learn more about the Google platforms, account ad credits, or advertising online, contact Red Shark Digital, premier marketing agency Raleigh NC.