Everyone has heard the phrase, “just Google it.” Google can help your company get featured on their search engine so customers can find your services. When people search for nearby businesses on Google or Google Maps (ex. “plumber near me”), there may be Local Service Ads that show your business locations. Through the use of Local Service Ads, your business may be featured at the top of the local results increasing website traffic. Not only can these local service ads show your location, but there is also an option for users to call or message you and set up an appointment.

When people search for the services you offer in your area, the Local Services Ads appear at the top of Google Search results. Potential customers can then either click or tap to call or send a message request. When this happens, you receive an email and notification from the Local Services ads app. The lead from Google is then yours to turn into a customer.

With the Local Service Ads account business owners are able to manage all aspects of their ads. You are able to access your account online or through the app (Android, iOS). The tools available to business owners are the following:

• Receive and manage leads
• Communicate with customers about their requests and record notes
• Track your leads and bookings
• View reports about your ad’s performance
• Pause your ad if you’re too busy to accept new leads
• Adjust your budget
• Dispute charges
• Ask for reviews

Local Service Ads help expose your local business to the digital space and drive traffic for the service you are offering. If there is a site where you want to expose your service, it is Google. Over a billion people now use Google Maps, and location-related searches have been growing 50% faster than mobile search overall in the past year. Making it easy for people to find your business online (desktop or mobile) is extremely important! Google can drive more traffic to your business and it can also improve popularity through their rating system (1-5 stars).

Business owners are currently charged for each lead received through Local Services Ad. Lead prices may vary depending on your location, job type, and the type of lead, but each lead received will count towards your budget. You are able to set an average week budget based on the average number of leads you want to receive in any given week. Your monthly max is your average weekly budget multiplied by the average number of weeks in a month. You will never pay for more leads than your monthly max. You can immediately dispute leads you believe aren’t valid. Successfully disputed leads are later credited back to you, which is important if you feel that the lead wasn’t qualified for your service or incorrectly referred.

Google’s Local Service Ads cater to specific industries, such as locksmiths, plumbers, garage door professionals, electricians, and HVAC services. If you fit the job and serve that area, you will be matched to the searcher and they can review your qualification, ratings, and reviews before calling or messaging you. Local Service Ads will display on desktop, tablet, or mobile searches.

Here at Red Shark Digital, we can help you set up Local Service Ads for your business and improve your service exposure to more potential customers. Contact us at RedSharkDigital.com for more information.