Google Local Listing Ads
Google Local Listing Ads are small, text only, targeted ads that display when users search for businesses in a specific category and local area. They appear in both Google Maps and Google’s main search, (google.com) just above the ten-pack and are designed to take searchers to either the Google Place Page or the website for each business.
After the first thirty days which are free, there is a fixed monthly charge based on the popularity of your business category. Unlike Google Adwords there’s no bidding or keyword management involved. Essentially Google does it all for you including creating the ad copy.
Advanced reporting and tracking features included in Google Local Listing Ads include number of calls, clicks to your ad, requests for driving directions, and clicks to your info window on Google Maps. There’s even a free call tracking feature that announces each customer call that’s forwarded by Google.
To qualify for Google Local Listing Ads businesses are required to verify their free listing in Google Local Business Center. Unfortunately, however, these ads are currently available only in San Francisco and San Diego. For everywhere else there’s a form to fill out and submit for Google Local Listing Ads availability in your area as well as updates on other Google products and services. As always there’s already a YouTube video for Google Local Listing Ads.
