Small business owners are always on the lookout for effective ways to market their products or services. One of the most powerful tools in the modern world of business is online advertising, and Google is at the forefront of this revolution. One of the most effective online advertising tools available to small business owners today is the Google Local Services Ads (LSA) program.
What are Google Local Services Ads?
Google Local Services Ads are a pay-per-lead advertising platform that is designed to help local businesses reach customers in their area. These ads appear at the top of Google search results, above the regular search results, and are displayed based on the searcher’s location and the type of service they are looking for.
Google LSA allows small business owners to create an ad that includes their business name, a brief description of their services, contact information, and customer reviews. Once created, the ad will be displayed to users in the local area who are searching for services similar to what the business provides.
How does Google LSA Work?
When a user searches for a specific service in their local area, such as “plumber near me,” Google will display Local Services Ads at the top of the search results. These ads will include the name of the business, its rating and its location. The user can then click on the ad to see more information, including reviews, services offered and contact information.
If the user is interested in hiring the business, they can contact the business directly through the ad. The business owner will receive the lead through the Google LSA dashboard, and can then contact the customer to schedule an appointment or provide an estimate.
What are the benefits of Google LSA?
There are several benefits of using Google Local Services Ads for your small business:
Increased visibility – By appearing at the top of the search results above search ads, maps listings and organic listings, your business will be seen by more potential customers who are actively searching for your services.
Increased credibility – Customer reviews are prominently displayed in Google LSA ads, giving potential customers more confidence in your business.
Increased control – You can control the leads you receive and the areas in which your ads are displayed.
Increased ROI – Because Google LSA is a pay-per-lead advertising platform, you only pay for leads that are interested in your services.
How can you get started?
Getting started with Google Local Services Ads is relatively easy. First, you need to determine if your business is eligible for the program. Eligible businesses include those in specific industries, such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC and locksmith services.
If your business is eligible, you will need to create a Google Business Profile, which includes your business name, address and phone number. You will also need to pass a background check and have at least three reviews..
Once your business is verified, you can create your Local Services Ads account and set up your ad campaign. You will need to select the services you offer, the areas you want to target and your budget.
Finally, you will need to create your ad, including your business name, a brief description of your services, contact information, and customer reviews. Google will review your ad to ensure that it meets its standards before it goes live.
Google Local Services Ads can be an incredibly effective tool for small business owners looking to reach more customers and increase their revenue. With its pay-per-lead model, increased visibility and increased credibility, it’s definitely worth considering as part of your small business marketing strategy.
Best of all, you can monitor the performance of your LSA campaigns right from the Marketing 360® Ads app. This makes it easy to keep track of what’s working and what’s not.