In the cutthroat world of local business, visibility is everything. You need to be where your customers are looking, and increasingly, that’s on Google Maps. If you’re not showing up when someone searches for “law firm near me” or “staffing agency in [your city],” you’re leaving money on the table.

That’s why we at Gorilla Marketing were absolutely thrilled when Google recently dropped a bombshell into our inbox: Announcing Local Services Ads on Google Maps

Google’s Local Services Ads now show on Maps automatically by leveraging existing LSA data, but be aware: opting out of Maps placement also pauses Search ads.

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About Google’s Bold Move

The expansion of Local Services Ads onto Google Maps isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a strategic move with major implications for local businesses. Why does it matter so much?

Reaching High-Intent Users: Google Maps users are actively searching for services in their local area. They’re not just browsing; they’re actively looking to hire someone right now. This makes it an incredibly valuable platform for generating leads and driving conversions.
Automated Ad Creation: Google will automatically create and display your Local Services Ads on Maps using your existing data. This means you don’t have to create new ads or provide additional information.

Key Details to Keep in Mind:

Limited Launch: Currently, the expansion is limited to the iOS version of the Google Maps mobile app.
Data-Driven Ads: Google uses your existing ad data and customer reviews to create your Maps ads.
No Extra Effort: You don’t need to provide any additional data or information.
Billing and Pricing: The billing and pricing model remains the same as your existing Search ads. You’ll only be charged for qualified leads.
Existing Bids Apply: Your current bids for Search ads will also be used for your Maps ads.

The Big Deal About Local Services Ads on Google Maps

If you’re a service provider – think healthcare, legal or any other professional service business – you know how fierce the competition can be. You’re constantly vying for attention in a crowded market, trying to stand out from the countless other businesses offering similar services. Local search ads can help you showcase positive reviews and ratings, increasing your visibility and driving foot traffic to your physical store.

Local Services Ads are Google’s answer to this challenge. They’re not your average pay-per-click (PPC) ads; they’re a sophisticated, results-driven advertising solution designed specifically for local businesses like yours.

Why Local Services Ads on Google Maps Are a Game-Changer

Prime Real Estate: Your ad doesn’t get buried in a sea of search results. It grabs the spotlight at the top of Google search results and Google Maps, ensuring maximum visibility when potential customers are actively searching for your services.
The Google Seal of Approval: Every business running Local Services Ads is thoroughly vetted by Google. This includes background checks, license verification, and insurance confirmation. This rigorous screening process is a testament to your credibility and trustworthiness, giving you an edge over your competitors.
Pay-Per-Lead Efficiency: We understand that your marketing budget is precious. That’s why Local Services Ads operate on a pay-per-lead model. You only pay when a potential customer contacts you through your ad. This eliminates wasteful clicks and ensures that you’re only investing in high-quality leads.
The “Google Guaranteed” Badge of Honor: If your business qualifies, you’ll be awarded the prestigious Google Guarantee badge. This badge signifies that Google stands behind the quality of your work and will reimburse customers up to the job amount if they’re not satisfied. It’s a powerful trust signal that can significantly boost your conversion rates.

Why Unlock The Power of Local Service Ads on Google Maps?

The integration of Local Services Ads into Google Maps is a major milestone in the evolution of local search. It’s a recognition of the fact that consumers are increasingly relying on Google Maps to find local businesses. By leveraging this powerful platform, you can tap into a vast pool of potential customers who are actively seeking your services. Google Maps ads work like pay-per-click (PPC) ads and are a powerful way to attract nearby customers by providing a map of the business location, driving directions, contact information, and a link to the business website.

But it’s not just about visibility; it’s about targeting the right audience. Local Services Ads are designed to connect you with people in your service area who are specifically searching for the services you offer. This means you’re not wasting your time or budget on irrelevant leads; you’re engaging with potential customers who are ready to hire.

Let’s explore how Local Services Ads can transform your business and propel you to the top of local search:

Unleash the Power of Hyper-Targeted Leads: Forget about casting a wide net and hoping for the best. Local Services Ads deliver laser-focused leads directly to your doorstep. The people who contact you through these ads are actively searching for your specific services in your local area. They’re not just tire-kickers; they’re motivated buyers who are ready to take action.
Skyrocket Your Credibility: In the service industry, trust is the currency that drives transactions. With Local Services Ads, you’re not just another name on a list. You’re a Google-screened and verified business, often with the prestigious “Google Guaranteed” badge proudly displayed next to your name. This instantly builds trust and credibility with potential customers, making them far more likely to choose you over your competitors.
Maximize Your Marketing ROI: We understand that every dollar counts. With Local Services Ads, you’re not throwing money away on clicks that go nowhere. You only pay when a potential customer contacts you through your ad. This ensures that your marketing budget is working as hard as you are, delivering high-quality leads that convert into paying customers.
Gain a Competitive Edge: In today’s crowded digital landscape, standing out from the competition is more important than ever. Local Services Ads give you a distinct advantage by placing you at the top of search results, ahead of your competitors. This increased visibility translates into more leads, more customers, and ultimately, more revenue.
Measure Your Success with Precision: With Local Services Ads, you’re not flying blind. Google provides comprehensive analytics and reporting tools that allow you to track your performance with pinpoint accuracy. You can see how many leads you’re generating, how many of those leads are converting into customers, and what your return on investment is. This valuable data empowers you to make informed decisions and continually optimize your campaigns for maximum results.

Real-World Results That Roar!

Don’t just take our word for it. Local Services Ads have a proven track record of delivering exceptional results for businesses across various industries.

Consider these examples:

The Lawyer Who Ruled the Rankings: A law firm in Florida was struggling to compete with larger, more established businesses. After partnering with Gorilla Marketing and implementing Local Services Ads, they saw a staggering 400% increase in leads within the first two months. Their revenue more than tripled within a year, and they quickly became the go-to roofer in their area. These ads helped them connect with local customers, significantly boosting their visibility in the community.
The Physical Therapist Who Sparked Success: A Physical Therapist in Atlanta was frustrated by the lack of qualified leads from their existing marketing efforts. Local Services Ads changed the game for them, delivering a steady stream of high-quality leads that converted into loyal customers. Their business experienced a 50% increase in bookings and a 30% boost in overall revenue.

These are just a few examples of how Local Services Ads can transform your business. Whether you’re a plumber, electrician, cleaner, landscaper, or any other local service provider, these ads can unlock your full potential and drive unprecedented growth.

How Local Services Ads on Google Maps Actually Work

Understanding the inner workings of Local Services Ads is key to maximizing their impact. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

The Search: A potential customer in your service area uses Google or Google Maps to search for a service you offer, like “chiropractor near me” or “staffing agency in [your city].”
Your Ad Appears: If you’re running Local Services Ads, your ad will appear prominently at the top of the search results, often accompanied by your business name, star rating, location, hours, and the “Google Guaranteed” badge (if applicable). You can manage these ads through your Google Ads account, which allows you to set up and optimize your ads for better performance.
The Click: The customer, intrigued by your ad and Google’s seal of approval, clicks on it.
The Contact: They’re presented with options to call your business directly, send a message, or request a booking (depending on your settings).
You Pay: If the customer contacts you through the ad, that’s considered a lead, and you’ll be charged a predetermined amount (which varies by industry and location).

What Makes a Winning Local Services Ad on Google Maps

A high-performing Local Services Ad does more than just appear at the top; it compels users to take action. Here are some key elements:

Compelling Headline: Clearly state what you offer and your unique selling points.
Strong Reviews: Positive reviews from previous customers build trust and encourage clicks.
Complete Profile: Your profile should be thorough and up-to-date, showcasing your services, experience, and credentials.
Clear Call to Action: Make it easy for potential customers to contact you with a prominent phone number, message button, or booking link.
Enable Location Extensions: Link your Google Ads with your Google My Business account to display crucial business information like address, phone number, and map marker in ads. This draws customers to your physical location and generates review and rating data for Local Services Ads.

Advanced Local Services Ads Strategies

While the core functionality of Local Services Ads is straightforward, there are advanced tactics you can use to squeeze even more juice out of this powerful tool:

Ad Optimization: Add extra details to your ad, like service areas, response times, and special offers.
Bid Optimization: Fine-tune your bidding strategy based on factors like time of day, location, and search terms to maximize your ROI.
Negative Services: Exclude irrelevant search terms to ensure you’re only paying for the most qualified leads.
Re-marketing: Target users who have previously interacted with your Local Services Ads to bring them back into your sales funnel.
Mobile Google Search: Optimize your Local Services Ads for mobile Google search so when they appear at the top of search results and in the Google Maps app users will call your business from mobile devices.

Leveraging Local Services Ads with Gorilla

If you’re ready to harness the immense power of Local Services Ads and dominate local search, you don’t have to go it alone. Gorilla Marketing is here to guide you through the entire process, ensuring that you maximize your results and achieve unparalleled success.

Our team of seasoned digital marketing experts will work tirelessly to:

Assess Your Eligibility: We’ll carefully evaluate your business and service categories to determine if you meet Google’s strict eligibility requirements for Local Services Ads.
Craft a Winning Profile: We’ll create a compelling profile that showcases your unique strengths, expertise, and qualifications. We’ll leverage professional copywriting, high-quality visuals, and customer testimonials to build trust and credibility.
Navigate the Verification Process: We’ll handle the entire verification process, ensuring that your business meets Google’s stringent standards and gets approved for Local Services Ads as quickly as possible.
Ensure Business Registration: We’ll assist you with the business registration process, providing the necessary details for Google’s approval and proving the trustworthiness of your business.
Develop a Strategic Bidding Strategy: We’ll analyze your industry, location, and competition to develop a bidding strategy that maximizes your visibility while staying within your budget.
Monitor and Optimize: We’ll continuously monitor your Local Services Ads performance, analyzing data, identifying trends, and making adjustments to ensure optimal results.

At Gorilla Marketing, we don’t just launch campaigns and walk away. We’re committed to your long-term success. We’ll provide ongoing support, analysis, and optimization to ensure that your Local Services Ads continue to deliver exceptional results for years to come.

Ready to Get Started With LSA?

Contact Gorilla Marketing today for a free consultation and discover how we can unleash the full potential of Local Services Ads and Google Maps ads for your business. We’ll analyze your current online presence, identify areas for improvement, and develop a customized strategy to help you dominate local search.

Don’t delay! Schedule your free strategy session today. Let us show you why we’re the kings of the digital marketing jungle.

Announcing Local Services Ads on Google Maps (2024)