The way that consumers are finding products and services is continuing to evolve. As mobile use continues to expand its lead over desktop, nearly one-third of all searches are related to location. Due to this growing trend, Google is leveraging its local search and maps platforms to help its users find the results they need and want. Search queries can trigger ads on a variety of customer-centric metrics like locations, hours, and reviews with local search ads. They also allow businesses to access prime local search positions for a captive audience.
A study by Google shows that 50% of searchers visit a business within one day of performing a local search, and 80% of those searches convert. Let’s take a closer look at how Google’s local search ads work the advantages they can offer your business.
Simply put, Google local search ads are a way for your listing to stand out in the local results section of a search query. These ads can feature your phone number, location, ratings and reviews, and your hours, as well as a link to your website. Unlike other digital advertising platforms that rank an ad based on a variety of factors like CTR, quality score, landing pages, etc., local search ad rankings are determined by your business’ location relative to the searcher, your reviews, and business hours (whether you are open or not at the time of the search).
Local search ads are the first type of ads that appear on the SERP (search engine results page), directly above the text ads. This is valuable real estate, especially on mobile devices. Creating Google local search ads is as easy as linking your Google My Business listing to your Google Ads account.
There are many benefits and advantages that local search ads offer. One of the most valuable is that local search ads feature the green “Google Guaranteed” badge, which boasts your business as a trusted destination. By adding call extensions to your local search ads, you make it easier for prospective customers to contact your business. You can also take advantage of the growing popularity of voice search. Today voice searches account for over 20% of all search queries. Local search ads will be the top displayed result for voice search when users are looking for location-based information.
Local search ads are one of Google’s many ways to help businesses strategically target new customers while providing their users the best experience possible. If your local business is looking for new and effective ways to attract customers and clients, BlinkJar Media, a certified Google Partner, is here to help.