Insights

Getting to the top of Search - Local Service Ads with Google Guarantee

Standing out to local customers can feel like your that needle lost in a haystack. Whilst Google ads are frequently sold as an instant way to get your business showing at the top of searches without the months of SEO work, this isn’t always the case. Google Ads can be incredibly competitive with large budgets being eaten up in Cost Per Click of competitive words with large companies and without the budgets to match you can often be knocked down the page. If you have a Local Service that is listed by Google on their local service ads list and you operate in a local area then achieving a Google Guarantee Badge and being listed on their Local Service Ads is just for you!

07 Aug 2024

By Rhys

Writen by Rhys

What Are Google’s Local Service Ads?

Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) are a specialised form of paid advertisement that allows businesses to connect directly with potential customers in their area who are searching for specific services. Unlike traditional Google Ads that appear based on keywords, LSAs appear at the very top of Google search results for specific queries related to local services.

These ads feature prominently with a “Google Guarantee” badge, which helps build trust with potential customers. They display basic information about your business, such as your name, phone number, ratings, and hours of operation, making it easy for users to contact you directly from the search results page.

How Do Local Service Ads Work?

When a user searches for a local service (e.g., "plumber near me" or "electrician in [location]"), Google displays a list of local service providers at the top of the search results. These businesses are ranked based on several factors, including proximity to the user, reviews, and the advertiser’s business hours.

What's the process?
  • Sign Up and Verification: Businesses sign up for Local Service Ads and undergo a thorough verification process. This often includes background checks, license and insurance verification, and other industry-specific checks to ensure credibility.
  • Pay Per Lead: Unlike traditional PPC (Pay Per Click) ads, LSAs operate on a pay-per-lead model. This means you only pay when a customer contacts you directly through the ad, whether via phone call or a message.
  • Google Guarantee: Qualified businesses receive a “Google Guarantee” badge. This badge reassures potential customers that Google has verified your business, and in some cases, Google offers a money-back guarantee if customers are dissatisfied with the service provided.
  • The full list of current Services available along with what is being trialled can be found on Google’s help

 

Benefits of Google Local Service Ads

1. Top-of-Page Visibility: One of the most significant benefits of LSAs is that they appear at the very top of the search results, even above traditional Google Ads and organic search results. This prime placement increases the likelihood of potential customers noticing and contacting your business first.

2. Increased Trust and Credibility: The “Google Guarantee” badge adds an extra layer of trust. Customers are more likely to choose a service provider that Google has vetted and verified. This badge can be a deciding factor, especially in industries where trust and reliability are paramount.

3. Cost-Effective Advertising: With LSAs, you pay per lead rather than per click. This means you only incur costs when a potential customer reaches out to you, making your advertising spend more efficient. This model can lead to a higher return on investment (ROI) as you're paying for actual leads rather than just website traffic.

4. Enhanced Customer Engagement: LSAs provide a direct line of communication between you and potential customers. The ads display your phone number and offer a click-to-call option, simplifying the process for users to contact you. This immediacy can lead to higher conversion rates.

5. Positive Customer Reviews: Your Google reviews are prominently displayed alongside your ad. Positive reviews can significantly influence potential customers' decisions, providing social proof of your business’s quality and reliability. Encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews can enhance your LSA performance and attract more leads.

6. Local Targeting: LSAs are specifically designed to target local customers searching for services in their vicinity. This precise targeting ensures that your ads are shown to individuals who are most likely to need your services, increasing the chances of generating high-quality leads.

7. Easy Management: Google provides an intuitive dashboard for managing your LSAs. You can track leads, manage bookings, and view performance metrics easily. This user-friendly interface makes it simple to adjust your ads and improve their effectiveness over time.

 

Google Local Service Ads are a powerful tool for local businesses looking to boost their visibility and attract more customers. By appearing at the top of search results with a Google Guarantee badge, your business gains increased trust, credibility, and engagement. 

 

Think this might be something your business can utilise? Contact the team today.
 

01206 803999⁠
[email protected]⁠