09Nov
Is My Business Eligible for Local Service Ads?
Google’s Local Service Ads are a new pay-per-lead advertising tool designed for service providers like electricians and plumbers. So, when local customers search for a business like yours, Local Service Ads are placed at the top of Google search results.
Google introduced Local Service Ads (LSAs) over a year ago in 17 markets. Since then, LSAs have expanded to more than 30 U.S. markets. Unlike traditional pay-per-click (PPC) ads, you only pay for LSAs when a customer contacts you through the ad.
These leads come in as phone calls or messages through your Local Service Ad. You can then reply, track bookings, and manage your leads online and through the app (iOS, Android). This new ad format promises to take potential customers from search to service – booked at the speed of Google!
Read More: What Are Local Service Ads?
Does My Business Qualify for Google’s Local Service Ads?
Since this new ad unit comes with stricter requirements than PPC ads, not every business can take advantage of Local Service Ads – at least not yet. To qualify for LSAs, your business must:
- Be properly licensed in your state
- Have valid business insurance
- Meet certain category requirements
Not only do you need to be licensed and insured, your business must also fall into one of the categories for Local Service Providers. Check your business eligibility to see if LSAs are available in your area.
Current Service Categories
- Air duct cleaner
- Appliance repair
- Windshield repair pro
- Car repair
- Carpet cleaning
- Electrician
- Event planner
- Garage door pro
- HVAC
- Handyman
- General contractor
- Cleaning service
- Junk removal
- Lawn care
- Locksmith
- Mover
- Painter
- Pest control
- Pet boarding
- Pet grooming
- Photographer
- Plumber
- Towing
- Roofer
- Tree service
- Tutor
- Upholstery cleaner
- Water damage
- Window cleaner
- Window repair
Local Service Ads are Google’s way of helping potential customers quickly find a trusted local business like yours. Like the map pack, Google gives priority to dependable businesses that consumers consistently choose. But unlike the map pack, LSA rankings give preference to businesses with a Google Guarantee Badge.
Read More: What’s the Difference Between Local Service Ads and Google Ads?
Managing Your Budget
Once you set up your business profile on Local Service Ads, you can manage your weekly budget. Like with Google Ads, Google might spend slightly more or less than your assigned weekly budget, but it will never exceed your maximum monthly budget.
Since you’re charged per lead (rather than click), you can directly impact the number of leads you generate by increasing or decreasing your budget. It’s recommended that you start out budgeting for at least 20 leads per week to get the most out of your new Local Service Ads.
Bottom Line
Search engines like Google are the first source people use when looking for services and products locally. So, investing more into Google’s Local Service Ads will make you more visible to potential customers. If you’d like more information about LSAs or need help getting started, contact us today. As a Google Partner, we can help you implement strategies that will optimize your success.