• 800.456.7470
  • Chat Now Chat Offline
  • Locations
  • Contact Us
RevLocal Logo
  • Search
  • Who We Are
    Careers Client Reviews Culture
  • What We Do
    Local Search Marketing Review Marketing Paid Advertising Social Media RevSites Marketing Analytics
  • Who We Serve
    Locations Industries Multi-Location Brands Co-Op Marketing Testimonials
  • Resources
    Library
  • Sitemap 404 Page Search Results Contact Us Terms of Service Privacy Policy FAQs
  • Location
  • Toggle Search
  • Toggle Menu
  • Who We Are
  • What We Do
  • Who We Serve
  • Resources
  • About
  • Services
  • Locations
  • Resources
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • 800.456.7470
  • Chat Now
  • Locations
  • Contact Us
Home > Resources > Library > Blog

Google Rebrands Home Services Ads as Local Services Ads

Google has rebranded its Home Services Ads as Local Services Ads. Learn more about how these ads can impact your small business.

Google_Rebrands_Home_Services_Ads

A while back, we discussed Google’s Home Services Ads and Google’s Advanced Verification.

These two methods of validating a business on Google have undergone some significant changes since then, especially Google Home Services Ads. Below is an overview of what are now called Google Local Services Ads.

Like its predecessor, Google Local Services Ads is an additional advertising program through Google designed for home services businesses to generate more direct leads.

While not all home service businesses are eligible for Local Services Ads (LSA), nor are LSAs available in all markets; it is important to understand what they are, how your business can take part in them and how they function compared to Google’s traditional method of pay-per-click advertising.

Before we get into the process of signing up with Google Local Services Ads, let’s take a look at what they are and where they appear. Google Local Services Ads appear at the very top of a Google search, above the traditional pay-per-click advertising section your business is already likely utilizing.

These ads feature the business name, phone number, location, reviews, business hours and a Google Guarantee badge (more on that later). What you do not see on these ads is a link to a website or landing page; this is by design.

Because LSAs are a lead generation ad type, Google prevents the consumer from leaving the platform to enter a landing page. Instead, Google will take the consumer to an expanded business profile page specific to LSAs. Here the consumer can read more reviews, view qualifications and license numbers, as well as the business’ services and service areas.

Three Local Services Ads will appear on the search page with the option to view more businesses in the LSA program.

To start with Local Services Ads, a business must inform Google of their interest in entering the LSA marketplace. From there, Google will require your business to submit general business information (business name, address, phone number, hours, industry, etc).

After Google has identified that your business meets the criteria to enter the LSA space, you will have to submit background checks on your field employees, business owners and the business itself. Google will guide you through this process if/when your business is determined eligible for LSAs.

In addition to Google’s initial screening and the background check process, your business will be required to submit proof of licensure (where applicable), as well as proof of insurance. Once Google has received all of the aforementioned information, your business will be eligible to take part in Local Services Ads.

How do Local Services Ads work for the consumer?

Local Services Ads are very easy for consumers to use. Once they have conducted their search and have seen the ads, all they will need to do is call, text or email the business they wish to contact. It’s that simple. No additional steps are necessary for the consumer with a Local Service Ad; no landing pages, no websites to navigate, just a call, text or email.

Consumers will also see within the ad the Google Guarantee badge, identifying the business listed has undergone background checks and insurance and licensing verification. The Google Guarantee also means the business will be covered by Google for up to $2000.00 in lifetime claims made by customers.

How do Local Services Ads work for the business?

When a consumer calls, the business just needs to answer the call. If the consumer calls and all lines are busy, or no one can answer the call, the consumer will hopefully leave a voicemail and the business can return the call.

The same applies when a customer sends a text message or email. The business owner will be able to respond to the customer to set the appointment.

The business is charged per lead received—meaning any call that comes from the ads that is answered or when a voicemail is left.

Google Local Services Ads also identify returning a missed call from the ads as a lead. In instances where the customer sends a text message or voicemail, Google Local Services Ads identifies them as valid leads. Google also has systems in place designed to identify invalid leads.

Summary

Google Home Service Ads have been re-named Google Local Services Ads. This is an additional ad format for certain industries and markets geared towards targeted lead generation.

While the Local Services Ads are currently targeted to specific industries, Google is continuing to explore additional business types and markets to include in this new advertising program. To find out if your business qualifies for Local Services Ads, please contact your marketing strategist.

Greg Summy

Greg Summy, Lead Digital Marketing Strategist

Digital Marketing Local Search

Join the Club

Subscribe to our email list to get the latest digital marketing content delivered to your inbox each week!

SUBSCRIBE

Learn More

Want to find out more? Sign up now to join our weekly mailing list.

Thank You for Signing Up

In the meantime, check out our free marketing resources, including blogs, videos and infographics.

Learn More

Learn With RevLocal

Read More Paid Advertising How To Improve Your Marketing Campaign With These Simple Tips
Fill in the alt text Read More Digital Marketing How Have Digital Marketing Strategies Evolved?
Fill in the alt text Read More Digital Marketing How Should You Be Optimizing Your Video Content?

LEARN MORE

RevLocal Logo

Subscribe to RevLocal for blog & news updates

Thanks for signing up!

© 2021 - RevLocal, All Rights Reserved.

FAQs Resources
Privacy Policy Careers
Terms of Service Services
RevLocal Partner RevLocal Partner RevLocal Partner RevLocal Partner

We help businesses maximize their online presence with a personalized approach to digital marketing.

RevLocal
800.456.7470
4009 Columbus Rd. SW Ste 222
Granville, OH 43023

Contact Us

© 2021 - RevLocal, All Rights Reserved.