How to Setup Google’s Local Service Ads: Step-by-step

Ready to blow up your business? Book a free discovery call with soulweb today.

Are you a local service provider looking to reach more customers in your area? If so, then running local service ads can be a game-changer for your business. In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to have an online presence that connects you with potential customers in your local community. Local service ads are a powerful tool that can help you achieve just that.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of running local service ads and show you how to make the most out of this advertising platform. From setting up your ads to managing and optimizing them, we will cover everything you need to know to run successful local service ads.

But first, let’s understand what local service ads are and why they are important for your business.

Local service ads are an advertising feature provided by Google that allows service providers to promote their services directly to customers in their local area. These ads appear at the top of Google search results, giving you prime visibility and increasing the chances of attracting potential customers.

The importance of local service ads lies in their ability to target customers who are actively searching for services in your area. By appearing at the top of search results, you can stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired. Moreover, local service ads provide a level of trust and credibility to customers as Google verifies the qualifications and background of service providers before displaying their ads.

Now that you understand the significance of local service ads, let’s dive into the process of setting them up for your business. We will cover everything from creating a Google account and setting up your business profile to defining your service areas and selecting the right job types.

Once your ads are up and running, we will show you how to effectively manage them. You will learn how to set your budget, track the performance of your ads, and manage leads and conversions. We will also discuss various strategies to optimize your local service ads, such as improving your ad ranking, collecting and responding to reviews, and utilizing Google’s booking service.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the policies and guidelines that govern local service ads. We will provide an overview of Google’s advertising policies and highlight the specific guidelines for local service ads. Additionally, we will discuss how to handle disputes and complaints that may arise during the course of running your ads.

Running local service ads can be a game-changer for your business, helping you reach more potential customers and grow your client base. So, if you’re ready to take your local service business to the next level, let’s get started with running local service ads!

Introduction to Local Service Ads

Local service ads are a powerful tool for businesses in the service industry to promote their services and connect with potential customers in their local area. In this section, we will provide an overview of what local service ads are and why they are important for your business.

What are Local Service Ads?

Local service ads are a type of online advertising specifically designed for service providers. These ads appear at the top of Google search results when users search for local services in their area. They are distinct from traditional pay-per-click (PPC) ads, as they focus on connecting users with local businesses that offer services they need.

Local service ads provide valuable information to potential customers such as business name, phone number, ratings, and reviews. They are displayed prominently, above organic search results, giving businesses increased visibility and a higher chance of attracting customers.

Why are Local Service Ads Important?

Local service ads are important for several reasons:

1. Increased Visibility: By appearing at the top of search results, local service ads give your business maximum exposure to potential customers searching for services in your area. This increased visibility can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired.
2. Trust and Credibility: Google verifies the qualifications and background of service providers before displaying their local service ads. This verification process adds an extra layer of trust and credibility to your business, as customers can rely on Google’s screening process when selecting a service provider.
3. Targeted Advertising: Local service ads are designed to target customers who are actively searching for services in your local area. This means that your ads will be seen by individuals who are more likely to convert into customers. By focusing on a specific geographic area, you can maximize the efficiency of your advertising budget.
4. Cost-Effective: Local service ads operate on a pay-per-lead basis, which means you only pay when a potential customer contacts you directly through the ad. This cost-effective pricing model allows you to manage your advertising budget more efficiently and ensures that you are only paying for qualified leads.

In summary, local service ads are a highly effective way for service providers to connect with potential customers in their local area. By utilizing these ads, you can increase your visibility, build trust with customers, target your advertising efforts, and maximize the return on your investment. In the following sections, we will guide you through the process of setting up, managing, and optimizing your local service ads to achieve the best results for your business.

Setting up Your Local Service Ads

Setting up your local service ads is the first crucial step towards promoting your business effectively. In this section, we will walk you through the process of setting up your local service ads, from creating a Google account to defining your service areas and selecting the right job types.

Creating a Google Account

To get started with local service ads, you will need a Google account. If you already have one, you can skip this step. If not, follow these simple steps to create a Google account:

1. Go to the Google account creation page.
2. Click on “Create account” and fill in the required information, such as your name, email address, and password.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account creation process.
4. Once your Google account is created, you can proceed to set up your local service ads.

Setting up Your Business Profile

The next step is to set up your business profile, which provides essential information about your business to potential customers. Follow these steps to create a compelling business profile:

1. Visit the Google My Business website and sign in with your Google account.
2. Click on “Manage now” to create a new business profile.
3. Fill in the required information, such as your business name, address, phone number, and website.
4. Select the appropriate business category that best represents your services.
5. Provide a detailed description of your business, including the services you offer, your expertise, and any unique selling points.
6. Upload high-quality photos that showcase your work and create a positive impression of your business.
7. Verify your business by following the verification process provided by Google. This may involve receiving a verification code by mail or phone.

Once your business profile is complete and verified, you can proceed to set up your local service ads.

Defining Your Service Areas

One of the key aspects of running successful local service ads is defining your service areas accurately. This ensures that your ads are shown to potential customers who are within your target service area. Follow these steps to define your service areas:

1. Sign in to your Google My Business account.
2. Click on “Info” in the left-hand menu.
3. Scroll down to the “Service areas” section and click on the pencil icon to edit.
4. Specify the cities, regions, or postal codes that you want to target with your ads.
5. Save your changes.

By defining your service areas, you ensure that your local service ads are displayed to potential customers who are located within your specified regions, maximizing the relevance and effectiveness of your ads.

Selecting Your Job Types

Another important step in setting up your local service ads is selecting the job types that accurately represent the services you offer. This helps Google match your ads to relevant search queries and ensures that your ads are shown to customers who are specifically looking for the services you provide. Follow these steps to select your job types:

1. Sign in to your Google My Business account.
2. Click on “Services” in the left-hand menu.
3. Click on “Add” to add the services you offer.
4. Select the appropriate job types from the predefined list or create custom job types if necessary.
5. Provide detailed descriptions and prices for each service you offer.
6. Save your changes.

Selecting the right job types ensures that your local service ads are displayed to the right audience, increasing the chances of attracting relevant leads and customers.

By following these steps, you can successfully set up your local service ads, ensuring that your business is well-positioned to reach potential customers in your local area. In the next section, we will explore how to effectively manage your local service ads and maximize their performance.

Managing Your Local Service Ads

Once your local service ads are up and running, it’s important to effectively manage them to maximize their performance and ensure a positive return on your investment. In this section, we will guide you through the key aspects of managing your local service ads, including setting your budget, tracking your ads’ performance, and managing leads and conversions.

How to Set Your Budget

Setting a budget for your local service ads is essential to control your advertising spend and optimize your return on investment. Follow these steps to set your budget effectively:

1. Sign in to your Google Ads account.
2. Navigate to the “Campaigns” tab and select your local service ad campaign.
3. Click on “Settings” and then “Budget” to access the budget settings.
4. Choose either a daily budget or a monthly budget, depending on your advertising goals and budgeting preferences.
5. Enter the desired budget amount that you are comfortable spending.
6. Save your changes.

It’s important to regularly monitor your budget and make adjustments as needed to ensure that your ads are running smoothly within your allocated budget.

Tracking Your Ads’ Performance

Tracking the performance of your local service ads is crucial to understand how they are performing and make informed decisions to optimize their effectiveness. Here are a few key performance metrics to track:

1. Impressions: This metric measures the number of times your ad was displayed to potential customers.
2. Clicks: The number of times users clicked on your ad to learn more about your business and services.
3. Click-through Rate (CTR): The percentage of users who clicked on your ad after seeing it. A higher CTR indicates that your ad is compelling and relevant to users.
4. Conversion Rate: The percentage of users who completed a desired action, such as calling your business or submitting a contact form. This metric indicates the effectiveness of your ad in generating leads and conversions.
5. Cost per Lead: The average amount you spend for each lead generated through your local service ad. This metric helps you evaluate the efficiency of your ad spend.

Google Ads provides robust tracking and reporting tools to monitor these metrics. Regularly review your ad performance data and make adjustments to optimize your ads for better results.

Managing Leads and Conversions

Effectively managing leads and conversions generated through your local service ads is essential to convert potential customers into paying clients. Here are some tips for managing leads and conversions:

1. Respond promptly: When you receive a lead or inquiry, respond promptly and professionally to maximize your chances of securing the customer’s business.
2. Qualify leads: Evaluate the leads you receive to ensure they are a good fit for your services. Ask questions to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions.
3. Provide excellent customer service: Deliver exceptional service to your customers to build trust and encourage positive reviews and referrals.
4. Track conversions: Keep track of the conversions generated through your ads and analyze which strategies or keywords are driving the most valuable leads. This information will help you refine your advertising and marketing efforts.

By effectively managing your local service ads, tracking their performance, and converting leads into customers, you can optimize your ad campaigns and achieve the best results for your business.

In the next section, we will explore strategies to optimize your local service ads and increase their visibility and effectiveness.

Optimizing Your Local Service Ads

Optimizing your local service ads is crucial to ensure that they are performing at their best and generating maximum results for your business. In this section, we will explore various strategies to optimize your local service ads, including improving your ad ranking, collecting and responding to reviews, and utilizing Google’s booking service.

Improving Your Ad Ranking

A higher ad ranking means better visibility and increased chances of attracting potential customers. Here are some strategies to improve your ad ranking:

1. Optimize your business profile: Ensure that your business profile is complete, accurate, and up-to-date. Provide detailed information about your services, service areas, and contact details.
2. Increase your review ratings: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews for your business. Higher review ratings can improve your ad ranking and build trust with potential customers.
3. Respond to reviews: Engage with your customers by responding to their reviews, whether they are positive or negative. This shows that you value customer feedback and are committed to providing excellent service.
4. Maintain a high response rate: Timely respond to customer inquiries and messages through your local service ads. A high response rate demonstrates your responsiveness and reliability.
5. Optimize your ad content: Craft compelling ad headlines and descriptions that highlight the unique value and benefits of your services. Use relevant keywords to improve the ad’s visibility and attract the right audience.

By implementing these strategies, you can improve your ad ranking and increase the visibility of your local service ads.

Collecting and Responding to Reviews

Reviews play a crucial role in the success of your local service ads. Positive reviews can boost your credibility and attract more customers, while negative reviews can impact your reputation. Here are some tips for collecting and responding to reviews effectively:

1. Encourage customers to leave reviews: Request satisfied customers to leave reviews for your business. Consider sending follow-up emails or providing incentives to encourage feedback.
2. Respond to reviews promptly: Whether the review is positive or negative, respond to it in a timely and professional manner. Thank customers for their positive feedback and address any concerns or issues raised in negative reviews.
3. Monitor and manage your online reputation: Regularly monitor review platforms and address any negative reviews promptly. By actively managing your online reputation, you can mitigate the impact of negative feedback and demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.
4. Use customer feedback to improve: Pay attention to the feedback provided in reviews. Identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to enhance the quality of your services.

By actively collecting and responding to reviews, you can build a positive online reputation and improve the effectiveness of your local service ads.

Utilizing Google’s Booking Service

Google offers a booking service for local service ads, allowing customers to schedule appointments directly through your ad. This feature provides convenience and ease of access for potential customers. Here’s how you can utilize Google’s booking service:

1. Enable the booking feature: Sign in to your Google My Business account and navigate to the “Services” section. Enable the booking feature and provide the necessary details, such as your availability and appointment duration.
2. Sync with your scheduling system: If you already use a scheduling system, integrate it with Google’s booking service to ensure seamless appointment management.
3. Optimize your booking process: Streamline the booking process by providing clear instructions and options for customers. Make it easy for them to select a convenient time slot and complete the booking.
4. Monitor and manage appointments: Regularly check your booking dashboard to stay informed about upcoming appointments. Ensure timely communication with customers to confirm appointments and address any changes or cancellations.

By utilizing Google’s booking service, you can enhance the user experience, streamline the appointment process, and attract customers who prefer the convenience of online booking.

By implementing these optimization strategies, you can maximize the effectiveness of your local service ads, attract more customers, and grow your business. In the next section, we will explore the policies and guidelines that govern local service ads.

Understanding Local Service Ads Policies and Guidelines

Understanding the policies and guidelines that govern local service ads is essential to ensure compliance and maintain a positive advertising experience. In this section, we will explore Google’s advertising policies and the specific guidelines for local service ads.

Google’s Advertising Policies

Google has a set of advertising policies in place to maintain a safe and trustworthy advertising platform. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these policies to ensure that your local service ads comply with them. Here are some of the key advertising policies:

1. Prohibited Content: Google prohibits the promotion of certain content such as illegal activities, counterfeit goods, and discriminatory practices.
2. Prohibited Practices: Google does not allow ads that engage in deceptive practices, such as misleading claims or fraudulent behavior.
3. Restricted Content: Certain content, such as adult-oriented material or restricted healthcare products, may have additional restrictions or requirements for advertising.
4. Landing Page Quality: Google emphasizes the importance of providing a positive user experience on your landing pages. Ensure that your website meets the quality guidelines and provides relevant and useful information to users.

By adhering to Google’s advertising policies, you can ensure that your local service ads meet the platform’s standards and maintain a positive online presence.

Local Service Ads’ Specific Guidelines

In addition to Google’s general advertising policies, there are specific guidelines that apply to local service ads. These guidelines are designed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the services being promoted. Here are some important local service ads guidelines:

1. Business Verification: Google verifies the qualifications and background of service providers before displaying their local service ads. Ensure that your business meets the verification requirements to be eligible for local service ads.
2. License and Insurance Requirements: Depending on the nature of your services, you may need to provide proof of licenses and insurance coverage to comply with Google’s guidelines.
3. Service Areas: Local service ads require service providers to specify their service areas accurately. Ensure that your service areas are clearly defined and aligned with the locations you can serve.
4. Job Type Accuracy: Select the job types that accurately represent the services you offer. Avoid misrepresenting your services by selecting inappropriate job types.

It’s important to review and comply with these specific guidelines to ensure that your local service ads meet Google’s requirements and provide accurate information to potential customers.

If you would like help setting up your Local Service Ads, or would like for us to handle all of your marketing needs, contact Soulweb today to set up a free discovery call.