Have a specific service in mind or looking to share more about your project goals? Fill out the form on this page and one of our sales specialist will get back to you ASAP.
The Local Services Ads unit is shown at the top of Google Search results when people are searching for the services you offer in your area. These are very basic ads that include your NAP info (Name, Address, Phone number), review rating, Google Guaranteed badge, and business hours. In order to receive the “Google Guaranteed” badge, your business must go through an application process including background checks, as well as business license and insurance checks. When seeing your ad, potential customers can either call you or send you a message request by clicking on your ad. When they do, you’ll get an email and notification from the Local Services ads app. From this point on, it is up to you to convert the lead into a customer.
When you become a Google Guaranteed business, Google will provide their users with an extra layer of protection. If your customers aren’t satisfied with your work quality, Google may refund up to the amount paid for jobs booked through Local Services ads, with a lifetime cap for coverage of $2,000.
Another benefit of Google Local Services Ads is the review features. Google will automatically ask a booked lead for a review. You can also go into the app or desktop dashboard and ask for a review. Not only does this make your life easier and increase the chance of you getting a review, but the review itself becomes a Google verified review. The verified review is extra helpful for users looking for your service as well as it is helpful for Google to know how satisfied their users are with the business they are guaranteeing.
These ads are currently only available to some industries and in select cities across the United States.
To become a Google Guaranteed business you will need to complete their verification process. The verification process includes a Background Check of the business and the field workers. You will also have to submit proof of liability insurance and any other licenses or registrations the business holds.
Background checks are required for the business owner(s) and field employees (including independent contractors and temporary workers). Office workers, customer support, etc. do not have to undergo a background check. They are conducted for free by Pinkerton, a third party service provided by Google. An authorized representative has to complete the background check for the business. That person will also give them a list of the company’s field workers will have to complete their own background check. Keep in mind, this is a very basic background check, checking the most serious offenses like sex offender- and terrorist registries.
– You will have to scan and upload proof of liability insurance.
– You will also need to enter information about any licenses or registrations your business currently holds.
One of the great benefits of Google Local Service Ads is you only pay per lead. You set your average weekly budget, Google gets you the leads, and then you pay for them. The cost varies depending on what city you’re located in and what services you provide. You will receive a monthly itemized invoice, so there is no need to pay up front.
If you receive an invalid charge, you can dispute the charges. For example: if you’re charged for a lead that is a sales call or someone enquiring about a service you don’t offer.
Types of charged leads are eligible for a credit:
Local Services Ads could be a great profit-generator for your business, and at the very least you will have a Google Guaranteed badge which is valuable in itself. Once you have gone through the processes to be approved by Google, the Local Servies Ads do not require nearly as much maintenance as an AdWords campaign or most forms of PPC advertising. If your business falls into one of the categories of services and you are located in one of the available locations, it is definitely worth testing out.
Do you have an itch to get started with Local Services Ads? Feel free to reach out for a free consultation!
Please use the calendar to the right to book an initial meeting with our sales team.
Have a specific service in mind or looking to share more about your project goals? Fill out the form on this page and one of our sales specialist will get back to you ASAP.
The Odd Dog office will be closed with limited coverage from the afternoon of Tuesday, December 24, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Happy Holidays!
