Google Guaranteed or Local Services Ads.
We all have our opinions about paid search campaigns. You know, Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc.
Some have tried it. Some are using it successfully now, while others have thought about trying it. And others think it is the biggest waste of money possible.
Having been trained in Google Ad campaigns since 2012, formally by Google and having personal contact with some of the top Google Ad gurus in the country, I’m in a pretty good position to answer the question….
Who is right? The people who believe paid search can be a great source of new leads and revenue, or the people who believe it is a colossal waste of money and time?
They’re both right. It CAN be a great waste of money if the person managing the account simply sets it up through Google and gives them their credit card. Google will set you up on their “starter” program and if you’re not careful you will have money vacuumed out of your wallet each month.
But, it CAN be a huge money maker for small business owners month after month, and as is the case for some of our clients- the primary source of all new leads and business. In those cases, your Google Ad campaign is setup and managed by a professional like me. :]
This article is not about Google Ads. This is about another Google paid service called Local Service Ads, or Google Guaranteed Ads. They rolled this program in 2015.
The difference between Google Ads & Local Service Ads is what happens when someone clicks on your ad.
When someone clicks a Google Ad they are taken to a URL (website home page or landing page).
When someone clicks on a Local Services Ad they are directed to make a phone call immediately.
You may be thinking you have never heard of this service, but I bet you’ve seen these ads when searching. Here’s a screenshot…
They are at the very top of the page, even above the Google Ads! And they all are backed by the Google Guarantee. Local Service Ads are Google’s version of Angi’s List.
When someone calls your business, Google has a record of the phone call, and will bill you for that lead. But only if the customer calls you, not if they click and don’t call. Lead prices vary greatly, it depends on your market size and the type of business you have.
When I set these accounts up, Google can give me a close estimate of your lead price before starting.
Here’s the catch, not every business category is eligible. As of today, here are most of the categories that are eligible:
- Appliance Repair
- Auto glass
- Auto repair
- Carpet cleaning
- Electrical
- Event planning
- Financial planning
- Garage door installation
- Home cleaning
- HVAC
- Junk Removal
- Lawn care
- Locksmiths
- Movers
- Pest control
- Pet grooming
- Photography
- Plumbing
- Roofing
- Tree services
- Water Damage Restoration
- Window cleaning
- Window repair
Google promises to keep adding categories and there are a few others, but that’s the main list for now. If you don’t see your category listed, contact me and I’ll check yours.
Why does Google select these and exclude others?
Because they’re Google. :[
Should you try Local Services Ads, if you are in one of those categories? That’s your decision, but we should absolutely discuss the pros and cons for you.