Supercharge your local services ads

This is a specialized program enabling local businesses to benefit more from Google. It helps to bring targeted and localized ads to potential customers close to the area of business. In addition, companies can pay to improve their rankings through advertisements, which helps ensure those reviews and ratings are from verified customers. 

First, you need to be a business that is able to offer its services in a local area. The typical companies that easily qualify are those in-home services, whether it's cleaning, roofing, electrician, plumbing, HVAC, or other types of home servicing businesses.

From there, you will need to sign up for an account for Local Service ads from Google, and you'll most likely need to provide proof of your business, such as your insurance and licensing documentation. But, again, it can vary based on the type of home services and by state and country.   

In essence, Google will do a background check on the businesses interested in having this product. That means the documentation mentioned above, screening about their location, and verifying other information. Unfortunately, it's also possible to be kicked out of the program for poor reviews and many customer complaints. 

On top of being part of the Local Service Ads, there’s another level of screening and verification that can be done for Home Services. This means that the business has been able to show criteria such as the right insurance and licensing. It's also possible for customers themselves to get a refund in some cases for poor service. 

Remember that this also allows customers to be covered when they use home services with the Google Guarantee badge. The amounts covered can change; typically, a claim is valid from 180 days of the service or purchase. The amount that can be refunded is up to Google itself, with a lifetime limit of $2,000 in the United States, and varies based on each country. 

Any small business owner that's looking to grow their online presence on a local level can take advantage of this product. Some areas, such as Home Services, get the most out of this product by helping their local customers or potential leads find them quickly. The increased local visibility that comes with local service ads will provide more lead opportunities for actual potential customers calling, which leads to more growth and, with the right service, better ratings and reviews.  

Google Ads works on a bidding-style methodology where you pay for every click on your advertisement. It can be quite costly, and not always easy to see positive results or ROI. With Google Local Service Ads, you only pay when a qualified lead actually contacts your business via phone, voicemail, email, or text. The advertisement is also focused on the local area with more relevant information, such as what the business offers and its pricing, ratings, and ways to get in touch. 

It’s hard to gauge because it's really based on how large your budget is, your local competition, the industry, and the sub-sector you're in. It can also technically cost as much as your budget or per campaign, so you can set the amount you want to spend to see the results.