Google could take up 25% of the digital advertising market by 2025. If you want to boost local advertising ROI, you need Google Local Service Ads. This form of local advertising for small business success can help you get ahead of the competition!

Not sure how to maximize local service ads? Read on for the strategies you can use to start reaching new customers. Ensure success with these Google Local Ad ROI tips today!

Configure Your Ads Account

Before using the rest of these effective local ad strategies, configure your account. Use an individual Google Ads account if you have one location. If you run a multi-location business, use a manager account instead.

A manager’s account will give you a bird’s eye view of every campaign within multiple accounts. You can control multiple Google Business Profiles in one space.

Take the time to monitor your campaigns for different locations over time. You can make adjustments to your campaigns to improve your ROI. Neglecting your campaigns could lead to overspending.

If you plan to open more locations later, start with a manager account. Otherwise, you may encounter the headache of switching over in the future.

Limit Your Reach

You can enhance Google ad performance by limiting your reach. Reaching a relevant audience group can reduce unnecessary spending. Focus on local consumers within your market radius.

Running ads in too many markets can hurt your credibility. You won’t establish yourself as the best provider in the area.

The factors that influence your ad rankings will become diluted. This can hurt your relevance to the target audience and rankings. Lower rankings will limit your brand visibility and reach.

Instead, remain laser-focused on a smaller audience group. Avoid running blanket ads that reach multiple locations. Instead, run separate ads that appeal to smaller audience groups.

Optimize Your Profile

Optimize your Google Business profile. Your Google Local Service Ads account will display information about your business. If your profile doesn’t provide relevant information, you won’t reach your target audience.

Your profile should include your:

  • Business name
  • Business hours
  • Address
  • Service area
  • Photos from previous jobs
  • List of services you provide
  • Customer reviews
  • Website
  • Phone number

Providing relevant information will ensure you reach local customers. About 33% of mobile searches are related to location. You can appear for these searches to generate more leads.

Confirm that your certifications (including professional licenses) are up-to-date. Otherwise, Google may stop running your ads.

If any of this information changes, update your profile as soon as possible. Make sure the information matches exactly what appears on your website. This includes abbreviations in street names.

Don’t Over-Promise

Over-inflating your profile could cause you to unintentionally upset customers. For example, you may mention a 24-hour service window. Perhaps you mention services your team doesn’t provide.

Upsetting customers can lead to negative reviews. As future customers read these reviews, you could lose leads.

Google ranks ads based on each company’s responsiveness and ad relevance. If you claim you’re open 24-7, but don’t respond to customers at night, your ranking will drop. Instead, remain honest when updating your profile.

Link to Other Assets

Link your Google Local Service Ads account to other Google accounts. Start by claiming and optimizing your Google Business profile. You should create your Local Service Ads profile with the same account.

This enables businesses to pull information from their existing Google Business profiles automatically. Your Local Service Ads account will automatically pull customer reviews from your profile.

Use your Google Business account to save you valuable time. Linking the accounts will improve your digital authority, too.

Generate Positive Reviews

Your ads won’t appear in front of customers if you have a Google Business ranking of three stars or lower. Focus on generating positive reviews to improve your ad rankings.

Positive reviews can have a major impact on your ability to sway customers. Over 90% of customers say online reviews impact their buying decisions. Another 81% use Google to evaluate local businesses.

Don’t delete any negative reviews you receive. Instead, respond and let customers know you want to help. Try to find a solution that works for everyone.

Once you improve your rankings, keep encouraging customers to post reviews. This will build your online presence. It also shows customers you care about their needs and best interests.

Get the Guarantee

You can get the Google Guarantee badge by completing a screening and verification process. This checkmark will help your business stand out from others online.

Having the Google Guarantee will build brand trust. Consumers will feel more inclined to choose your brand over another.

The screening and verification process can vary between industries. The process usually involves:

  • Background checks
  • Verifying your certificate of insurance
  • Proof of appropriate licensure

Respond Immediately

Respond the moment you receive a lead through Local Service Ads. Google will display your response times on listings. Quick responses also affect your ad rankings.

Develop a strategy for responding to inquiries quickly. For example, you can make real-time response options available. Offer live chat, Facebook Messenger, or SMS messaging options.

Schedule your ads to appear only when you’re available to respond to calls and texts. Otherwise, you could waste your budget. Use automation to respond to leads when you’re not available.

Adjust Your Budget

Unlike Google Ads, with Local Service Ads, you pay for leads, not clicks. Your budget will still affect how many leads you generate.

Consider starting your campaign with the bid mode “Maximize Leads.” Google will set your bid for you.

Test different bid modes to determine what works best for you and your budget.

Local Advertising for Small Business Success

Google Local Service Ads can help you reach new customers and generate more leads. Use these tips for better local advertising for small business success. Improve your approach over time to boost your ROI.

Trust our team at Optic Marketing Group. Our full-service marketing agency can boost your business with cross-channel marketing.

We can get you in front of clients before the competition. Get ready to generate quality leads faster than ever before. Contact us today to accomplish your business goals.