Businesses have been using Local Search Ads since Google launched the new feature in 2015, bringing them one step closer to their ideal customer.
With Local Search Ads, service-based businesses, like law firms, could opt-in to show their ads to local customers who were searching for their services on Google. On June 20, 2024, advertisers using LSAs were notified that Google had updated this feature to allow businesses to run Google ads for iOS.
Google Maps Ads has many benefits, which we will cover, but there is also one considerable drawback to opting out. Here, we will explain everything you need to know about Google Maps Ads for iOS, how to begin advertising on Google Maps, and potential benefits and drawbacks.
How Does Google Ads for iOS Work?
Law firms already using local service ads will now be able to advertise local ads on Google Maps for iOS, meaning their ads will appear when someone searches for a service-based business in their area. What is great about this update is that it brings your company closer to customers further along in the buying process, bringing in more leads. Plus, advertising on Google Maps is straightforward if you have already used their local service ads feature.
Google creates these Google Maps ads using a business’s existing ad data and user reviews on Google search engines. No extra information or work is needed on the business’s end.
How Much Does It Cost?
The good news is that there are no extra fees for using ads on Google Maps. If you are already set up in billing, you’re already good to go. Your existing bids, which are the amounts you’re willing to pay for a lead, will also be used.
What Do You Need to Do to Opt In?
Google has made it easy for businesses to advertise on Google Maps for iOS if they already use LSAs. If you’re using Google’s local service ads, Google will do the work for you by using your existing ad data and user reviews to generate new ads. Below are some examples of what that could look like for your business.
What Are the Drawbacks of Google Maps Ads?
If you don’t want to start using ads in Google Maps, then there is one big caveat. You will have to disable local service ads, meaning your ads will no longer show up to potential clients when they do a Google search.
Also, if your potential clients are non-iOS users, then they won’t be able to see your ads on the Google Maps app. Currently, the update only applies to the iOS version of the Google Maps app.
Can I See How My Ads Are Doing?
Yes. According to Google, businesses can review their history to see how well their Google Maps ads are performing. There are three different types of clicks that Google is tracking:
- Location detail clicks, where people click to expand ads;
- Direction clicks, where people click to get directions; and
- Mobile clicks-to-call clicks, where people click to call your business.
You can track these by going to Campaigns, ad groups, ads, or keywords.
Rundown
Here is a quick recap of the most important points to remember for using Google Maps Ads:
- There are no additional fees or payment required,
- There is no requirement to opt in to Google Maps ads if you’re already using LSAs, and
- Businesses cannot opt out without disabling LSAs.
If local service ads have been helpful for your business, we’d recommend taking advantage of this new update to advertise on Google Maps. The update is easy to use from the start and should help businesses gain more qualified leads faster.
