Google screened local listing is a relatively new program being rolled out by Google. This Google local service has been in beta for a while and is still available in only certain locations (usually larger cities- see list f current cities available at the bottom of this blog). These Local Services ads help you connect with people who search on Google for the services you offer. Your ads will show up for customers in your service area, and you only pay if a customer calls you directly through the ad. Google screened ads are GUARANTEED LEADS.
Local Services Ads works with the budget you set for your business. You can increase or reduce the amount you spend at any time, or pause your ads altogether.
Currently, this Google Local service is only available to certain industries (see the table below) In order to earn the badge and become eligible, your business has to pass business-level and business-owner license and background checks.
However, unlike a similar program Google rolled out a few years ago, (Google Guaranteed), there’s no satisfaction or money-back guarantee with Google Screened Local Listing- this was a sticking point for adoption for many business owners to the previous program.
Some industries, ie the Law field, have more rigorous background requirements than others.
What Is Shown to Customer Searching on Google?
These listings are typically found at the top of Google. Your name, with the google “screened badge” is shown. The ads are triggered when a user in your defined geographic area searches for your service or puts in a certain keyword respective to your business. The ad also includes a photo of you, your hours, and a clickable call button that the customer can call you directly.
(please note, I do not work with any of these attorneys, this is for demonstration purposes only) This is the result for the highly competitive term “orlando accident attorney”. You will notice the Google screened listing shows on the top above all PPC ads, Google Maps and other organic results. Pretty powerful stuff.
How Much Do Google Screened Local Service Ads Cost?
In Google’s Local Service, You control the budget. You determine the amount you are willing to pay. (If you are unsure how to price leads, call me and I will help, but a good rule of thumb is that the customer return plus 20 percent operation cost should be more than you spend. You should have a near estimate of what every customer conversion brings.) In Google’s local service you are charged when the call lasts for more than 30 seconds. You have a predetermined weekly budget that caps the total amount of cost for the leads you receive. Similar to Google Adwords, while your daily leads may vary, you wont exceed the weekly budget. One of things I like to this, similar to Ntaker and NGage and other pay by lead platforms I have worked with is that you have the ability to dispute invalid leads and receive a refund for those calls that aren’t qualified.
Why Are Local Service Ads Important?
As Google begins to implement this system, PPC and organic search ads are going to be pushed down the SERP. Based on the previews I’ve seen, the new Local Service format could take up as much as a quarter to half of the top of the page. While it’s too early to discern the impact that this new platform will have on the effectiveness of PPC and SEO, I think the impact will be significant.
To find out more about Local Service Ads and what you need to do to earn your badge, contact me by clicking on the box below or calling me at 407-227-0741 or emailing me at Robert@paperboatmedia.comUntil Next Time, Your Small Business Digital Advisor,
Dr. Robert Urban
Dr. Robert Urban is Google-certified partner and sole proprietor of PaperBoat, a digital marketing agency. Robert is Best-selling author, Marine Combat veteran, and highly-respected advisor for small to mid-sized business throughout the Southeast United States. Paperboat is based in Deland, Florida and is uniquely positioned to serve both local and national clients. At this point in time, the Local Services Ads are only available for specific industries and regions. Examples of eligible industries are: appliance repair, architecture, carpentry, carpet cleaning, countertop services, electrical, event planning, fencing, financial planning, flooring, foundations, house cleaning, hvac, Interior design, junk removal, landscaping, law, lawn care, moving, pest control, pet care services, pet grooming, photography, plumbing, real estate, roofing, siding, tax services, tree services, video services, water damage services, window cleaning, window services The current available locations are mainly the bigger US cities, such as Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Charlotte, NC; Chattanooga, TN; Chicago, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH; Colorado Springs, CO; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Dayton, OH; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Fresno, CA; Ft. Myers-Naples, FL; Greensboro, NC; Greenville-Spartanburg, SC; Harford-New Haven, CT; Harrisburg, PA; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Jacksonville, FL; Kansas City, MO; Knoxville, TN; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA; Louisville, KY; Madison, WI; Memphis, TN; Miami, FL; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Nashville, TN; New York City, NY; Norfolk, VA; Oklahoma City, OK; Orlando, FL; Palm Springs, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; Raleigh-Durham, NC; Richmond, VA; Riverside, CA; Rochester, NY; Sacramento, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Savannah, GA; Seattle, WA; Spokane, WA; Springfield, MO; St. Louis, MO; Stockton, CA; Syracuse, NY; Tampa, FL; Toledo, OH; Tucson, AZ; Tulsa, OK; Washington DC, and Wichita, KS. Please note that not all services are available even in these eligible regions. If you would like to know if your industry and region is eligible, you can sign check google directly and it will tell you whether or not you are at the local services page. Google is constantly expanding locations and industries.