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Boost Your Local Business with Google Local Services Ads

In today’s world, local businesses need to stay ahead of the curve to reach customers right when they need them. Google is always finding new ways to help businesses, and Local Service Ads (LSAs) are a great tool for that. In this blog, I will break down how LSAs work and how you can use them for your local business.

Floor Linskens
September 18, 2024
3 Min

Local Services Ads are designed specifically for local service providers, helping them reach potential customers who are ready to book. These ads show up right at the top of the search results. And that top spot matters: click-through rates can drop by nearly 50% between the first and tenth search positions.

The Power of Local Search

Let's take the following as an example: A homeowner wakes up to find their kitchen sink clogged, water slowly backing up, and the situation quickly becoming a minor disaster. They grab their phone, type in “plumbers near me,” and there, at the very top of the search results, is your business.

In that moment, you’ve already made a powerful first impression. The customer sees that your business is trustworthy and local, and you’re just one click away from securing a new client. Google Local Services Ads were built for these types searches, connecting businesses with customers who are actively looking for their services.

What makes LSAs even more powerful is how they appear above traditional search ads and organic results, giving your business prime visibility when it matters most. Whether you’re a plumber, a locksmith, or a home repair specialist, LSAs ensure that your business is seen first, ahead of competitors who rely on traditional ads.

Here’s what really makes LSAs valuable: they generate leads, not just clicks. Unlike other online ad formats where you pay every time someone clicks on your ad (even if they don’t contact you), LSAs only charge you when a potential customer take action, such as calling your business or sending a message. This is a crucial benefit for small businesses, particularly those operating on tight budgets. It ensures you’re only investing in customers who are ready to book your services, giving you more control over your ad spend and ensuring every dollar goes further.

Building Trust with Google’s “Google Guaranteed” Badge

In the world of local business, trust is everything. Customers want to know they’re choosing a reliable, reputable company, especially when it comes to services that affect their homes, families, or health. Google Local Services Ads offer a “Google Guaranteed” or “Google Screened” badge that adds a layer of credibility to your business.

Imagine a potential customer comparing two HVAC companies in their area. One has the “Google Guaranteed” badge, while the other does not. The customer will likely trust the one that Google has verified, knowing that their home and comfort are in good hands. This trust can be the deciding factor between someone clicking on your ad or scrolling past it.

The “Google Guaranteed” badge signals to potential customers that your business has been thoroughly vetted by Google. It tells them that Google has verified your licenses, insurance, and background checks, giving customers peace of mind before they even contact you. This layer of credibility is especially important for local businesses where reputation and word-of-mouth are key drivers of success. The “Google Guaranteed” badge helps customers feel more comfortable reaching out, turning leads into loyal, long-term clients.

Maximizing Your ROI with Pay-Per-Lead

One of the biggest advantages of Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) is their pay-per-lead model. Unlike traditional ads, where you pay for every click (whether or not the person contacts you), with LSAs, you only pay when a potential customer takes real action—such as calling your business or messaging you directly. This makes sure you’re spending money on real leads—people who are actually interested in your services, not just browsing around.

For example, if you run a local HVAC service, you might receive a lot of clicks on a traditional ad, but only a fraction of those people may actually call to book a service. With LSAs, you only pay when someone contacts you, ensuring that every dollar you spend is directed toward people who are actively looking for your services.

For small businesses like spas, repair services, or plumbing companies, this is a huge advantage. It allows you to spend your advertising budget efficiently, investing only in customers who are ready to book. This makes LSAs one of the most cost-effective advertising options available, especially for businesses that rely on local customers.

Managing Your Reputation with Customer Reviews

Customer reviews play a critical role in the success of your LSAs. Not only do they appear right alongside your ad, but they also help build trust with potential customers. Positive reviews can make your business stand out from competitors, making it easier to convert leads into paying customers.

For instance, if you run a local landscaping service, having five-star reviews displayed next to your LSA will make a powerful impression on potential clients. When they see that other homeowners have had great experiences with your company, they’re more likely to choose you for their landscaping needs.

Encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews directly through LSAs is a smart way to enhance your online reputation. Google makes it easy for customers to submit reviews, allowing you to strengthen your credibility over time. As your business collects more positive reviews, your LSAs become even more effective, helping you attract more customers and establish a strong presence in your local market.

Saving Time and Staying in Control

Running ads can often feel like a full-time job, but Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) are designed to simplify the process for business owners. One of the best features of LSAs is the control they give you over key aspects of your advertising.

With LSAs, you can set your own budget, choose the specific areas where you want your ads to appear, and select which services you want to promote. This means you’re only paying for leads that are relevant to your business. For example, if you run an HVAC company, you can target specific neighborhoods where you want to receive leads, ensuring that your ads are only seen by potential customers in your service area.

You also have the flexibility to control your budget by setting daily or monthly limits, ensuring you never spend more than you’re comfortable with. This level of control is crucial for small businesses, helping you avoid overspending while maximizing the value of every lead. The ability to fine-tune your ads gives you peace of mind and ensures that your marketing efforts are focused on generating the best possible results.

How Roya Takes Google LSAs to the Next Level

Roya helps small businesses take full advantage of Google Local Services Ads by automating and streamlining many aspects of campaign management. With Roya, you can easily manage your ad spend, target specific neighborhoods, and continuously optimize your ads to attract the most valuable leads.

Roya saves you time by automating key tasks, like adjusting your budget based on demand, analyzing ad performance, and refining your ad copy to connect better with your audience. This means you don’t have to spend hours managing your ads manually—Roya handles the heavy lifting for you.

With Roya, you can also track how well your LSAs are performing in real-time. This gives you valuable insights into which leads are converting into actual customers and helps you refine your strategy as needed. Whether it’s adjusting your ads to focus on specific services or tweaking your target areas, Roya ensures that your LSAs are always working to deliver the best possible results.

By combining Google LSAs with Roya’s AI-driven tools, you’ll not only maximize your ad performance but also save time and money, allowing your business to grow smarter and faster.

FAQs

1. What are Google Local Services Ads (LSAs)?

Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) are ads designed to help local businesses appear at the top of search results when potential customers search for services in their area. LSAs also include a pay-per-lead model, meaning you only pay when someone contacts your business, making them cost-effective for small businesses.

2. How does the Google Guaranteed Badge help my business?

The Google Guaranteed Badge builds trust with potential customers by showing that Google has verified your business. It increases your credibility and makes it more likely that customers will choose your business over competitors.

3. What is the pay-per-lead model in LSAs?

Unlike traditional ads that charge for every click, LSAs only charge you when a customer contacts you directly through the ad. This ensures that your budget is spent on genuine leads rather than casual browsers.

4. How can I improve my LSAs with customer reviews?

Displaying customer reviews alongside your LSAs enhances your credibility and makes your business stand out. Encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews can increase the effectiveness of your ads by building trust with potential clients.

Still have questions?

Contact us for further assistance.

Target High-Intent Local Searches: Use Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) to appear at the top of search results for local, high-intent customers looking for services right now.

Leverage the Google Guaranteed Badge: Build instant trust with potential clients by displaying the Google Guaranteed or Google Screened badge.

Pay-Per-Lead Model: Only pay when a potential customer contacts you, ensuring your ad spend goes toward high-quality leads, not casual clicks.

Boost Credibility with Reviews: Display customer reviews alongside your LSAs to build trust and stand out from competitors.

Control Your Ad Spend: Set daily or monthly budget limits, adjust service areas, and refine your ad copy for maximum ROI.

Use AI to Save Time and Money: Tools like Roya automate tasks such as budget adjustments, performance tracking, and ad copy optimization to ensure your LSAs perform at their best.

Written by:
Floor Linskens
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