For local businesses, standing out in search results is more competitive than ever. Local Services Ads (LSAs) offer a prime opportunity to appear at the very top of Google, connecting you directly with local customers ready to book. Unlike traditional ads, these focus on building trust and driving qualified leads.

Google Local Services Ads: What Are They and How Do They Work?

Google Local Services Ads are paid advertisements that appear at the top of Google Search results for local queries. They are distinctly designed for service-based businesses like plumbers, electricians, lawyers, and real estate agents.

Local Services ads show your business, phone number, hours, star rating, and reviews, and they allow people who find your business on Google to contact or send a message directly from your ad. You get paid for each legitimate lead generated by your Local Services ad.

Google Local Services advertisements are an inexpensive way for local businesses to generate web leads and sales while also earning the confidence of local buyers. Local Services and ad management services from Digital It Hub focus on operating your business while you focus on talking with them.

What Benefits Do Google Local Services Advertising Offer?

Your service business will receive more attention (and leads) if it appears in relevant local service ad search results, which will result in more enduring relationships with local clients. And because you only pay for each lead you receive rather than per click, local service ads are actually one of the most cost-effective paid advertising techniques you can use. Any small business can profit from using Google Local Service Advertising to improve their online visibility, including the following:

• Top Visibility: Your business appears above paid search ads and organic listings.
• Google Guarantee: Earn the trusted green checkmark badge, which builds instant consumer confidence.
• High Quality Leads: Connect with customers who have high intent and are actively searching for your specific services.
• Voice Search Optimization: LSAs are heavily featured in voice search responses on Google Assistant devices.

1. Enhance the settings for your ads

To get the most out of your campaigns, precise configuration is key. Don't just set it and forget it. Regularly review your Job Types and Service Areas.

Ensure you haven't selected job types you don't actually perform, as this wastes budget on irrelevant leads. Similarly, refine your service areas to target zip codes where you are most profitable, excluding areas that are too far to travel effectively.

2. Business Information & Bio

It is critical to include as much useful information as possible in your profile. People will look at your business bio when they view your Local Service Ad, so use this space wisely.

In addition to essentials like hours of operation and contact info, use your bio to tell your unique value proposition. What distinguishes you from competitors? Mention your qualifications, certifications, guarantees, and years in business.

Keywords to Target

Conducting extensive target keyword research helps increase the visibility of your Local Service Ad in local search results. Include hyper-local long-tail keywords and relevant search terms directly related to your service industry in your bio and description.

3. Use Custom Images

Avoid generic stock photos. Using authentic, high-quality custom images helps build trust before a customer even calls. Showcase your team, your branded vehicles, and before-and-after photos of your work.

Real images give potential customers a sense of who will be showing up at their door, which is crucial for local service providers entering people's homes.

4. Improve Your Online Reviews

Your star rating is one of the most prominent features of your LSA. Businesses with higher ratings and more reviews consistently rank higher and get more leads.

5. Follow Up and Interact in Inquiries

Responsiveness is a ranking factor. Google rewards businesses that answer calls and respond to messages quickly. Missing calls can hurt your ad ranking.

Use the Google Local Services Ads mobile app to manage leads on the go. Mark leads as "booked" or "archived" promptly to signal to Google that your business is active and effectively managing the lead flow.