If you're ready to bring more visibility to your local business, Google’s Local Service Ads (LSAs) can be an incredibly effective tool, and we’re here to show you why. LSAs are designed to help local businesses connect with nearby customers seeking specific services. Our other LSA blog highlights more on this, but let’s go ahead and dive into the REAL reason you’re here.
By following a few setup steps and investing a little time in preparation, you can launch your LSAs and start reaching new clients right when they’re searching for your services. Here’s a quick guide to get you set up!
Before your ads can go live, you’ll need to go through a verification process. Verification helps confirm that your business is legitimate and capable of providing high-quality services to potential clients. Here’s what to expect:
Business Details: Provide accurate information about your business, such as your name, location, and service area.
Background Checks: For some industries, especially those requiring certifications or licenses (like locksmiths or electricians), background checks are mandatory. This is also a way to gain the "Google Guaranteed" badge, which adds credibility to your ads.
Insurance and Licensing: Be prepared to upload proof of insurance and any required licenses, which Google will review to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Tip: Having your documents ready beforehand can speed up this verification step.
Once verified, it’s time to set up your ad preferences. This step is crucial for targeting the right clients and getting the most out of your investment.
Service Categories: Select categories that accurately represent the services you offer. The more specific you are, the more likely you are to reach clients who need exactly what you provide.
Service Area: Choose the geographical area where you want your ads to appear. LSAs are meant to help you connect with local customers, so setting a clear service area is essential.
Operating Hours: Specify when you’re open for business. This ensures that clients know when they can reach you and also impacts when your ads will appear.
Pro Tip: Consider your client base and target areas that align with your strongest opportunities for business.
With LSAs, you only pay when a potential customer contacts you directly through the ad, making budgeting straightforward. Setting a budget is a vital part of the setup process as it controls how frequently your ad is shown.
Daily or Weekly Budget: Set a budget that aligns with your goals. Google will help estimate the number of leads you can expect based on your budget and competition in your area.
Bid Strategy: LSAs offer a bidding option that allows you to control your spend by setting a maximum bid for each lead. Alternatively, you can let Google optimize the bid for you based on your budget and lead goals.
Lead Tracking: Track how many leads come through your LSAs to determine if your budget is set correctly or if adjustments are needed.
Pro Tip: Start with a modest budget and review performance after a week or two. This gives you a chance to adjust based on actual results.
Google provides detailed instructions for setting up Local Service Ads, making it easy to navigate the process. These instructions cover everything from creating an account to setting up billing and optimizing ad performance. Following Google’s setup instructions closely will help you:
By following Google’s guidelines, you’ll get your ads launched faster and more efficiently.
Local Service Ads can be a powerful tool, but like any advertising platform, they work best with regular review and adjustment. Here are a few additional tips to keep your LSAs optimized:
Monitor Lead Quality: Keep an eye on the quality of leads you’re receiving. Are they from clients who genuinely need your services? Use this information to fine-tune your preferences and budget.
Respond Quickly: Google rewards businesses that respond promptly to leads. A quick response rate can help improve your ad ranking and increase visibility.
Gather Customer Reviews: Positive reviews can improve the effectiveness of your ads and help potential clients feel more confident in choosing your business.
Launching LSAs takes a bit of setup initially, but with these steps and the right expert advice in your corner, you’ll be more prepared than ever to reach more clients and grow your business. Our team of award-winning web developers and digital marketing experts at Fable Heart Media can not only help you launch your local service ads, but help you stay on top of the analytics and make adjustments as necessary, so you can stay ahead of competitions and, most importantly, your customer’s needs.
Book your complimentary consultation with our dedicated team today and let’s see if we make a good fit for your goals, audience needs and budget.