On the go? Listen to this blog below.

Google Local Service Ads can help your business engage a larger pool of customers and save money on advertising. Here’s our beginner’s guide to everything you need to know about the newest categories.

We all understand how important advertising and SEO are in a business strategy, but with Google Local Service Ads (LSAs), it’s never been easier to improve both. Google recently announced the addition of five new categories, opening the service to more than 70 types of businesses—from home services to pet care.

WHAT ARE GOOGLE LOCAL SERVICE ADS?

Take, for instance, you own an Orlando-based fitness studio. When users search for a “fitness studio in Orlando” and you’re utilizing Google LSAs, your business will be showcased at the top of search results. No matter your service category, you will only pay-per-lead (PPL) when a customer books, calls, or messages you through a posted ad. Simply put: You only pay for the most qualified leads, which means major savings on your advertising budget.

WHAT ARE THE NEW CATEGORIES?

While Google LSAs were originally designed for home listings, the ad platform has expanded to include a multitude of storefront and service area businesses. Any small and medium-sized enterprise is eligible to utilize Google LSAs, as long as the business fits in one of the available service categories and meets local license and insurance standards.  

The newest Google LSAs categories and subcategories are as follows:

• Education 
  • Beauty School
  • Dance Instructor
  • Driving Instructor
  • First Aid Training
  • Massage School
  • Language Instructor
  • Preschool
  • Tutoring
• People Care
  • Child Care
  • Funeral Home
• Health Care
  • Dental
• Pet Care
  • Animal Shelter
  • Pet Adoption
  • Pet Boarding
  • Pet Grooming
  • Pet Training
  • Veterinarian 
• Wellness
  • Acupuncturist
  • Personal Trainer
  • Yoga Studio
  • Weight Loss Center

WHAT OTHER CATEGORIES ARE INCLUDED?

Because the ad platform was created with a focus on home services, it makes sense that this category is the largest. From electrical work to carpentry and window repair, Google includes just about every home-related service a customer could possibly need. 

There is also a hefty law category, with a focus on a wide range of lawyers specializing in the areas of bankruptcy, DUI, traffic, immigration, and more.

The finance heading provides subcategories for financial planners and tax specialists, while the real estate category focuses on real estate agent services.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

You can set your desired budget on your business’ portal, based on the amount of monthly leads you would like. The Google budget estimate tool will determine your average cost from the zip code and industry of your business.

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR A SPAM LEAD?

Because your account is only charged when a qualified lead reaches out, there is a much lower chance of receiving invalid leads.

However, Google will mark a lead as spam if it meets the below criteria: 

• The requested service doesn’t match one that is advertised by your business.
• The lead is trying to sell something.
• The requested location is outside of your service range.
• A customer’s message, call, or booking was accidental, or contains invalid contact information.
• The lead was created by a spam or bot account.

START ORLANDO GOOGLE LOCAL SERVICE ADS TODAY

Are you ready to build a powerful advertising strategy using Google Local Service Ads? We offer Google LSAs management services for enhancing customer interactions, bringing more traffic to your business, and boosting your online ranking. Contact us to schedule an introductory call!