Drive Local Success with Google Local Services Ads Categories
If you’re a local business owner struggling with low online visibility and high customer acquisition costs, local services ads categories can be your game-changer.
Quick Answer: What are Local Services Ads Categories?
- Home Services: General contractors, plumbers, electricians, and more
- Wellness: Acupuncturists, yoga studios, personal trainers
- Pet Care: Pet boarding, grooming, training
- Education: Dance and language instructors, preschools
- People Care: Child care centers
Google Local Services Ads are incredibly important for driving local traffic and attracting high-quality leads. These ads appear at the top of Google search results, offering a streamlined, trustworthy solution for anyone searching for services like “kitchen renovators near me” or “local HVAC companies.” By leveraging these ads, your business can not only boost visibility but also gain customer trust through badges like Google Guaranteed and Google Screened.
I’m Ahmed Elmahdy, the founder and CEO of Rocket Launch Media. With over a decade of experience in local SEO and Google Ads, I’ve helped over 500 clients improve their search rankings and customer acquisition strategies using local services ads categories.
What are Google Local Services Ads?
Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) are a specialized advertising platform that connects local service providers with potential customers in their immediate vicinity. These ads appear at the very top of Google Search results, even above traditional paid search ads. LSAs are designed to help businesses attract quality leads by showcasing essential business information, such as services offered, service area, hours of operation, and customer reviews.
Purpose
The main purpose of LSAs is to make it easier for customers to find and hire trusted local service providers. When a user searches for a service like “plumbers near me,” LSAs display the top-rated and verified businesses in that category. This helps users quickly connect with reliable professionals, saving them time and effort.
Benefits
There are several key benefits to using LSAs:
- Improved Visibility: LSAs appear at the top of search results, making your business highly visible to potential customers.
- Quality Leads: You only pay for valid leads, such as phone calls or messages from interested customers.
- Customer Trust: Badges like Google Guaranteed and Google Screened provide an extra layer of trust and credibility.
- Cost-Effective: LSAs are charged on a per-lead basis, making them a cost-effective option for local businesses.
Google Guarantee
One of the standout features of LSAs is the Google Guarantee badge. This badge indicates that Google has verified the business, ensuring it meets specific quality standards. Google even offers a money-back guarantee (up to $2,000) for customers who are unsatisfied with the service provided by a Google Guaranteed business. This adds a significant level of trust and can drastically improve customer confidence.
Google Screened
For businesses in the care, learning, or wellness industries, the Google Screened badge is available. This badge indicates that the business has been thoroughly vetted by Google, ensuring it is fully licensed and meets all necessary qualifications. Like the Google Guarantee, this badge helps build trust with potential customers.
In summary, Google Local Services Ads are a powerful tool for local businesses looking to boost their visibility and attract quality leads. By leveraging badges like Google Guaranteed and Google Screened, businesses can gain an edge over competitors and build trust with potential customers.
Next, let’s dive into the Local Services Ads Categories to see which industries can benefit from this advertising platform.
Local Services Ads Categories
Google Local Services Ads have expanded to support more than 70 types of businesses. This makes it easier for local businesses to connect with potential customers who need their services.
Newly Added Categories
Google recently added five new categories to the Local Services Ads platform: education, people care, pet care, wellness, and health care. This means even more businesses can take advantage of this advertising tool.
Education
Businesses in the education sector can now use Local Services Ads to reach students and parents. Whether you’re a dance instructor or run a preschool, these ads can help you connect with your local community.
People Care
The people care category includes services like child care centers. These businesses can use Local Services Ads to attract families looking for trusted caregivers.
Pet Care
Pet care services have also been added. This includes pet grooming, pet boarding, pet training, and even animal rescue. Pet owners can easily find and book services for their furry friends.
Wellness
Wellness services like yoga studios, personal trainers, and acupuncturists are now eligible. This makes it easier for individuals seeking wellness services to find and book appointments.
Health Care
Health care services such as dentists, chiropractors, and optometrists are also included. These businesses can now reach patients who need immediate care or routine check-ups.
Complete List of Eligible Industries
In addition to the new categories, Local Services Ads cover a wide range of other industries. Here are some examples:
- Home Services: General contractors, plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians.
- Legal Services: Lawyers specializing in various fields like bankruptcy, criminal law, and personal injury.
- Financial Services: Financial planners and tax services.
- Real Estate Services: Real estate agents and property managers.
For a complete and always up-to-date list of eligible industries, you can check the Google Local Services Ads official page.
By expanding the local services ads categories, Google has made it easier for a wide variety of businesses to reach local customers. Whether you’re in education, people care, pet care, wellness, or health care, Local Services Ads can help you grow your business.
Next, let’s look at How to Set Up Local Services Ads to get started.
How to Set Up Local Services Ads
Setting up Google Local Services Ads is straightforward and can significantly boost your local visibility. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Sign-Up Process
- Sign in to Google Ads: If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one.
- Steer to Local Services Ads: Click on the “Local Service Ads” tab.
- Enter Business Information: Provide details like your business name, phone number, and website.
Business Information
You’ll need to provide detailed information about your business. This includes:
- Business Name: Make sure it matches exactly with your legal business name.
- Phone Number: A tracking number will be displayed in your ad, which forwards to your business number.
Business Profile
Your business profile is what potential customers will see when they click on your ad. It should include:
- Services Offered: List all the services your business provides.
- Service Area: Specify the cities or regions you serve. This helps target local customers effectively.
- Business Hours: Clearly state when your business is open.
- Reviews: Customer reviews are crucial. They build trust and can significantly impact your ad performance. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews.
Service Area
Define your service area by selecting the cities or regions where you offer your services. This ensures your ads are shown to potential customers in your target area.
Hours
List your business hours accurately. This helps customers know when they can reach you.
Reviews
Reviews from your Google Business Profile and those collected directly through Local Services Ads will be displayed. Positive reviews can improve your ad’s credibility.
Example: A local plumbing business saw a 30% increase in leads after optimizing their reviews and business hours.
Verification
To ensure your business meets Google’s standards, you’ll need to:
- Verify Your Business: This may include background checks and license verification.
- Complete Your Billing and Budget: Set up your payment methods and budget preferences.
Once verified, your ads will appear at the top of Google search results.
Final Steps
- Review Your Information: Double-check all details for accuracy.
- Submit for Approval: Google will review your information and notify you once your ads are live.
Setting up Local Services Ads may seem complex, but following these steps can make the process smooth and efficient. Next, we’ll explore the Benefits of Using Local Services Ads.
Benefits of Using Local Services Ads
Using Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) can offer a range of benefits for local businesses. Below, we’ll explore some of the key advantages, including cost-effectiveness, quality leads, phone calls, messages, appointment bookings, tracking performance, and managing leads.
Cost-Effective
One of the most significant benefits of Local Services Ads is that they are cost-effective. Unlike traditional advertising methods, you only pay for leads that contact you. This means you aren’t wasting money on clicks that don’t convert into actual customer inquiries.
“The price I paid per lead was extremely affordable compared to other forms of advertising,” said a satisfied business owner who used LSAs.
Quality Leads
Local Services Ads help you attract high-quality leads. Because these ads appear at the top of Google search results, they reach people who are actively looking for services like yours. This ensures that the leads you get have high purchase intent.
For example, a home services company reported, “With Local Services Ads, I’m getting phone calls every day from new customers and averaged 33 leads per month in Q4’22.”
Phone Calls, Messages, and Appointment Bookings
LSAs make it easy for potential customers to contact you. They can call, message, or book an appointment directly through the ad. This streamlined process increases the chances of converting leads into actual jobs.
Note: The booking feature is currently exclusive to home, legal, and real estate service businesses that have booking enabled with one of Google’s booking partners.
Tracking Performance
Google Local Services Ads come with built-in tools to track your ad performance. You can see how many leads you’re receiving, listen to call recordings, and monitor other key metrics like click-through rates and cost per lead.
“By regularly monitoring these metrics, you can gain insights into which aspects of your ads are working well and which may need improvement,” suggests a digital marketing expert.
Managing Leads
Managing leads is straightforward with LSAs. You can access your leads through your Local Services Ads account, either online or via the mobile app (available for both Android and iOS). Here, you can:
- Receive and manage leads
- Communicate with customers and record notes
- Track your leads
- View performance reports
- Pause your ad if you’re too busy to accept new leads
- Dispute charges for unqualified leads
“On average, we recover about 10% to 20% of our client’s Local Services ad spend each month by disputing unqualified leads,” says a PPC specialist.
By leveraging these benefits, local businesses can maximize their advertising ROI and grow more effectively. Next, we’ll dig into the Verified Badges: Google Guarantee and Google Screened.
Verified Badges: Google Guarantee and Google Screened
Google Guarantee Badge
The Google Guarantee badge is a green checkmark symbol that appears next to your business name in Local Services Ads. This badge is a signal to potential customers that Google has vetted your business for quality and reliability.
To earn this badge, businesses must meet several criteria:
- Background checks: Google conducts background checks on the business owner and employees.
- Licensing and insurance: Your business must have the proper licenses and insurance.
- Customer reviews: Google requires a minimum number of positive customer reviews.
The badge builds trust and customer confidence. It assures customers that Google backs the services you provide. If a customer is not satisfied with the service, Google may refund the amount paid, subject to terms and conditions.
Google Screened Badge
The Google Screened badge is another trust signal used in Local Services Ads. This badge is typically seen in professional services like law, financial planning, and real estate.
To get this badge, businesses must:
- Pass background checks: Similar to the Google Guarantee, but specific to professional services.
- Verify licenses: Ensure all professional licenses are up to date and valid.
- Maintain positive reviews: Consistently receive good reviews from customers.
This badge helps potential clients feel confident in choosing your services, knowing that Google has vetted your business credentials and customer satisfaction.
License Verified by Google Badge
For healthcare and other specialized services, the License Verified by Google badge is used. This badge confirms that Google has checked and verified the necessary licenses for your business.
- License verification: Google ensures that all required professional licenses are current and valid.
- Regular updates: Google periodically re-verifies licenses to maintain the badge.
This badge is crucial for industries where trust and compliance are paramount. It provides an extra layer of assurance for new patients or clients selecting your healthcare services.
Building Trust and Customer Confidence
Displaying any of these badges on your Local Services Ads can significantly boost customer trust and confidence. Here’s how:
- Immediate credibility: Badges show that Google has done the vetting for the customer.
- Higher click-through rates: Customers are more likely to click on ads with badges.
- Increased conversions: Trust leads to more bookings and service calls.
By earning these badges, businesses can stand out in search results and attract more high-quality leads.
Next, let’s explore the Industries Eligible for Local Services Ads.
Industries Eligible for Local Services Ads
Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) cater to a diverse range of industries, making it easier for local businesses to connect with nearby customers. Let’s explore the key categories and the complete list of industries eligible for LSAs.
Home Services
Home services are the backbone of LSAs. This category includes:
- General Contractors: Whether it’s building a new home or renovating an old one, contractors can showcase their services.
- Plumbers: From fixing leaks to installing new systems, plumbers can reach local customers quickly.
- Electricians: Offering everything from wiring to emergency repairs.
- Roofers: Essential for both new roof installations and repairs.
- HVAC Technicians: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services are always in demand.
Example: A roofing company in Denver used LSAs to appear at the top of search results for “roof repair near me,” leading to a 30% increase in inquiries and bookings.
Wellness
The wellness industry also benefits from LSAs. This category includes:
- Acupuncturists: Promoting alternative medicine practices.
- Personal Trainers: Connecting with clients looking to improve their fitness.
- Yoga Studios: Attracting local yoga enthusiasts.
- Weight Loss Services: Helping people achieve their health goals.
Fact: In September 2021, Google expanded LSAs to include more wellness services, enhancing visibility for these businesses.
Pet Care
Pet care services are a growing segment in LSAs. This category includes:
- Pet Boarding: Offering safe and reliable care for pets.
- Pet Grooming: Providing grooming services to keep pets looking their best.
- Pet Training: Helping pet owners with training and behavior management.
- Pet Adoption: Connecting potential pet owners with adoption services.
Case Study: A pet grooming business in Austin saw a 50% increase in appointments after using LSAs, thanks to the increased visibility and trust from the Google Guaranteed badge.
Education
Educational services are also part of the LSAs program. This category includes:
- Dance Instructors: Reaching out to students interested in dance classes.
- Preschools: Helping parents find quality early education options.
- Language Instructors: Connecting with students wanting to learn new languages.
Statistic: Google added education services to LSAs in September 2021, making it easier for these businesses to attract local students.
People Care
People care services are vital for community well-being. This category includes:
- Child Care Centers: Ensuring parents find trusted care for their children.
- First Aid Training: Offering essential training for emergencies.
News: Google expanded LSAs to include child care centers, recognizing the importance of accessible and trusted care services.
Complete List of Eligible Industries
In addition to the categories mentioned above, here is the complete list of business types eligible for LSAs in the United States:
- Appliance Repair Services
- Bankruptcy Lawyer Services
- Business Lawyer Services
- Carpet Cleaning Services
- Carpenters
- House Cleaning Services
- Countertop Services
- Criminal Lawyer Services
- Disability Lawyer Services
- DUI Lawyer Services
- Estate Lawyer Services
- Family Lawyer Services
- Fencing Services
- Financial Planning Services
- Flooring Services
- Foundations Services
- Garage Door Services
- Home Inspector
- Home Security
- Home Theater
- Immigration Lawyer Services
- IP Lawyer Services
- Junk Removal Services
- Labor Lawyer Services
- Landscaping Services
- Lawn Care Services
- Litigation Lawyer Services
- Locksmiths
- Malpractice Lawyer Services
- Moving Services
- Personal Injury Lawyer Services
- Pest Control Services
- Pool Cleaner
- Pool Contractor
- Real Estate Lawyer
- Real Estate Services
- Siding Services
- Snow Removal
- Tax Services
- Traffic Lawyer Services
- Tree Services
- Water Damage Services
- Window Cleaning Services
- Window Repair Services
- Yoga Studio
For a detailed list and to check your business eligibility, visit the Google Local Services Ads page.
Next, let’s dig into How Local Services Ads Work.
How Local Services Ads Work
Ad Preview and Business Profile
When you sign up for Local Services Ads, you provide crucial information about your business. This information is used to create your business profile, which is displayed as a preview in your ad. Users clicking on your ad will see this profile, which you can update anytime to keep information current.
Tracking Number
Your ad will display a tracking number that forwards calls to your business phone number. This helps you track the leads generated from your Local Services Ads effectively.
Location
Your business city or service area is shown in the ad. This could be the city where your business is based or the areas you service. This helps local customers find you easily.
Reviews
Reviews are a big part of your ad. They include reviews from your Business Profile and those collected through Local Services Ads. Reviews help build trust and showcase your reliability.
Business Hours
Your business hours are displayed so potential customers know when they can reach you. Keeping these updated ensures customers have accurate information.
Photos
You can upload photos to show your business and work. These images appear in your profile, giving customers a visual sense of your services. Make sure to follow the photo guidelines provided by Google.
Business Bio
Your business bio highlights important aspects of your business, like whether you offer free estimates or are locally owned. This helps customers understand what makes your business unique.
Verified Badges
Your ad might display a Google Guarantee, Google Screened, or License Verified by Google badge. These badges show that your business is trustworthy and vetted by Google.
For more details on how to set up and optimize your Local Services Ads, visit the Google Local Services Ads page.
Next, let’s dig into the Frequently Asked Questions about Local Services Ads Categories.
Frequently Asked Questions about Local Services Ads Categories
What are local classified ads?
Local classified ads are small advertisements typically found in newspapers, online platforms, or community boards. They are used by both businesses and individuals to promote products and services. Think of them as the “bulletin board” of the internet, where you can find anything from job listings to garage sales.
Example: A local plumber might place a classified ad in the town newspaper to attract new clients. Similarly, someone looking to sell a used car could post an ad on a website like Craigslist.
What is a local service ad?
A local service ad is a type of advertisement designed to help local businesses connect with customers in their area. These ads appear at the top of Google search results when someone looks for a specific service, like “plumbers near me.”
Quote: According to Google, “Local Service Ads allow you to advertise your services at the top of Google Search results pages and receive quality phone calls, messages, and appointment bookings.”
What type of advertising is local advertising?
Local advertising targets potential customers within a specific geographic area. It aims to increase brand recognition, visibility, and sales for local businesses. This can be done through various channels:
- Print: Newspapers, magazines, and flyers.
- Online: Google Local Service Ads, social media, and local websites.
- Outdoor: Billboards, bus shelters, and posters.
- Direct Mail: Postcards, brochures, and catalogs.
- Local Search Ads: Ads that appear in search engine results for local queries.
Example: A local yoga studio might use online ads, posters around town, and direct mail to attract new students.
How do Local Services Ads work?
Local Services Ads are a pay-per-lead model, meaning businesses only pay when a potential customer contacts them through the ad. These ads show key information like business hours, reviews, and services offered.
Fact: Google asserts that any Google Guaranteed business will “do the job right or your money back.” This builds consumer confidence and can set your business apart from competitors.
For more insights on how to make the most out of your Local Services Ads, visit the Google Local Services Ads page.
Next, let’s dig into the Benefits of Using Local Services Ads.
Conclusion
In summary, Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) are a game-changer for local businesses looking to attract quality leads and improve their online visibility. With categories spanning over 70 types, including home services, wellness, pet care, and education, LSAs provide a unique opportunity to connect with potential customers right when they need your services the most.
At Rocket Launch Media, we specialize in digital marketing strategies that drive ROI and help businesses thrive. Our custom services include PPC, SEO, Google Ads, and more. We focus on delivering customized strategies that ensure local engagement and maximize your advertising budget.
Our expertise in managing Local Services Ads means we’re well-equipped to help you steer this powerful advertising tool. From setting up your business profile to optimizing your ad spend, we ensure you get the most out of your marketing efforts.
Ready to lift your business with Google Local Services Ads? Visit our Local Search Services page to get started today. Let’s make your business the community buzz!
