We'll be upfront about something here: only companies in San Diego and San Francisco can currently take advantage of this offer. But Google's rolling out something that should at some point help small businesses in a lot of places reach potential customers online.
Greg Sterling was introduced to an experiment called Google Local Listing Ads yesterday evening. They're small, text-only ads of the sort Google often displays, only the trick is that they're shown when people near a company's physical location search for a type of business.
Moreover, as a help page states, ads are shown on Google.com and Google Maps, the first 30 days are free, you then only need to pay "[a] flat monthly fee based on your location and business category," there are no bids or keywords to manage, and you can get a "[f]ull report on the number of calls, clicks to your ad, requests for driving directions, and clicks to your info window on Google Maps."
This is an interesting offering that should allow small businesses to compete in a pretty big arena.
If Google Local Listing Ads have caught your eye, Google's inviting people to fill out a form in order to see when the program will be available in a given area.
12 Steps to Using Google's Local Business CenterDon't Look Past Your Local Internet AudienceTips for Getting Your Business found in Local SearchesLocal TV Advertising Gets Easier with GoogleHow Are Small Businesses Marketing For the Holidays?Search as a Local Marketing ToolUsing Google to Reach Local CustomersGoogle Gives Local Business Center New Name, FeaturesLocal Business Listings With BingDo More With Your Local Business Ads in Google Maps | |||
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Comments
Ok, now I am confused. How
Visibility
Looks very interesting to
Looks very interesting to see how geo targeting works, we're curious to see what shows up in our areas for the nearest energy efficient window contractor or restaurant consultant.
Looks very interesting to
Looks very interesting to see how geo targeting works, we're curious to see what shows up in our areas for the nearest energy efficient window contractor or restaurant consultant.
Sounds good...
Like many other web site owners, I rely on Google to drive traffic to my safety and security web site but it's an online business only so this won't help me however, I know many business owners who have a physical presence in my local community that could benefit from this. Thanks, Doug.
I'm small business hear me roar
Since I've just been reading about how people make decisions based on factors like whether your business is on their way home, this sounds like it has a lot of potential.
Google Local Listing Ads Debut
This is great for the brick and mortar businesses. But we sell self defense and home security products online only, so it will not help us out much as far as I can see.
Sounds great, here in Italy
Sounds great, here in Italy we will waiting for this new Google ads.
A know that it's not easy to convert a searchr into a contact. I will evaluate the service when will be avalaible here in tialy
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