Google has recently made changes to the way ads are displayed in Google Maps.
Google Maps is no longer considered a search partner and has been incorporated into the Google search network.
This means that if your account is set to Google Search Partners then your ads may no longer be eligible to be displayed in google maps. Ads with location extensions will now be displayed in local finder results for campaigns set to run only on the Google search network.
Google’s search results page typically displays 3 google maps results. If you choose to view more places you will be directed to the Google maps page displaying the local finder results for your search query. Now due to the changes Google has made, ads with the location extensions are eligible to show up on the top of the list.
Aside from the fact that another haven for organic search results have now been bumped down under paid ads, this is something that local advertisers can use to further target local traffic.Paying advertisers that don’t show in the top three maps results on the front page, now have a chance to be seen at the top of the local finder page should the user choose to click through to see more maps results.
How do you make sure you are doing everything you can to target local users?
If your business relies on local searches to gain valuable qualified traffic, take these three easy steps to make the most of these changes.
1. Ensure your Google my business profile is up to date.
2. Ad locations extensions to your campaign.
3. Adjust your bids according to locations to target searches that are within your serviceable area.
