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How to Set Up Local Services Ads for Your Business

by Shoiab Ganai

How to Set Up Local Services Ads for Your Business: A Complete Guide by Shoiab Ganai

If you’re a local business owner looking to reach more clients, Local Services Ads (LSAs) by Google can be a game-changer. Designed to help customers find reliable, nearby services, LSAs give your business visibility at the top of Google search results. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about setting up Local Services Ads to maximize local leads and build trust with your audience. Let’s get started!

What Are Local Services Ads (LSAs)?

Local Services Ads are a type of Google ad specifically for local businesses. LSAs allow businesses to showcase their services directly to nearby customers searching for help. Unlike Google Ads, where users pay per click, LSAs work on a pay-per-lead model. This means you’re charged only when a customer contacts you directly through the ad, making LSAs cost-effective and highly targeted.

Why Use Local Services Ads?

LSAs are especially valuable because they:

  • Boost Visibility: Your business appears right at the top of Google Search results.
  • Build Trust: LSAs display a “Google Guaranteed” badge after verification, reassuring potential customers of your credibility.
  • Generate Quality Leads: LSAs focus on capturing genuine leads, ensuring your ad spend is highly effective.

Steps to Set Up Local Services Ads for Your Business

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up LSAs for your business.

1. Check Eligibility and Create a Google My Business Account

Start by ensuring that your business qualifies for Local Services Ads. LSAs are typically available for businesses offering services in areas such as home repair, cleaning, wellness, and more. Check Google’s eligibility requirements for a full list.

Once you’re eligible, make sure you have an active Google My Business (GMB) profile, as LSAs are closely linked to GMB listings.

2. Set Up a Local Services Ads Account

Visit the Google Local Services Ads page and click on “Get Started.” You’ll need to log in using the Google account associated with your business.

3. Enter Business Information

Complete all the required details, including:

  • Business Name and Address
  • Service Area: Specify the locations you serve.
  • Services Offered: Choose services that align with your business.
  • Operating Hours: Set your available hours to let potential customers know when they can reach you.

4. Submit Business Verification

One of the most critical steps in setting up LSAs is verification. Google may require you to complete background checks or submit proof of insurance and licenses, depending on your industry. This step can take a few days to process but is essential for displaying the “Google Guaranteed” badge, a powerful trust signal for your ads.

5. Set Your Budget

LSAs work on a pay-per-lead basis, so you’ll only pay when potential clients contact you. Set a weekly budget to control your ad spend based on your business goals and local competition. Google provides estimates of lead costs per industry, so you can have an idea of your ad spend.

6. Create and Optimize Your Profile

Your LSA profile is where customers will learn about your services. To optimize:

  • Highlight Key Services: List specific services to attract the right clients.
  • Add Photos: Images of your work, team, or service vehicles help build trust.
  • Include Business Highlights: Share details like “free estimates” or “emergency services.”
  • Collect Positive Reviews: Reviews from your Google My Business profile automatically appear on your LSA profile, so encourage happy clients to leave feedback.

7. Activate and Monitor Your Ads

Once you complete the setup and verification, your ads will go live! It’s essential to monitor them regularly:

  • Track Leads: Review the number of calls or messages received.
  • Adjust Budget: If demand is high, you can increase your budget to capture more leads.
  • Respond to Reviews: Engaging with reviews builds trust and improves your profile’s attractiveness.

Best Practices for Optimizing Local Services Ads

To make the most of LSAs, follow these tips:

  • Respond Quickly to Leads: Google favors businesses that respond promptly to customer inquiries, which can improve your ad’s performance.
  • Encourage Reviews: Positive reviews play a significant role in building trust and improving your LSA ranking.
  • Use Precise Service Descriptions: Clearly define your services to attract the right customers.
  • Adjust Based on Performance: Regularly monitor ad performance and make adjustments to your budget and keywords if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Local Services Ads

Q: How much do Local Services Ads cost?
A: The cost per lead depends on your industry and location. You can control costs by setting a weekly budget, making LSAs flexible for various business sizes.

Q: Do I need a Google My Business profile for LSAs?
A: Yes, an active GMB profile is required to use Local Services Ads. Your LSA profile will display reviews and other details from your GMB listing.

Q: Can I turn off my ads when I’m unavailable?
A: Yes, you can pause your LSAs anytime, which is useful for businesses with seasonal demand or limited availability.

Conclusion

Setting up Local Services Ads is one of the best ways to reach local customers and grow your business. By following this guide, you’ll have everything you need to create an optimized, trustworthy LSA profile that attracts high-quality leads and builds customer confidence.

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