How to Create Google Maps Ads? The Easiest Way to Generate More Calls and Visits
Did you know that 76% of people who search for something local on their phone end up visiting a related business within a day? That's a lot of potential customers walking right past your door!
Imagine every phone in your neighborhood ringing with customers looking for your business. That's the power of Google Maps Ads. But Google Maps isn't just about getting from point A to point B anymore; it's a powerful marketing tool that businesses are tapping into to drive foot traffic and boost sales. With the introduction of ad types tailored specifically for Google Maps, the platform has evolved into more than just a navigation tool—it's now a dynamic marketplace where hotels, restaurants, and other location-based businesses can thrive.
Let’s talk about everything you need to master Google Maps Ads and find a ton of new customers who are already looking for businesses like yours in their neighborhood. Forget those old-fashioned marketing tricks; it's time to go from just getting by to totally dominating your local market.
What Does Google Maps Ads Mean?
So, what exactly are Google Maps Ads, you ask? Well, ever wonder how that awesome pizza place you just discovered always pops up on Google Maps when you're craving a slice? That, my friend, is what Google Maps Ads!
When someone's out and about searching for something nearby—let's say, a cafe —they'll stumble upon your business showcased right there on the map. These ads aren't just about getting noticed—they're about driving action. With a simple tap or click, customers can call you up or find their way straight to your doorstep.
So, how does it work? These ads land your business in three key places—mobile Google search, the Google Maps app, and desktop Maps. Whether it's appearing at the top of search results on mobile, popping up in-app searches, or dominating desktop views, your business gets prime visibility.
Google will charge you a standard cost-per-click (CPC) for these local search ads on Maps. Whether it's for location details, direct calls, or website visits.
How is Advertising on Google Maps Beneficial?
In today's hustle and bustle, Google Maps ads are a lifeline for those constantly on the move. They help people navigate the city and discover what they need, pronto.
Along with that, if you keep your business consistently visible on the map, you will catch the eye of potential customers. Even those initially uninterested might change their tune later on.
Additionally, with local search ads, you can laser-target your audience like never before. Whether it's by location, demographics, interests, or behaviors, you're reaching the right folks at the right time.
Another thing is marking the map. And why does it matter? Well,
Nearby means Now: Seeing your mark on the map can drive immediate action, with folks likely to visit your store or office within 24 hours.
Trust in the Tag: Those little pins? They build trust, plain and simple.
Snippet Success: A snippet of info is all it takes to guide people to your business online.
Key Features of Google Maps Ads
Let’s see the key feature of Google Maps ads that make it a powerful tool for local businesses-
Promoted Pins: Get your business noticed with prominent placement on Google Maps searches. Stand out from the crowd and draw attention to your location.
Featured Customer Reviews: Showcase positive feedback directly on your ad, building trust and credibility with potential customers.
In-store Promotions: Highlight special offers and deals directly on your ad, enticing users to visit your location and take advantage of exclusive promotions.
Customizable Business Page: Provide potential customers with all the essential information they need, including clear descriptions, high-quality photos, and easy access to your website and contact details.
Local Inventory Search: Showcase your available products directly on your ad, allowing users to see what's in stock before they visit your store. This increases the chances of a successful in-person visit.
7 Steps to Create Google Maps Advertising
Now get started attracting local customers with these steps to creating effective Google Maps Ads:
Step 1: Claim Google Business Profile
This is your digital storefront. Ensure your profile is accurate and up-to-date with complete information, high-quality photos, and positive reviews.
Step 2: Create a Google Ads Account
Hold on a sec before we jump into Google Ads! First, make sure your business is listed and verified on Google Business Profile (GBP). Think of it as your online ID for potential customers. Once that's done, Google Ads might actually do some of the work for you with a "Smart Campaign." This pre-made option is ideal for local businesses like yours, so you don't have to worry about a bunch of complicated settings. Here's how to get it going with your Google Business Profile:
Head to the "All campaigns" page in Google Ads and hit the "+ New campaign" button.
Choose the Business Profile you want to advertise and link your accounts seamlessly.
Select a specific goal tailored to your campaign objectives.
Follow the prompts to complete the setup of your Smart Campaign.
Step 3: Keyword Optimization
Optimizing your keyword campaign is crucial for driving better results. What you have to do first is get into your customers' mindset. What are they searching for? Think about your business's core offerings and why they'd be awesome for customers. Now, translate those needs into search terms! This "customer-centric" approach ensures your keywords hit the bullseye of search intent.
Then, think about your goals and budget. Do you want laser-focused leads (even if fewer), or a wider audience (with potentially less relevant clicks)? Like "certified organic face cream" or "vegan anti-aging serum." These attract a smaller, more targeted audience interested in exactly what you offer. Again, think of "skincare products." You might reach a larger audience, but clicks could be less relevant and costlier.
The third thing you can do is group keywords based on specific categories to keep your ads hyper-relevant. This increases the chances of conversions because your ads directly address what each group is searching for.
And the last thing, optimizing keywords is an ongoing adventure. Regularly monitor performance to see which keywords are bringing in the big bucks (or clicks!). Forget the duds and experiment with new ones to keep your targeting sharp.
Step 4: Level Up Your Search Ads
This extension puts your address, phone number, and even a map marker right on your ad, turning it into a full-blown Google Maps Ad. When someone clicks or taps that fancy new extension, it takes them to a special page just for your business. This page has everything they need to know about you, all in one convenient spot – your address, phone number, and more.
After setting up your location extension, it's time to fine-tune your location targeting to specific geographical areas. This ensures your ad appears in specific areas of your choosing. Think like a local! What words would your customers use to find a business like yours? This is key for any local business.
Simply navigate to the Locations section from the left-hand menu, then select the search campaign you wish to edit. Aim for a sweet spot of 5-20 keywords per ad group, targeting potential customers searching for what you offer. Easy as pie!
Step 5: Bid Like a Boss
Google Ads offers a one-two punch with Google.com and Google Maps, letting you target nearby searches and reel in customers with laser-focused local search ads.
The key to unlocking this local marketing maximum effectiveness is Location assets. This facilitates the display of your most compelling local search ads.
Once your location assets are in place, it's time to fine-tune your bidding strategy to suit different geographic areas. Here's how you can optimize your location-based bidding:
Analyze location performance: Dive into metrics to pinpoint high-performing areas where your ads resonate most effectively.
Adjust bids for success and Utilization: Increase bids for top-performing locations to enhance visibility and attract more customers. Then, implement percentage increases or decreases in your bids based on factors like location, time, and device type to adjust ad frequency.
Step 6: Automate and Conquer
Don't get bogged down in manual adjustments! Automatic ad rules are your helpful tool for campaign scheduling, keyword adjusting, and performance alert receivers. Think of it as your own personal ad management assistant.
Imagine your ads appear only during peak hours in areas with high customer concentration, while your budget is strategically allocated. Automatic rules can make this dream a reality! Set specific scenarios to ensure your ads reach the right people at the right time.
Additionally, take control of what shows up in search results. Use automatic rules to exclude irrelevant keywords and pinpoint the ideal locations for your ads to appear.
Stay on top of your ad performance with automatic reporting. This lets you monitor effectiveness and make data-driven decisions to optimize your campaigns for maximum impact.
Bonus Tip! Check out our guide to Google Local Pack - another potent tool for showcasing your local business directly in search results. Boost website traffic, highlight offerings, and improve online visibility with this powerful feature.
Step 7: Review Overall Performance
Now that your Google Maps ad is live, it's time to track its performance and ensure it's meeting your expectations. In your Google Ads account, you have access to comprehensive statistics that are regularly updated, allowing you to analyze the latest data and make adjustments if necessary to optimize your campaign's efficiency.
Additionally, for deeper insights, consider utilizing SE Ranking's Google Rank Checker for accurate monitoring of your site's ranking positions.
However, you can easily measure the performance of your campaign by tracking key metrics such as clicks, impressions, and conversions. Navigate to the Campaigns section for a high-level overview, including conversion rate, average CPC, and cost per conversion.
For more detailed analysis of individual ad performance, explore the Ads & extensions section, specifically Extensions, to assess the effectiveness of each location extension. By doing so, you can fine-tune your ads to ensure optimal performance and maximize your advertising ROI.
FAQs
Can I advertise on Google Maps only?
Yes, you can by creating a Local campaign in Google Ads. These campaigns are tailored to increase store visits and enhance awareness of your business location.
How much do Google Maps ads cost?
It varies, ranging from $100 to $10,000 per month. Clicks typically range from $0.11 to $0.50, while impressions vary from $0.51 to $1000 per 1000 views. These can change depending on the industry, campaign targeting, and ad network.
Can I track offline conversions from Google Maps ads?
Yes. Google Ads assigns a unique identifier, the Google Click ID (GCLID), to each click from an ad. To track offline conversions, save this ID along with the lead information collected.
Need Professional Help?
Don't miss out on the massive potential of Google Maps! With 1 billion monthly users seeking destinations and 1.5 billion annual online searches for locations, Google Maps offers a powerful platform to grow your business. Leverage Google Maps Ads to grab attention and attract customers directly to your door. Whether you're a seasoned Maps user or a newcomer, these instructions provide a roadmap to success.
For expert help navigating the world of Google Maps advertising, contact Bayshore Communications. Our team of specialists will ensure your business shines brightly on the local map, attracting customers and propelling your growth.
