The KeyWord

New for Google Local Business: Local Listing Ads.

Google is hard at work everyday creating new ways for marketers to drive quality traffic to websites and generate conversions. Up until recently Google AdWords was the most noteworthy platform for placing highly targeted ads in Google search results and on pages within the Google Network. To further extend the reach of Google advertisers, especially for local businesses, Google has recently released an ad platform to work within the Local Business Center that allows marketers to run simplified, locally targeted ads that show within the Google Local Business listings and Google Maps results. This platform is called Local Listing Ads.

Local Listing Ads are quite different from Google AdWords in setup, payment structure and more.

Developed specifically to help local businesses leverage the power of search engine marketing, Local Listing Ads require a registered account in the Google Local Business Center.  With more than 20 million small businesses in the US, this form of search-based advertising offers an effective and user-friendly method to help local businesses further target their ad placements for searches in their area. The following are a few key characteristics of Local Listing Ads:

• Ads will not include creative design or copy. Only the business name, contact info and link will be in the ad.

• Local Listing Ads will appear in the local search results on Google.com and Google Maps.

• The URL can link to the company’s website or Google Place Page.

• Instead of pay-per-click, the ads are priced on a flat-fee basis by the month.

Click below for a video overview of Google’s Local Listing Ads

This newly released ad platform is just one of many business solutions that Google is offering to small business operators. Horizon Marketing Group is a Google Certified Company and helps companies around the world effectively navigate the vast marketing opportunities available through internet marketing. To discover new and innovative ways for your business to reach its target markets though search marketing tactics such as Google Local Business, contact Horizon Marketing Group today.