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Have you ever searched for something like “best coffee shop near me” on Google? The businesses you see on Google Maps with a small “Ad” label are using Google Maps Ads. These ads allow local businesses to show up at the top of Google Maps searches and on Google’s search results when someone nearby is looking for their services.
If you run a local business and want to attract more customers in your area, Google Maps Ads are perfect for you. This guide is beginner-friendly, so even if you’re new to digital marketing, you’ll understand how to set up and use these ads step by step.
What Are Google Maps Ads?
Google Maps Ads (also called local ads) are a type of online advertisement that appears on Google Maps when people search for specific businesses or services.
For example:
- Someone searches for “plumbers near me.”
- Your plumbing business shows up at the top of the map results with an “Ad” label.
This makes it easier for people to find your business, visit your store, or contact you right away.
Why Are They Effective?
- They connect you with customers actively searching for your services.
- They focus on your local area, so your ads reach people nearby.
- They work even if you don’t have a fancy website, as they’re based on your Google Business Profile.
How to Run Google Maps Ads
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you set up your first Google Maps Ad.
What changed: Google has replaced the old Local campaign type with Performance Max, so you can no longer create a new Local campaign. Google My Business is now called Google Business Profile, and ad extensions are now called assets. The steps below follow the current setup.
Step 1: Create or Update Your Google Business Profile
Your Business Profile is the backbone of your Google Maps Ads. It’s where Google gets your business details like address, phone number, and opening hours.
- Go to Google Business Profile and create a profile if you don’t have one.
- Add your business name, location, contact info, and services.
- Verify your business. Google will show the verification options available to you, such as a phone call, text, email, video or postcard.
Pro Tip: Make your Business Profile look professional by adding photos of your business, products, or services. People trust businesses with good visuals.
Step 2: Link Your Business Profile to Google Ads
To show your locations in ads, Google Ads needs access to your Business Profile.
- Sign in to your Google Ads account.
- Click the Tools icon, open Shared library, then Location manager.
- Click the plus button, choose Our locations, then Google Business Profile.
- Choose your Business Profile account, select Continue, then Save.
This ensures your business location can show up in your ads. If your Google Ads login does not have access to the Business Profile, you can request access by email from the same screen. If you sell through retail chains instead of your own stores, choose affiliate locations instead.
Step 3: Create a Performance Max Campaign for Store Goals
Performance Max for store goals is the campaign type that replaced Local campaigns. It can show your ads to people near your stores across Google Search, Google Maps, Waze, YouTube, Gmail and the Display Network. Here’s how you can create one:
- In Google Ads, click + New campaign.
- Choose Local store visits and promotions as the objective and Performance Max as the campaign type.
- Under Campaign feeds, select the store locations you linked in Step 2, or use all of them.
- Set a budget. For beginners, a daily budget of ₹500-₹1000 is a good starting point.
- Build your asset group: add headlines, descriptions, images, your logo and a short video if you have one. Add your phone number as a call asset.
- Review the campaign and publish.
You don’t need to add a radius or extra location targets here. Google recommends against it for store goal campaigns, because the campaign already serves around the stores you selected.
After publishing, Google will review your ads to ensure they comply with its policies. Once approved, your ads will go live, and you’ll start receiving clicks, calls, and customer visits.
Step 4: Add Location Assets to Your Search Campaigns
If you also run Search campaigns, location assets (previously called location extensions) let those ads show your store address, a map to your store or the approximate travel distance, and a Call button on mobile. Your locations can also appear beside, above or below results on Google Maps.
- Link your Business Profile in Location manager, as in Step 2.
- Target your Search campaigns at the areas your stores serve.
- Keep your address, phone number and opening hours current on your Business Profile, because the ads pull them from there.
Step 5: Write Simple and Engaging Ads
Your ad text is the first thing people see, so keep it clear and direct. Highlight what makes your business special.
Example:
- Headline: “Best Cakes in Chennai – Just 5 Minutes Away!”
- Description: “Freshly baked cakes every day. Visit us or call now to place an order!”
- Call-to-Action (CTA): “Get Directions Now.”
Step 6: Launch and Monitor Your Ads
Once your ad is live, keep an eye on how it’s performing. Check the following metrics:
- Impressions: How many times your ad is shown.
- Clicks: How many people clicked your ad to get directions or contact you.
- Conversions: How many people visited your location or made a purchase.
If you’re not getting the results you want, tweak your ad copy, targeting, or budget.
Ideas to Make Your Google Maps Ads Stand Out
Here are some simple ideas to attract more customers:
1. Highlight What Makes You Special
Think about what sets your business apart. Is it fast delivery, friendly staff, or unique products? Mention this in your ad.
Example:
- “Best Handcrafted Coffee in Chennai – Try It Today!”
2. Use Discounts or Offers
Everyone loves a good deal. Add a discount or offer to your ad to grab attention.
Example:
- “10% Off on Your First Visit – Call Now!”
3. Add Photos to Your Business Profile
Make sure your Business Profile has great photos of your business. A clean, attractive image can make a big difference.
4. Target Local Keywords
Think about what your customers would search for and use those keywords in your ad. For example:
- “Best Pizza Near Me.”
- “Affordable Yoga Classes Near Me.”
Why Google Maps Ads Are Perfect for Beginners
If you’re just starting with online advertising, Google Maps Ads are one of the easiest ways to get results:
- Your Business Profile does most of the work, so you don’t need a big website to get started.
- They’re affordable, so you can start small and scale as you grow.
- They’re highly targeted, reaching only people in your area.
Why Choose Wonkrew?
At Wonkrew, we specialise in helping local businesses succeed with tools like Google Maps Ads. Our Google Ads management team sets up Performance Max for store goals, location assets and call tracking, then reports on calls, direction requests and store visits. Whether you’re new to digital marketing or looking to refine your strategy, we’ve got your back.
Contact Us Today to boost your local presence and drive more customers to your door!
Conclusion
Google Maps Ads are a simple and effective way to attract local customers. By following this beginner-friendly guide, you can set up and run your first ad with ease. Remember, the key to success is consistency—keep optimising your ads based on results.
If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Wonkrew. Let’s make your business the go-to choice in your area! 🚀
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. Can I run ads in Google Maps?
Yes, you can run ads on Google Maps with a Performance Max campaign for store goals, or with Search campaigns that use location assets. These ads appear in search results, map listings, and directly on Google Maps, helping you attract nearby customers.
2. How much does it cost to advertise on Google Maps?
The cost depends on your budget and bidding strategy. Typically, Google Maps ads follow a pay-per-click (PPC) model, so you only pay when someone interacts with your ad.
3. Why are my ads not showing on Google Maps?
Ads may not show due to issues like an unlinked Business Profile, missing location assets, insufficient budget, incorrect targeting, or policy violations. Review your campaign settings and ensure your Business Profile is verified and linked.
4. Can I monetise my Google Maps?
Direct monetisation isn’t possible, but using Google Maps advertising can drive traffic to your business, increasing sales and revenue indirectly.
5. Is Google Maps profitable?
Yes, when used effectively, Google Maps ads can boost visibility, drive local traffic, and improve conversions, making it a profitable tool for businesses.