Millions of Small Businesses Potentially Impacted by Upcoming Google Local Ads Change
An upcoming change to how Google runs its Local Services ads may impact millions of small businesses if they’re unaware, reports The Associated Press.
In an effort to combat fraud, Google will be requiring businesses to have a verified Google Business Profile in order to run Local Services ads, which appear at the top of Google search results and advertise local businesses.
Beginning Nov. 21, the rule will come into effect for businesses in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and select businesses in the U.S. and Canada, the company shared in an update online.
In order to become verified on Google, business owners must add or claim their business’ address on Google, then verify the address through phone, text, email, or video. This process can change based on business category and location, and could also include providing info on background, business registration, insurance, and license checks.
After that, it can take Google up to seven days to verify a business.
In addition, if the name and address a business has listed in its Google Business Profile does not match information in the ad, Google will pause its advertising.
