Octiv Digital
Google Local Service Ads Company
Immediately gain trust of searchers in Google with local services ads. These ads, shown prominently at the top of search results, give you a Google Screened badge that acts as a sign of trust and endorsement. Perfect for local business professionals, these ads are easy to set up and manage. Get started now and start earning business from potential customers in your city.
What Are Local Service Ads?
Local service ads, sometimes abbreviated as LSA, are an effective way to reach customers in your local area who search for professional services. These ads are perfect for real estate agents, law firms, home services providers and more. If you operate a business that serves a local community, these ads are the right choice for you.
When someone searches key phrases related to your business, a set of 3 ads appear with Google Business Profile information. This will include the business name, their Google Business Profile rating, the number of years in business and a link to call or message the business. With the right bids and Google Business Profile rating, your business can be featured in this section of results. And unlike other cost-per-click models from Google Ads, local service ads are based on a cost-per-lead model. This means that you are only charged by Google when a prospective customer reaches and wants to know more about your business or service.
When you search for a professional service like “personal injury lawyer”, Google’s local services ads present 3 local providers of the service with ratings and a call-to-action. The presentation of these ads can be much more prominent compared to standard search ads in Google.
When you search for a professional service like “personal injury lawyer”, Google’s local services ads present 3 local providers of the service with ratings and a call-to-action. The presentation of these ads can be much more prominent compared to standard search ads in Google.
What Are Local Service Ads?
Local service ads, sometimes abbreviated as LSA, are an effective way to reach customers in your local area who search for professional services. These ads are perfect for real estate agents, law firms, home services providers and more. If you operate a business that serves a local community, these ads are the right choice for you.
When someone searches key phrases related to your business, a set of 3 ads appear with Google Business Profile information. This will include the business name, their Google Business Profile rating, the number of years in business and a link to call or message the business. With the right bids and Google Business Profile rating, your business can be featured in this section of results. And unlike other cost-per-click models from Google Ads, local service ads are based on a cost-per-lead model. This means that you are only charged by Google when a prospective customer reaches and wants to know more about your business or service.
How Do Local Service Ads Work?
Start with a Google Business Profile
To be competitive in your local area, you need to have a page setup with Google Business Profile. This page will show up on the Google search engine results, as well as in local maps. It’s important to make sure all of your details are accurate and up-to-date on this page so customers can easily find you. You should also include images, descriptions, special offers, and any other information that is pertinent for potential customers to know.
Not only is this profile great for local organic search, it’s also the basis for what Google shows in local service ads.
Start with a Google Business Profile
To be competitive in your local area, you need to have a page setup with Google Business Profile. This page will show up on the Google search engine results, as well as in local maps. It’s important to make sure all of your details are accurate and up-to-date on this page so customers can easily find you. You should also include images, descriptions, special offers, and any other information that is pertinent for potential customers to know.
Not only is this profile great for local organic search, it’s also the basis for what Google shows in local service ads.
Acquire Ratings & Reviews
Ratings and reviews are a must for local service ads. Because these ads feature ratings front-and-center in search result pages, you want to make sure your business has a high rating. Be sure to ask existing customers to leave reviews for your business as they will impact your overall rating and will show up in these ads.
There are several different ways to request reviews from customers. The most common option is to send an email reminder just after business is completed. Alternatively, there are text messaging programs that can message a customer to request a review on Google. Making a face-to-face in-person request works too!
In any way you choose to request a review, just know that it will contribute to your rating and show in local service ads.
Apply to the Program
Once you have a Google Business Profile and a handful of reviews to display, you’re ready to begin applying to the program. Google provides you with a “Google Screened” badge for this type of ad unit, so there are a few steps you have to take to verify your business details. This legitimizes the program and ensures people engaging with these ads in Google will be helped by a true professional.
Be prepared to submit business licensing information, as well as evidence that you are a legitimate and authorized business. After this is completed, you can submit the application for review. Google may take up to 3 weeks to review your profile and approve the campaign. Once approved, you will be able to start running local service ads with the Google Screened badge displayed on them.
Apply to the Program
Once you have a Google Business Profile and a handful of reviews to display, you’re ready to begin applying to the program. Google provides you with a “Google Screened” badge for this type of ad unit, so there are a few steps you have to take to verify your business details. This legitimizes the program and ensures people engaging with these ads in Google will be helped by a true professional.
Be prepared to submit business licensing information, as well as evidence that you are a legitimate and authorized business. After this is completed, you can submit the application for review. Google may take up to 3 weeks to review your profile and approve the campaign. Once approved, you will be able to start running local service ads with the Google Screened badge displayed on them.
Set the Right Bids & Budget
Once you are accepted into the local service ads program through Google Ads, the next step is to set an appropriate budget and bids for your campaign. While the program is based on a cost-per-lead model, there are several things that go into the cost including the number of competitors in the area, the geographic area targeted and the specific type of service offered. Be sure to have an appropriate budget for this type of advertising as it is highly competitive.
After ads are launched, we monitor the traffic and work with you to understand how the lead process is going for your business, all while managing your monthly ad spend and bids.
Google Guaranteed Communicates Trust to Local Customers
For almost any local service, there are a number of competitors vying for a person’s business both offline and online. To stand out among your digital competitors, you need a type of ad that will really strike a chord and convince people that your service is right for them. Not only do local service ads feature the important information customers want to know right away (especially if they need immediate help), they also show customers that your business has been screened and the work is guaranteed by Google. This gives you leverage in a competitive space to really show that you are a good fit for the person’s needs, and are backed with a recommendation from Google.
Start growing your lead pipeline today with local service ads.
Google Guaranteed Communicates Trust to Local Customers
For almost any local service, there are a number of competitors vying for a person’s business both offline and online. To stand out among your digital competitors, you need a type of ad that will really strike a chord and convince people that your service is right for them. Not only do local service ads feature the important information customers want to know right away (especially if they need immediate help), they also show customers that your business has been screened and the work is guaranteed by Google. This gives you leverage in a competitive space to really show that you are a good fit for the person’s needs, and are backed with a recommendation from Google.
Start growing your lead pipeline today with local service ads.
Frequently Asked Questions About Local Service Ads
How do I start with local service ads?
How much do local service ads cost?
How are local service ads different from other ads?
Local service ads are designed specifically for local businesses providing services in a specific area. They also include a Google Guarantee or Google Screened badge, which can help build trust with customers whereas a standard text ad only includes a headline, description, URL, etc.
Can I use traditional search ads at the same time?
What does it mean to be Google Guaranteed?
What types of businesses can use local service ads?
How does Google rank local search ads?
Can you pause local service ads if you are too busy?
Paid Search Tips and Advice

Is Performance Max the Right Google Ads Strategy for Your Business?
Performance Max, commonly referred to as PMAX, has become one of the most talked-about campaign types in Google Ads over the past few years. At Octiv Digital, we hear about it constantly. Business...

5 Conversion-Focused Website Tweaks That Turn Casual Visitors into Qualified Leads
Checking your analytics and seeing a traffic spike feels great, until you realize those visitors are treating your site like a museum. They walk through, glance at the exhibits, and leave without...

What It Means to Be a Google Partner Agency
Hiring a digital marketing agency is a major decision for any business. When your paid search campaigns, ad spend, and growth goals are on the line, choosing an agency with proven credibility...

Why Negatives Are Essential for Product Listing Ads
How Keywords Are Managed in Google Shopping Ads If you're running product listing ads (PLAs) via Google Shopping campaigns, you already know they can be a game-changer for driving traffic and sales....

Google Marketing Live 2025: Key Updates to Know
Google Marketing Live 2025 sent a strong message: artificial intelligence is now central to how search, advertising, and shopping function across the Google ecosystem. For business owners and...

How We Took This SaaS Brand from MVP to Acquisition
In the SaaS world, getting acquired is often the ultimate sign that you’ve built something valuable—not just in terms of product, but in market traction, brand credibility, and overall demand. But...

How to Update Billing Methods in Google Ads
Updating Billing in Google Ads Keeping your Google Ads billing information up-to-date ensures your ad campaigns run smoothly. If you're looking to update your payment details but aren't sure where...

Why Search Marketing is Ideal for Mental Health Practices
Finding new clients as a therapist isn’t just about getting your name out there—it’s about connecting with the right people when they need help the most. Many mental health professionals invest time...

So This is the New Year…
So this is the new year...and I don't feel any different. Just kidding, Ben Gibbard. There's a lot that has changed in SEO, digital media and web design. From Wordpress and WP Engine fighting it out...

Google Ads Smart Bidding Explained
Setting up Google Ads can feel overwhelming if you’re only focusing on keywords and ad groups. To truly boost your campaign’s performance, it’s important to dive deeper into Google’s bidding...

What Types of Conversions Should SaaS Sites Measure?
SaaS (software-as-a-service) brands are no strangers to digital marketing and performance marketing. When driving traffic and investing thousands on Google Ads or another paid platform like G2, one...

Can You Use Competitor Names in Google Ads?
Can I Use Competitor Brand Names in Google Ads? Digital marketing can be tricky and requires creativity to be competitive. One way to be competitive is to bid on competitor names in Google Ads....
The Octiv Note
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and tips from the world of digital marketing, web development, and SEO!










