Yelp Ads vs. Google Local Service Ads
As a business owner, promoting your services and products effectively is crucial for success in today’s digital landscape. Yelp Ads and Google Local Service Ads are two popular advertising options that can help your business gain visibility and attract potential customers. In this article, we’ll compare Yelp Ads and Google Local Service Ads, examining their features, benefits, and which one might be the better choice for your local business.
How do Yelp Ads Work?
Yelp Ads is a paid advertising solution offered by Yelp (sponsored results), the well-known online review platform. It allows businesses to create and display ads on the Yelp platform, targeting users based on their location and search queries. These ads typically appear on Yelp search result pages and business profile pages, making them visible to users actively looking for products or services in their area.
What are Google Local Service Ads?
Google Local Service Ads, on the other hand, are a part of Google’s advertising ecosystem. These ads are specifically designed for local service providers, such as plumbers, carpet cleaning companies, electricians, HVAC companies, and other home service professionals. Google Local Service Ads display at the top of relevant search results and include business information, reviews, and a “Google Guaranteed” badge for businesses that meet Google’s strict quality standards.
The Benefits of Yelp Ads
Wide User Base
One of the significant advantages of Yelp Ads is its extensive user base. Yelp has millions of active users who rely on the platform to discover local businesses and read customer reviews. By advertising on Yelp, your business can reach a vast audience actively seeking products or services similar to yours.
Review and Reputation Management
Yelp is renowned for its emphasis on customer reviews. With Yelp Ads, you can leverage positive reviews and manage your reputation effectively. Positive reviews can enhance your credibility and attract more customers, while negative reviews can be addressed professionally to mitigate any potential harm to your business’s reputation.
Flexible Budgeting Options
Yelp Ads offer flexibility in budgeting, allowing businesses of all sizes to advertise on the platform. You can set daily or monthly budgets based on your preferences and adjust them as needed to maximize your advertising efforts.
Geographic Targeting
Yelp Ads enable precise geographic targeting, ensuring that your ads are shown to potential customers in specific locations. This feature is particularly beneficial for local businesses that cater to a specific area or community.
The Benefits of Google Local Service Ads
Google’s Massive Reach
With Google being the most widely used search engine, Google Local Service Ads benefit from its massive reach. When users search for local services on Google, your business has a better chance of appearing at the top of the search results, increasing visibility.
Enhanced Trust and Verification
Google Local Service Ads provide an added layer of trust and verification for users. Businesses with these ads undergo a rigorous screening process, including background checks for employees, to earn the “Google Guaranteed” badge. This badge instills confidence in potential customers and can lead to higher conversion rates.
Pay-per-Lead System
Unlike traditional pay-per-click (PPC) ads, Google Local Service Ads operate on a pay-per-lead system. You only pay when a user contacts you directly through the ad. This payment structure ensures that you get value for your money, as you’re paying for tangible leads. This is a big advantage over any other ads platform because you know and can plan how much you pay per lead.
Google Guarantee
The “Google Guaranteed” badge associated with Local Service Ads offers customers a satisfaction guarantee. If customers are dissatisfied with the service provided, Google may refund up to the job invoice amount, further motivating potential customers to choose businesses with this badge.
Which One is Better for Local Businesses?
The choice between Yelp Ads and Google Local Service Ads depends on various factors, including the nature of your business, target audience, and advertising goals. For businesses that are established with over 50 reviews on Google we recommend Google Local Service Ads because they are predictable in cost and can give you an instant lead source at a defined cost.
The downside to Google Local Service Ads is that it can be very competitive because they only show 3 options and they take your business’s longevity, review count, and responsiveness into consideration. So if you are just starting out or in a highly competitive area, you just never show up as an option compared to other companies.
Yelp Ads are better suited for businesses looking for visibility and leads, especially in a highly competitive market or if they are just starting out.
The Role of Customer Reviews
Both Yelp and Google Local Service Ads rely heavily on customer reviews. Positive reviews can significantly impact your business’s reputation and attract more customers. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, and promptly address any negative feedback to maintain a positive online image.
Pricing Comparison
The cost of advertising on Yelp and Google Local Service Ads may vary based on your location, industry, and competition. You can see how much Google Local Service Ads cost here. It’s essential to assess your advertising budget and compare the expected return on investment (ROI) before choosing a platform.
Local Marketing Experts For Growing Businesses
If you are not sure where to begin with getting more leads for your business, schedule a call with our team and discuss best practices other local service businesses are using to grow their business 20% year over year.