Did Google Kill Local Listing Ads?
In Google Maps, Local Listing Ads | 2 comments | permalink
It appears they did. Kyle Kazak points out that the Local Listing Ads web page (Google.com/help/lbc/listingads/) has been removed by Google and buzz has discontinued.
In a recent article I pointed out that Google could not afford to get rid of AdWords in lieu of Local Listing Ads because the ad revenue is very limited with Local Listing Ads.
It appears that net revenue created by a combination of AdWords/Local Listing Ads could not compete with the AdWords model flying solo.
In addition, I pined that Google couldn’t replace the 7-Pack with Local Listing Ads. But what if they offered an advertising enhancement to local business listings–something to make your listing “pop” within the 7-Pack and Google Maps results?
They have done just that. Google Enhanced Listings allow a business to stand out with an “enhanced” presence on the 7-Pack or in the map-related listings on the SERP.
Local businesses can call attention to something it wants to highlight to customers and/or prospects: a menu, a coupon, a video, for example.
The cost is $25 per month and the business can choose from one of seven types of enhancements, drawn from content in the Local Business Center.
The available categories of enhancements include the following:
- photos
- videos
- website
- coupons
- directions
- menu
- reservations
Will this offering, at a cost of $300/year, per location, create a return on investment?
email this | tag this | digg this | trackback | comment RSS feed
I gotta say that Google has not done a good job of selling enhancements IMHO. I’ve been to the Google Local Business Center multiple times to fiddle with my listings and have never been offered an enhancement. I probably would have tried $25 a month to see if I could do more with my Maps listing on the SERP.
Went to the advanced AdWords seminar in Houston in mid-February with Brad Geddes. There were several local biz owners there (e.g. locksmiths, car dealers, etc) that had their enhanced listings. I believe Houston is one of only 2 cities currently being offered this service.