Are Local Services Ads a good deal for service type businesses?

• I hear there's something new on Google Maps that attorneys can advertise on to get them more exposure. Is this true? If so, what are the new features and how are they used?

Answer:

You're probably referring to Local Services Ads — an evolving "new" form of pay per lead ads launched by Google in 2018. Right now they are available to a number of select service type businesses that people tend to contact when in need of help or advice, or when something needs repair.

The list varies depending on the country. In the U.S. it includes, not only attorneys, but also services related to appliance repair, architecture, carpenters, cleaning, electricians, event planning, fencing, financial planning, junk removal, landscaping, lawn care, locksmiths, moving, pest control, photographers, videographers, plumbers, real estate, tax, trees, & window cleaning.

According to Google,

...you can advertise your business on Google and receive leads directly from potential customers. These leads come in as phone calls and messages sent through your Local Services ad. You can reply to messages, track bookings, and manage all your leads anytime online and through the app (Android, iOS).

The general consensus is that this is a good deal for businesses with customers who are seeking the type of service that is needed when a problem arises, whether that's someone locked out of their home (locksmith), experiencing personal injury (lawyer), or dealing with a broken water pipe (plumber).

Btw, here's what we wrote last December as