Ads in Google Maps and the Local Finder

Google has been making some changes to advertising within Google Maps and advertisers should take note of the consequences. First, as you can see in the example below, Google Ads are now being shown in the Local Finder using Maps.

The ads appear after the searcher expands the list by clicking More places at the bottom of the local three pack. The ads correspond with a pin on the included map and appear to behave just like the rest of the organic local listings.

Additionally, Google Maps is no longer considered a Search Partner, instead it is now a Core Google site. If you would like your ads to show there, you need to make sure you're using local extensions.

If you had previously opted out of your ads running on Google's search partners your ads may now begin showing up within Maps if local extensions are in place. Additionally, if you were previously advertising on Google's search partners but did not have a local extension included, your ads will no longer appear within Google maps. There does not appear to be a way to opt out of advertising on Maps unless you decide to remove the local extension from your campaign.