Google Testing Local Ads and Product Searches in Knowledge Panels

Google is looking to better monetize the growing local search market. There are reports they're testing ads and inventory queries in local business knowledge panels.

Although the live tests have been challenging to replicate, the twitter-verse has provided a few samples. Here's one that shows a see what's in store search box, which invites you to search the store in the local panel.

It then shows popular tags and categories of products in the store. You can even swipe through some of their more popular items in the product display box.

Here's another report of Google testing targeted ads in the local search knowledge panel...

It should be noted that various ads for movies, music, cars, and products have been running in knowledge panels for several years. But this is the first time we've seen a local business ad in a panel.

It's also true that Google experiments all the time and with all different kinds of formats, options, and offerings. The bottom line is that Local Search is growing about 50% faster than mobile search. Google knows that and seems determined to optimize the monetization of Local Search. We'll be looking for the best ways for you to maximize this potential and will keep you posted.