This morning, I was looking at a screen shot of a dentist that had both Adwords and a Local listing ad. It was obvious that the later was using a call tracking number. I was thinking that it must be a Google Voice number but I had no way to confirm.
Well, this afternoon in Google Q3 conference call my question was answered: All the calls generated via Local Listing Ads “go through Google Voice” (i.e., call tracking).
I am curious, will the client be able to retain use of the Google Voice phone number after their advertising ceases? Will the SMB be required to set up and configure a Google Voice account or will it just be a Voice number with none of the trappings? Does it have a simplified interface as well and can the SMB “pick” their phone number?
Additionally, SVP of product Jonathan Rosenberg spoke at some length about Maps and noted: “Everything is finally in place to enable small businesses to connect with customers online”.
In a related observation, this particular iteration of the Local Listing Ad display, shows the Blue Pin placed next to the ad but it was not showing on the Map.
How odd that the blue pin doesn’t show up in the map! I don’t even see the local listing ad in the map?
Is that an oversight of Google’s? Why would they not include the local listing ad in maps?
That’s quite a way to dominate the local search real estate…having an AdWords ad and a local listing ad.
The local listings really dominate my netbooks screen. I have to scroll down quite a bit to see the natural listings. If I open the AdWords map I don;t see any natural results even on my 17″ monitor. Real trouble for natural results & IYPs.
Any idea if local listing ads be included in mobile search? I don’t see it now http://ow.ly/uHm1
Comment by Martin Maybruck (5 comments) — October 15, 2009 @ 9:13 pm
[...] curiosity was piqued when I noticed that the blue pins for some Local Listing Ads were not showing on the Local Lucky 7- Pack [...]
Pingback by Local Listing Ads: When do the Blue Pins Show on the Map? | Understanding Google Maps & Local Search — October 16, 2009 @ 8:34 am
Hi Martin
I am not sure if you saw my post today, but I think I have explained the case of the missing pins.
Yes, the ability to have both an Adwords and an LL ad will lead to visual domination. At first at least, those with knowledgable ppc staff will likely do just that.
Comment by Mike (2421 comments) — October 16, 2009 @ 10:20 am
Hi Mike,
Yes I read it as soon as I saw you posted it. Great explanation thanks.
I know Google is coming up with a lot of interesting changes to Local Search but they still have a long way to go.
I’ve become obsessed with local search since this economy has crashed and I am taking my 7 years on SEO and internet marketing experience to the local businesses in my area who have been hit so hard.
I’m also studying the fast changes in mobile search since mobile is such an important part of local search. That’s why I asked the question about local listing ads and mobile.
I appreciate all of your knowledge in this area and always look forward to your posts and tweets!
Thank you,
Martin
Comment by Martin Maybruck (5 comments) — October 16, 2009 @ 10:33 am
[...] as phone calls, clicks, and requests for driving directions. Local Listing Ads also will offer free call tracking numbers with a short announcement such as “this caller brought to you by Google,” before each [...]
Pingback by Google Unveils New Local Search Advertising Platform Called Local Listing Ads — October 16, 2009 @ 11:32 am
[...] Local Listing Ads Using Call Tracking with Google Voice, Mike Blumenthal [...]
Pingback by SearchCap: The Day In Search, October 16, 2009 — October 16, 2009 @ 3:58 pm
I didn’t realise that Google was going to use Voice to track calls, although that seems so obvious now.
Between Google Local Listing Ads and the other recent changes Google sure is having a fun time keeping us on our toes!
I’ve been using Google Voice since early grandcentral days and always imagined that they would put ads in GVoice like they do in gmail (since it translates the voice recordings into text). They probably will do that too someday, right? I mean is there anywhere Google doesn’t have their ads?
Comment by Taiyo (10 comments) — October 16, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
@Taiyo
Well if the Google Voice service can be used to sell more ads in Google and Maps then maybe you won’t hear an ad everytime you answer or call out..here’s hoping.
Comment by Mike (2421 comments) — October 16, 2009 @ 4:14 pm
Ahh. Good point. I wouldn’t like living with that.
Comment by Taiyo (10 comments) — October 16, 2009 @ 5:55 pm
[...] Local Listing Ads Using Call Tracking with Google Voice – Mike Blumenthal [...]
Pingback by The latest search and social news for geeks - Ass hats, Crap hats, SEO Sucks and more | Search Engine Journal — October 20, 2009 @ 10:20 am
[...] Local Listing Ads Using Call Tracking with Google Voice – Mike Blumenthal [...]
Pingback by 7 Days of Search and Social; the source for search geeks — October 20, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
[...] though, seems to be lobbing salvos at the call tracking industry. First by using Google Voice as a tracking mechanism in the Local Listing Ads and, once again today, by allowing GoogleVoice to used with an SMB’s existing phone [...]
Pingback by GoogleVoice now allows use of an SMB’s primary phone number, is call tracking far behind? | Understanding Google Maps & Local Search — October 27, 2009 @ 7:16 am
I can’t wait for this to become available in the UK!
I’m in.
This will get rid of all the scam listings.
Wonderful!
Cheers
David
Plymouth England
Comment by David Saunders (12 comments) — October 28, 2009 @ 9:34 am
@David
It will certainly change the dynamics of adwords that is for sure. I am hoping that Olean NY gets it before you do
Comment by Mike (2421 comments) — October 28, 2009 @ 10:02 am
My business address is my home in Fallbrook. How can I be “found” on local google search in San Diego or Del Mar? Any help appreciated.
Comment by Joe (24 comments) — October 29, 2009 @ 10:51 am
I’m looking to do some local listing ads and do have a local business center ad and am in the San Diego test market. How can I get these started? Anyone know of any firms who can help out?
Thanks!
Comment by Brett (6 comments) — November 14, 2009 @ 5:18 am
Brett
These are pretty simple to do for businesses in SF and San Diego .
is the tab for ads not showing up in the lbc account?
Comment by Mike (2421 comments) — November 14, 2009 @ 9:46 am
Is there a way for a home based contractor to have a 2nd listing on google local business center using 2nd address (executive suite) in the other city(s)?
He has a landing page for the other city with link back to his home page.
Comment by Joe Kindred (1 comments) — November 14, 2009 @ 10:37 am
Executive suites, up to this point, have been ok with Google. There is an address, reception, a meeting area and if the user goes to that address a human response and ok user experience.
Comment by Mike (2421 comments) — November 14, 2009 @ 10:54 am
I think its the obvious next step in “local” is the call tracking. This does seem like a bit of a double standard with Google and their local algorithm, but hey I’d love to be able to incorporate into my analytics for clients. Be worth every penny even they charged for it.
I just want Google to sooooo badly start monetizing the local marketplace on a international level so they will then provide solid support the way they to for adwords, so we can clean up G-maps properly for some of these SMB’s. Until they make money we will not see any real support.
Comment by Matthew Hunt (43 comments) — January 3, 2010 @ 5:35 pm