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LSA Business Verification & Policy Manager

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Alex Sparks Co-Founder of OmniLocal
Alex Sparks
Published -

Google local service ads(LSA) is a great marketing tool for generating inbound phone call leads, but is it a set and forget system? The answer is, No. Your LSA account needs daily and weekly touches to ensure your return on investment. Google will turn your ad off if you don't keep your account up to date or follow their policies.

Typically you will receive notifications of action items inside your account, but sometimes these are not reliable or get lost quickly. The best approach is to touch your account's leads daily and your business verification and policy manager weekly. In this blog we will cover the weekly recommendation checks to ensure your ad never turns off without your approval.

Understanding the Notification

Receiving a policy violation notification isn't the end of the world. It's Google's way of maintaining a safe and trustworthy platform for both consumers and service providers. The notification typically includes:

  • The specific policy violation: This is crucial for understanding what went wrong.
  • The affected ads: Knowing which ads are impacted allows you to focus your efforts.
  • A link to the relevant policy: This is your go-to resource for resolving the issue.

Key Notifications

Google LSAs have specific policies that cover various aspects of your business and advertising. Some common areas that trigger violations include:

  • Licensing and Insurance:
    • Ensure your licensing and insurance information is accurate and up-to-date.
    • Verify that your business is properly licensed for the services you offer in your area.
  • Business Information Accuracy:
    • Your business name, address, and phone number must be consistent across all platforms.
    • Avoid misleading or false information.
  • Background Checks:
    • Background checks need to be kept up to date.
  • Advister Verification:
    • To create a more transparent advertising experience for everyone, all advertisers must verify their identities periodically.
  • Website Redirects:
    • Website redirects are not allowed.
    • Ensure that the landing page linked in your LSA profile and ads directly reflects your business and the services you offer. Do not use any redirects or forwarding that leads users to a different URL.

How to Use the Local Services Policy Manager

  1. Read the Notification Carefully: Pay close attention to the specific violation and the affected ads.
  2. Refer to the Linked Policy: Google provides detailed information on each policy, including examples and best practices.
  3. Take Corrective Action:
    • Update your business information.
    • Provide updated licensing or insurance documentation.
    • Correct any website redirects.
  4. Appeal a Mistake: If you believe the violation was issued in error, you can submit an appeal through the Policy Manager. Provide clear and concise evidence to support your claim.
  5. Proactive Compliance: Regularly review Google's Local Services Ads policies to ensure ongoing compliance.

Conclusion

By understanding and adhering to Google's Local Services Ads policies you can ensure your ads remain active and your business continues to thrive. The Business Verification & Policy Manager are your essential tools for navigating these guidelines.