Why Your Google Local Services Ad Shows a Different Number
Have you ever noticed that the phone number displayed on your Google Local Services Ad (LSA) isn't your actual business line? This might seem alarming, but there is a valid reason behind it. Google uses a call-tracking number on the ad to optimize lead quality and protect your business from spam.
How Does Google's Call Tracking Work?
When a potential customer clicks on your LSA call button, they're connected to a phone number generated by Google and then routed to your number. This number is designed to track call data and provide valuable insights.
- Lead Verification: Google records and analyzes calls to determine if they're legitimate leads. This helps ensure you're only paying for quality opportunities.
- Dispute Resolution: If a lead turns out to be invalid Google will automatically refund you for the lead. Google's call recordings serve as evidence to support their claim.
- Spam Prevention: By displaying the phone number only on hover, Google makes it difficult for spammers to scrape numbers for unsolicited calls.
The Benefits of Google's Call Tracking
While it might seem like an extra layer of complexity, Google's call-tracking system ultimately benefits your business.
Inside your Local Services dashboard, you can see an overview of metrics provided by Google inside the "Reports" section. These metrics include:
- Total lead spend
- Charged leads
- Ad impressions
- Top Impression Rate on Search
- Absolute top impression rate on Search
For additional data, you can head over to ads.google.com, which will show you metrics such as:
- Clicks
- Average Cost-Per-Click (CPC)
- Click-Through Rate (CTR)
At OmniLocal, we understand the importance of inbound leads. Our local SEO and reputation management strategies are designed to increase your online visibility and drive more inbound calls. By optimizing your local profiles and leveraging call-tracking data, we can help you convert more leads into customers.
Important Note: If the area code displayed on your LSA is incorrect or if a generic (888) number is being used, you can contact Google Local Services support to request a change.
Want to learn more about how OmniLocal can help your business? Contact us today for a free consultation.