Levitate + Google Local Service Ads
What are Google Local Service Ads?
Google Local Services Ads are special ads that help local businesses show up at the very top of Google search results when people nearby are looking for their services.
For example, if someone searches for “lawyer near me,” they might see a few businesses listed right at the top of the page — with their name, phone number, and customer rating. Those are Local Services Ads.
If you’ve already scheduled an appointment with the Levitate Ads team to set up Google Local Service Ads, you’ll need to make sure you have all of the below requirements. Some requirements are the same across the board, but each industry has differing requirements to get set up.
What everyone needs for Google Local Service Ads setup
- Access to the Google/Gmail account that ‘owns’ your Google Business Profile (GBP)
- Not sure if you have that access? To check and see if you have adequate access to your Google Business Profile, simply Google search your business name and you will see a special piece for managing the GBP at the top of the search.
- Billing information for paying for the ads – debit or card number, expiration, and CVV.
- Relevant information on at least one professional from your business, we recommend that this be the owner, operator, or managing partner of your business
- A headshot for the ad – a headshot for the ads must be uploaded in order to finalize the setup of the ads. We recommend a recent, clear, large-format portrait. At least one headshot must be submitted.
- Requirements: JPEG or PNG, 500px x 500px or greater, 10MB max, must be square, you must own the photo copyright, no text, including trademarked terms, no transparent background and the person featured must be someone who works at your business. LSA doesn’t approve photos that are blurry, out of focus, have low-light, have unrecognizable content, have frames or borders, or are screenshots.
- Your physical drivers license or state-issued identification for the background check. Google LSA will do a background check on the business itself and on the professional(s) associated with the business through Evident.
- A PDF file to show proof of insurance, which contains current documents of general liability insurance for the business. The certificate of insurance must clearly show the amount of liability insurance and the expiration date. More details on the type of insurance required is listed per industry below.
- Professional license for verification– based on your industry, you must provide proof that you carry the relevant licenses required to perform work offered and booked through the Local Services Ads platform. For example, lawyers must provide State Bar information for verification, and Financial Planners must provide registration with their respective state. More details on the licensure that must be provided is listed per industry below.
Industry Specific Requirements
Home Services (Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, etc.)
- Contractor license number(s) – if applicable– generally for the owner(s) of the business
- Proof of General Liability insurance
- Employee background checks– generally the professionals entering homes
- Photos of work or company logo
- Headshots of professionals
Legal Services
- Bar license number(s)
- Headshots of each lawyer listed
- Each state served
- Firm verification– must have good standing with the state bar
- Business insurance– varies from state to state
- Background check for each lawyer listed
Financial
- Proof of General Liability insurance
- Financial Planner licensure– usually found through FINRA, can vary by state
- Headshots of each featured professional
- Background check for each professional listed
Insurance Agencies*
- State-issued insurance license(s) for each agent
- Each state served
- Proof of liability insurance
- Background check for each agent listed
- Carrier affiliations– optional, but can boost credibility
*Google Local Service Ads are only available to Insurance agents and agencies in California and Florida
Relevant Links
Want to know more? Here’s Google’s documentation on what’s required.
Still have questions?
Reach out directly to the Digital Marketing Specialist you’re set to meet with.