Len Raleigh spotted a significant change in Google’s approach by testing Local Service Ads in the local pack. As seen in his screenshot, they are clearly labeled as sponsored content and appear positioned either at the top or bottom of the local pack, marking a notable shift in local advertising exposure.
Anthony Higman confirmed observing Local Service Ads during branded searches, particularly for businesses with several locations. This change gives firms more visibility in localized searches, but he noted that he hasn't witnessed this for unbranded searches in the main map pack yet, indicating a cautious rollout.
The introduction of Local Service Ads within the local pack is a considerable development for local SEO and advertising strategies. This format can profoundly influence how businesses are discovered and interacted with by potential customers, transforming the local marketing landscape.
The observations made by both Len and Anthony on X illustrate how Google is experimenting with ad placements, which may affect the competitive dynamics within local search results. The deployment appears to be in an experimental stage with ongoing analysis of effectiveness and reception.
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