How to Link GMB to Google Ads

Linking your Google My Business (GMB) account to Google Ads can significantly enhance your online visibility and drive local traffic to your business. By integrating these two powerful tools, you leverage your GMB listing to improve your advertising efforts, ultimately leading to more conversions and better ROI. This guide details the steps and best practices on how to link GMB to Google Ads, delivering actionable insights to optimize your marketing strategy.

Understanding Google My Business and Google Ads

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a free tool that enables businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. With GMB, businesses can provide essential information like:

• Business name
• Address
• Phone number
• Website link
• Operating hours
• Reviews and ratings

What is Google Ads?

Google Ads is an online advertising platform where businesses can create ads that appear on Google’s search engine results pages (SERPs) and across other Google services. The main features of Google Ads include:

• Search Ads: Text ads displayed on SERPs.
• Display Ads: Visual ads shown on websites in the Google Display Network.
• Video Ads: Ads shown on YouTube.

Linking your GMB account to Google Ads allows your business information to appear directly alongside your ads, enhancing visibility and trust among potential customers.

Benefits of Linking GMB to Google Ads

1. Increased Visibility: Your ads will include essential business information, making it easier for customers to find you.
2. Enhanced Ad Performance: Leveraging your GMB information can lead to higher click-through rates (CTR) as users are more likely to engage with ads that display accurate business details.
3. Better Local Targeting: Ads can be tailored to target local customers, driving foot traffic and local sales.
4. Insights and Analytics: Access to data showing how users interact with your GMB listing through ads helps refine marketing strategies.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Link GMB to Google Ads

Step 1: Verify Your Google My Business Account

Before linking, you must ensure that your GMB account is verified. An unverified listing will not have the same features or visibility.

• Log in to Google My Business.
• Follow the prompts to verify your business via postcard, phone, or email.

Step 2: Sign into Google Ads

1. Go to Google Ads and log in to your account.
2. If you don’t have an account, create one by following Google’s setup procedures.

Step 3: Navigate to Business Information

1. In Google Ads, click on the Tools & Settings icon in the top right corner.
2. Under the Setup section, select Linked accounts.

Step 4: Link Your Accounts

1. Find the Google My Business section and click on Details.
2. Click the Link button next to the GMB account you wish to connect.

Step 5: Confirm the Linking

1. Review the details presented confirming the accounts to link.
2. Click on Link accounts to finalize the process.

Step 6: Set Up Ads That Utilize GMB Information

1. Create a new ad campaign or edit an existing one.
2. Under the Ad Extensions tab, select Location extensions.
3. Choose your GMB listing to incorporate your business information into the ads.

Best Practices for Optimizing Your GMB and Google Ads Integration

• Keep Information Accurate: Ensure your business name, address, phone number, and website URL are up-to-date in GMB.
• Use Location Extensions: Utilizing location extensions enhances your ad visibility, especially for mobile users searching for nearby services.
• Encourage Reviews: Positive reviews on your GMB listing can improve your ad performance by establishing credibility.
• Utilize Ad Customization: Customize your ads based on user location and time of day to increase relevance and engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can linking GMB to Google Ads improve my local SEO?

Linking GMB to Google Ads boosts your visibility in local searches, helping potential customers find your business more easily, thus contributing to improved local SEO rankings.

Can I link multiple GMB accounts to one Google Ads account?

Yes, you can link multiple GMB accounts to a single Google Ads account, allowing management of various business locations from one central area.

Are there any costs associated with linking GMB to Google Ads?

Linking your GMB account is free; however, the ads you create through Google Ads will incur advertising costs based on your bidding strategy.

How can I track the performance after linking GMB to Google Ads?

Monitor the performance of your ad campaigns via Google Ads’ campaign analytics, which will provide insights on how GMB-linked ads are performing compared to those without GMB integration.

Integrating Google My Business with Google Ads amplifies your marketing strategy by increasing visibility and improving potential customer engagement. For more information on effective marketing strategies, check out our multi-channel marketing and advertising services at 2POINT.