How to Link a Google My Business Listing to Google Ads

Table of Contents

Google My Business vs Google Ads
Purpose and focus
Cost structure
Ad formats and targeting
How to link Google My Business to Google Ads
Why link Google My Business to Google Ads
Google My Business and Google Ads FAQ
Wrapping up

Google My Business (GMB) is an essential component of local SEO that enables businesses to manage their online presence and enhance their visibility on Google search results.

Meanwhile, Google Ads is a powerful advertising platform that allows marketers to create and run ads on Google.

In this article, we'll guide you through how to link your GMB listing to your Google Ads account and answer some frequently asked questions about GMB and Google Ads.

Google My Business vs Google Ads

Google My Business (GMB) and Google Ads are both important tools for businesses looking to improve their online visibility and reach more potential customers. However, they serve different purposes and have distinct features.

Purpose and Focus

Google My Business: GMB is primarily designed to help businesses manage their online presence in Google's search engine and maps.

It enables businesses to create a detailed business listing that includes essential information such as contact details, business hours, customer reviews, and photos. The main objective of GMB is to enhance local visibility and attract potential customers searching for products or services in a specific area.

Google Ads: On the other hand, Google Ads is an advertising platform that allows businesses to create and manage online ads to reach a broader audience.

It enables businesses to bid on specific keywords and display their ads prominently in search engine results, websites, mobile apps, and other platforms within the Google network.

The primary focus of Google Ads is to drive targeted traffic and generate leads or sales.

Cost Structure

Google My Business: Creating and managing a business listing on Google My Business is free of charge.

Businesses can showcase their brand without incurring any direct advertising costs. 

However, to maximize the potential of GMB, businesses can opt for additional advertising features like Local Service Ads or Google Guaranteed, which involve separate pricing models.

Google Ads: Google Ads operates on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, where businesses are charged whenever someone clicks on their ads.

The cost of running Google Ads campaigns depends on factors such as the competitiveness of keywords, targeting settings, ad quality, and budget allocation. 

Advertisers have control over their spending and can set daily or campaign-specific budgets.

Ad Formats and Targeting

Google My Business: GMB primarily focuses on providing businesses with a comprehensive business listing that appears in Google search results and maps. 

It allows businesses to display essential information, photos, and customer reviews.

While GMB doesn't offer traditional ad formats, having an optimized GMB listing increases the chances of appearing in local search results, thereby improving visibility and driving organic traffic.

Google Ads: Google Ads offers a wide range of ad formats, including text ads, display ads, video ads, shopping ads, and more.

Image source: PPC Expo

Advertisers can customize their ad creatives, tailor messaging to specific audiences, and leverage advanced targeting options based on demographics, interests, location, and search intent.

This flexibility allows businesses to reach their target audience effectively and achieve specific marketing goals.

How to link Google My Business to Google Ads

Linking your Google My Business (GMB) account to your Google Ads account is a straightforward process that requires a few simple steps.

Here's how to link your GMB account to your Google Ads account:

• Sign in to your Google Ads account and click on the "Settings" tab.
• Select "Ads and Extensions" from the sidebar on the left. Click on "Extensions".
• Then click on the blue "+" button to add a new extension to your Google Ads account.
• Choose "Location extension" from the list of options. Confirm that the two accounts are connected.
• Select the campaigns you want to include the newly added Location extension. Click "Save" to complete the linking process.

Why Link Google My Business to Google Ads?

Once you've linked your GMB account to your Google Ads account, you can create location extensions that include your business address and phone number, and display them alongside your ads.

Additionally, you can use location targeting options to show your ads to customers within a specific geographic radius around your business.

Google My Business & Google Ads FAQ

Next, we're going to answer some frequently asked questions about GMB and Google Ads specifically.

What are Location Extensions?

Location extensions are a feature in Google Ads that allow businesses to display additional information about their physical location, such as address, phone number, and operating hours, directly within their ads.

These extensions enhance the visibility and relevance of ads, particularly for local searches, making it easier for potential customers to find and visit businesses in person.

By utilizing location extensions, businesses can drive foot traffic, increase conversions, and provide a seamless experience for customers looking for nearby products or services.

Is Google My Business and Google Ads the Same?

No, Google My Business and Google Ads are not the same. 

Google My Business is a free local SEO tool that allows businesses to create and manage their online presence on Google Maps and Google Search. Meanwhile, Google Ads is a paid advertising platform that enables businesses to create and run ads on Google.

Can I Use Different Emails for Google My Business and Google Ads?

No, you cannot use different email addresses for your Google My Business and Google Ads accounts when linking them for the same business.

Wrapping Up

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses looking to increase their customer base and drive sales.

By leveraging the power of Google My Business and Google Ads, businesses can enhance their local SEO efforts, attract more quality leads, and ultimately increase their revenue.

By linking their GMB account to their Google Ads account, businesses can take advantage of accurate location targeting, enhanced ad performance, and increased brand awareness.

By implementing these best practices, businesses can gain a competitive edge and establish themselves as trusted local providers in their community.