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Adwords ads for Small Local Businesses on Google Maps 

This week Google launched a new ad format for Local Businesses called Google Boost. Beta testing is underway in a few markets in the US (San Francisco, Houston and Chicago). 

Google says, “Boost automatically sets up your ad campaign, figuring out the relevant keywords and how to get the most out of your allotted budget. The new feature will allow organisations that have a Google Places account to create search ads quickly and easily“. 

The system will automatically create an Ad based on your business category and from information you provide in your Google Places listing. You set the monthly budget and Google determines what search words trigger the ad. It appears to be a simplified version of an Adwords campaign to help small businesses with their online marketing. Essentially the idea is a Set and Forget formula, just what small businesses need! 

• The wording for the ad is automatically extracted from the 200 character description,which you can change anytime.
• The ad only shows for categories that are in Google’s category list. Custom categories won’t show the ad.
• The estimated clicks per month will vary depending on market and categories selected.
• There is a minimum of $50/month to start the program.
• The only ad title allowed is the business name as defined in Places.
• You only pay when someone clicks on your ad.
• Basic ad performance data will be available in your Google Places dashboard. 

• If there’s no bidding or keywords, how will Google rank the ads when multiple businesses are using Boost in your area?
• Will the highest budget win?
• Without a keyword bidding system, how are they going to keep it fair?
• If the start-up budget of $50 is insufficient, Google will suggest a “recommended daily budget”. Will it still be a cost effective investment for small business? 

What about existing advertisers…if you have an Adwords account will your ads be double served? 

All remains to be seen so standby.

Have you claimed your free business listing in Google Places? 

Tags: google boost, Google Maps, Google Places, local business ads, sponsored links