Starting next month, Google will begin requiring brands running Local Service Ads (LSAs) to have an accurate, verified, and related Google Business Profile to continue running their ads.
Though LSAs have technically been accessible to any advertisers on Google’s platform, the company has clearly intended them to be linked with Google Business Profiles as part of their local marketing services. This move makes the two more tightly linked, making Business Profiles the “source of truth” for LSAs.
What Is Happening?
As noted by Ben Fisher on X, Google is alerting people running Local Service Ads about upcoming changes.
In the notice, the company says that it will begin requiring accounts running SA to have a related Google Business Profile to continue running ads. Those without a GBP or those with inaccurate information in their business profile will see their ads paused beginning on this date.
As Fisher said in his post about the alert:
“Your Google Business Profile is now the source of truth for LSA. LSA ads will be paused if you do not have a GBP attached to an LSA.”
Changes To Local Service Ads Reviews
Also mentioned in the alert is the fact that Google LSAs containing reviews will exclusively show reviews left on Google Business Profiles, making GBP the sole place you can manage reviews seen in local ads.