How do I advertise my business on Google for free?

The fuller answer

Free does not mean effortless. The work is accuracy, reviews and regular updates. Paid options such as Google Ads and Local Services Ads charge for clicks or leads and are separate.

What can I do for free on Google?

• Claim and verify your profile. How to put your business on Google.
• Complete it. Choose accurate categories, add hours, services and photos.
• Get reviews. Ask real customers, never pay for them. See how to get more Google reviews.
• Post updates. Offers, events and news, for each location.
• Appear on Maps. See Google Maps marketing.

What is not free?

Google Ads, Performance Max and Local Services Ads cost money. You pay per click, call or lead, depending on the campaign. Be wary of anyone who charges to "get you on Google" and takes over your profile: always keep ownership yourself. Compare paid options in Local Services Ads vs Google Ads.

How do I know it is working?

Check the profile's performance data for calls, direction requests and website clicks, and measure your Maps position from several points with the free Maps rank checker. Do not expect results in days. Local ranking is based on relevance, distance and prominence.

When should I move to paid?

When your profile is complete, you are replying to reviews, and you still need more calls in a specific area or season. Start small and measure calls per location. Free and paid work together: a complete profile also makes ads work better.

Reach by Locus Intelligence

Reach keeps every location accurate and answers its reviews, per location, with approval before anything posts. Free for one location, no card.

Start free

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