A source reports that the vetting process for Google Home Service Ads in the Greater Chicago metro area is nearing completion, which indicates that the feature will soon be available in this market.
Since 2015, Google has been collaborating with businesses in California to display these ads for relevant searches. Philadelphia was the first East Coast city included in the test markets after its recruitment process concluded in June.
Based on the recruitment efforts for Home Service Ads in Philadelphia, Google likely reached out directly to 30-to-40 renowned and trustworthy Chicago businesses. It is confirmed that at least one of these businesses is a plumbing company.
Google may have also considered other home service providers such as handymen, electricians, and locksmiths. While these types of companies have yet to appear in the Philadelphia market, they are already featured in California searches.
The plan is to expand these ads nationwide by the end of 2017. Thus far, Google seems to be on track, with the feature starting on the West Coast, moving to the East Coast in Philadelphia, and now approaching a Midwest launch in Chicago.
In Chicago, the recruited businesses underwent background checks, verified their licenses and insurance, and were reviewed by undercover shoppers. Upon passing these screenings, businesses could partner with Google for ad placement.
Selected providers in Chicago will soon be able to directly connect with customers via phone calls and web-based leads. Users will also have the capability to leave reviews and make requests directly from the search results page.
Partnering with Google allows companies to display the “Google guaranteed” tag below their brand name. This tag assures customers that the service is guaranteed by Google, which promises the job will be done right or they will get their money back.
Now that the recruitment process for Home Service Ads in Chicago is ending, local providers can expect to see their brands featured in the ad listings soon.
