Do you own a local business? Then you already know how important it is to get noticed online. People often search for nearby services when they need something fast. This is where Google Ads can help you.
However, running ads alone is no longer enough.
You need to make your ads more useful and eye-catching. That’s where ad extensions come in. These are free tools in Google Ads. They let you add extra details to your ad, like your shop address, phone number, website links, and special offers.
Ad extensions make your ad bigger. They give more info to people before they click. This helps you get more clicks and better results.
In this blog, we’ll show you the best ad extensions that local businesses should use right now. You’ll learn what they do and how they can help you grow.
What are ad extensions?
Ad extensions are extra assets you can add to your Google Ads. But extra does not mean they are not important. They give more information to people who see your ad.
Think of ad extensions as helpful add-ons. They don’t replace your main ad; they make it better.
With ad extensions, you can show things like-
- Your shop address
- Your phone number
- Links to other pages on your website
- Special deals or discounts
- Customer reviews
- Images of your products or services
The best part? They are free to use. You don’t pay extra to add them. You only pay when someone clicks on your ad, just like normal.
Ad extensions help your ad stand out. They also give people more reasons to click on you instead of your competitors. More clicks usually mean more customers for your business.
Why local businesses should use ad extensions
If you run a local business, you want people nearby to find you fast. Ad extensions can help with that.
They give useful info right in the ad, before someone even clicks.
For example-
- A customer sees your phone number and calls you directly.
- They tap on your address and get directions to your shop.
- They see your special offer and click to learn more.
- This saves people time. And it brings you more business.
Ad extensions also build trust. When your ad shows extra details, it looks more real and helpful. People are more likely to choose you. Also, using extensions improves your ad’s performance. Google often rewards ads that have extensions by showing them higher in search results.
And better placement means more clicks, at a lower cost. So, if you’re running local ads, ad extensions are not just helpful—they’re a must.
Top Google ad extensions for local businesses
Let’s look at the best ad extensions local businesses should use right now. Each one has a purpose. And each one can help you reach more local customers.
1. Location extensions
Location extensions show your business address right in the ad. People can click it to see your location on Google Maps. This is great if you want more people to visit your store. It helps customers know you’re nearby. It also builds trust.
Many people prefer local businesses that they can find easily. Make sure your Google Business Profile is up to date. That way, the right address shows in your ad every time.
2. Call extensions
Call extensions let you add your phone number to the ad. People can tap and call you directly from the search results, especially on mobile.
This is perfect for service-based businesses like salons, plumbers, or food delivery. It makes it easy for customers to reach you fast. You can even set your call hours, so calls only come in when you’re open. More calls mean more chances to convert a search into a sale.
Also read: Google is Retiring Call-Only Ads: What Local Businesses Should Do Next?
3. Sitelink extensions
Sitelink extensions add extra links below your main ad. These links take people to specific pages on your website. For example: “Our Services,” “Book Now,” or “Special Offers.”
This gives customers more options to click. It also makes your ad look bigger and more useful. Local businesses can use sitelinks to guide people straight to what they need. Just make sure the pages are clear, fast, and mobile-friendly.
4. Callout extensions
Callout extensions let you add short, extra text to your ad. These are not clickable, but highlight what makes your business special. For example: “Free Delivery,” “No Hidden Fees,” or “24/7 Support.”
These short phrases help you stand out and build trust. You can add multiple callouts, and they appear below your main ad text. Use clear, direct words. It’s a great way to show value at a glance, without needing extra space.
5. Structured snippet extensions
Structured snippet extensions let you list specific services, products, or features under a heading. For example
Services- AC Repair, Plumbing, Electrical, Painting.
This helps people quickly see what your business offers. You choose a heading like “Service Types,” “Amenities,” or “Brands,” then list your offerings. It makes your ad more detailed and useful. Customers get a better idea of what you do before they even click. Keep the list short and easy to read.
6. Image extensions
Image extensions let you add a photo to your ad. This makes your ad more eye-catching, especially on mobile. You can show your store, products, team, or happy customers.
A good image helps build trust and gets more clicks. People often stop and notice ads with pictures. Make sure the photo is clear and follows Google’s rules. Real photos work best as they make your business feel more personal and local.
7. Promotion extensions
Promotion extensions help you show special offers in your ad. You can highlight discounts like “20% Off” or “Free First Visit.” This grabs attention and creates urgency. You can also add coupon codes, minimum spend, and start or end dates.
These details make your ad look timely and valuable. Local businesses use this to promote sales, events, or limited-time deals. It’s a great way to bring in more customers quickly.
8. Lead form extensions
Lead form extensions let people send you their details directly from the ad. They don’t need to visit your website. You can collect names, phone numbers, emails, or service needs.
This is perfect for local businesses that take appointments or offer quotes. For example, clinics, repair services, or real estate agents. Keep the form short and easy to fill out. It helps you get more leads, fast and hassle-free.
How to choose the right extensions for your local business?
Not every extension is right for every business. Choose the ones that match your goals. Want more calls? Use call extensions. Want more foot traffic? Use location and sitelink extensions. Running a sale? Add a promotion extension. If you take bookings, try lead form extensions.
Don’t use too many at once, pick the most useful 3 to 5. Test them, track results, and make changes if needed. The right mix will help you get more clicks, leads, and customers.
Conclusion
To get the best results, keep your extensions fresh and up to date. Make sure your phone number, address, and offers are correct. Use real images that clearly show your business. Don’t repeat the same message in every extension. Try different versions of sitelinks or callouts to see what works better. Check the performance inside Google Ads. Remove what’s not working. Keep what brings results. Small changes can lead to more clicks and better returns.
Ad extensions are a powerful tool for local businesses. They help you stand out, give more info, and bring more clicks. The right mix of ad extensions can bring you more calls, visits, and leads.
Need help setting up or managing your Google Ads? McElligott Digital Marketing is here to help. Let’s grow your business together.
