Google Local Service Ads for Dentists – The Complete Guide

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Google Local Service Ads for Dentists – The Complete Guide

Are dentists allowed on Google Local Service Ads?

Google Local Service Ads have been around since 2015. In January of 2023, Google announced that Local Service Ads are now available for dentists! This is a new and amazing opportunity for dentists to reach new patients in their area.

In this article, you will find EVERYTHING you need to know about Google Local Service Ads for dentists. You can jump to any section by clicking the question below.

What are Google Local Service Ads?
How do Google Local Services Ads work for dentists?
Are Google Local Services Ads effective for dental practices?
How much do dentists pay for Google Local Services Ads?
How can dentists sign up for Google Local Services Ads?
What are the benefits of Google Local Services Ads for dentists?
How do Google Local Services Ads differ from other types of online advertising?
What types of dental services can be advertised through Google Local Services Ads?
What are some best practices for optimizing Google Local Services Ads for dental practices?
Can dentists track the performance of their Google Local Services Ads?
What are some common mistakes to avoid when using Google Local Services Ads for dental marketing?

These are some of the top questions that people may have about Google Local Services Ads for dentists. As LSAs are a relatively new form of online advertising, it’s natural for dentists and other business owners to have questions about how they work and how they can be used effectively to attract new patients.

Looking for more help? Contact the dental marketing experts at Gravity Dental Marketing. They can help you set up your Local Service Ads and more!

What are Google Local Service Ads?

Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) are a type of pay-per-lead advertising that appear at the top of Google’s search results for specific local services. They are designed to help local service providers, such as plumbers, electricians, and now dentists connect with potential customers in their area.

When a user searches for a local service on Google, such as “dentist near me,” they will see a set of local search results featuring LSAs at the top of the page. These ads display the dental practices’ business name, reviews, and contact information, along with a green “Google Guaranteed” badge.

To appear in LSAs, dentists must go through a verification and screening process, including background checks and verification of licensing and insurance. Dental practices pay a monthly fee to participate in the program and only pay for leads (calls) generated through the ads, rather than clicks or impressions.

How do Google Local Services Ads work for dentists?

Google Local Services Ads are a type of pay-per-lead advertising that allows dentists to connect with potential patients in their local area. When a user searches for a local dental service on Google, such as “dentist near me,” they will see a set of local search results featuring LSAs at the top of the page. These ads display the dental practice’s business name, reviews, contact information, and other details.

To appear in LSAs, dentists must go through a verification and screening process, including background checks and verification of licensing and insurance. Once approved, they can create a profile that highlights their dental services, service areas, and hours of operation.

LSAs are highly targeted to users who are actively searching for dental services in their local area, which makes them an effective way for dentists to reach potential patients who are already interested in their services. Dentists only pay for leads generated through the ads, rather than clicks or impressions, which can make Google Local Service Ads a cost-effective way to advertise their practice.

Overall, LSAs can be a valuable tool for dentists looking to attract more patients to their practice and improve their online visibility. By appearing at the top of search results and providing users with relevant information about their practice, dentists can increase their chances of converting potential patients into loyal customers.

Are Google Local Services Ads effective for dental practices?

Google Local Services Ads for dentists were launched in January 2023. They are still very new to the dental marketing industry. So far, the LSAs for dentists have been very effective and are in bringing in new patients for the few dentists who are using them. Getting in early will be a massive benefit to the dentists who jump at the opportunity. We estimate that as more competition enters the playing field, the cost per lead could rise. If the cost per lead rises, it will be interesting to see how well Local Service Ads for dentists perform vs traditional dental PPC advertising.

The dental marketing experts at Gravity Dental Marketing are already setting up Local Service Ads for multiple practices. There is still time to be the first in your area. Contact Gravity Dental Marketing today to schedule a free marketing consultation.

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How much do dentists pay for Google Local Services Ads?

Short Answer: The minimum monthly budget fluctuates depending on your dental practice’s location. For instance, the monthly minimum budget for dentists to advertise in California was $1600 per month and only $1400 per month in Ohio, a 13% difference.

Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) operate on a pay-per-lead model, which means that dentists only pay for leads generated through the ads, rather than clicks or impressions. The cost per lead can vary based on a variety of factors, including the location of the dental practice, the competitiveness of the local market, and the type of dental service being advertised.

To participate in LSAs, dental practices must set a weekly budget for the number of leads they wish to receive. Google will then automatically adjust the cost per lead to ensure that the practice stays within its weekly budget. The cost per lead can range from a few dollars to over one hundred dollars, depending on the factors mentioned above. Services with bigger profits usually have a high cost per lead.

It’s worth noting that LSAs are a competitive advertising format, and the cost per lead can fluctuate based on the number of competitors in the local market. Dental practices should be prepared to adjust their budgets and bids as needed to remain competitive and generate high-quality leads through the ads. To maximize your ad spend, hire a dental marketing company or dental PPC company to manage your campaign.

Overall, the cost of Google Local Services Ads for dentists can vary widely depending on a variety of factors like location, competition, and services. However, by using a pay-per-lead model, dental practices can have more control over their advertising costs and only pay for results rather than impressions or clicks.

LSAs for dentists just launched in January of 2023, so the sooner you get your dental practice listed, the better! Less competition means lower cost per lead!

Contact Gravity Dental Marketing and get started today!

How can dentists sign up for Google Local Services Ads?

Google’s verification process for Local Services Ads (LSAs) is designed to ensure that businesses are legitimate and meet certain quality and safety standards. To be eligible for LSAs, dental practices must go through a verification process that includes several steps:

License Verification: Google requires dental practices to provide their license number and proof of licensure. This information is then verified with the appropriate state or local licensing board.
Insurance Verification: Dental practices must provide proof of insurance, including general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Google verifies this information with the practice’s insurance carrier.
Background Checks: Google performs background checks on the practice’s owner and any employees who will be interacting with customers. This includes a check for criminal history, as well as any relevant industry-specific checks.
Google Screened: Once a dental practice has completed the verification process, they become “Google Screened.” This means that they have met Google’s requirements for quality and professionalism, and are eligible to appear in LSAs.

The verification process can take several weeks to complete, and dental practices must maintain their eligibility by meeting Google’s ongoing standards for quality and safety. This includes maintaining their licenses and insurance, responding to customer inquiries in a timely manner, and complying with Google’s advertising policies.

Overall, the verification process for LSAs is designed to protect customers and ensure that businesses meet certain quality standards. By going through this process, dental practices can build trust with potential customers and improve their chances of attracting new patients through the ads.

Start your Google Local Service Ads today!

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What are the benefits of Google Local Services Ads for dentists?

Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) can be beneficial for dentists in several ways:

Increased visibility: LSAs are prominently displayed at the TOP of Google search results, which can increase the visibility of a dentist’s practice to potential patients in their local area.
Targeted advertising: LSAs are only shown to users who are searching for local dental services, so they are highly targeted to potential patients who are actively seeking dental care.
Increased trust: LSAs include a “Google Screened” badge, which means that Google has verified the dentist’s credentials and the quality of their services. This can increase the trust that potential patients have in the dentist and make them more likely to choose them over other providers.
Cost-effective advertising: Dentists only pay for leads generated through LSAs, rather than clicks or impressions, making LSAs a cost-effective way to advertise their practice.
Better conversion rates: LSAs provide potential patients with the information they need to contact the dentist directly, such as phone numbers, business hours, and reviews. This can lead to better conversion rates, as patients who contact the dentist through LSAs are more likely to be interested in scheduling an appointment.

Overall, Google Local Service Ads can be a valuable tool for dentists looking to attract more patients to their practice and improve their online visibility.

How do Google Local Services Ads differ from other types of online advertising? Things like dental PPC, dental SEO, and social media advertising

Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) differ from other types of online advertising such as dental PPC, dental SEO, and social media advertising in several ways:

Advertising Placement: LSAs are featured at the top of Google search results, above the traditional paid search ads. In contrast, dental PPC ads are typically featured in the paid search results, while dental SEO aims to rank a website organically in the search results. Social media advertising can be targeted to specific audiences and displayed in a user’s social media feed or as sponsored content.
Lead Generation: LSAs are designed to generate leads directly from potential customers who are searching for a particular service in a specific geographic area. Dental PPC, dental SEO, and social media advertising can also generate leads, but they typically require a customer to take an additional step, such as clicking a link to a website or filling out a contact form.
Cost Structure: LSAs operate on a pay-per-lead basis, which means that dental practices only pay when a potential customer contacts them through the ad. In contrast, dental PPC operates on a pay-per-click basis, meaning that dental practices pay for every click on the ad. Dental SEO and social media advertising do not have a direct cost per lead but require an investment of time and resources to develop and maintain the campaigns.
Verification Process: LSAs require dental practices to go through a verification process to ensure that they meet certain quality and safety standards. This can help build trust with potential customers and improve the effectiveness of the ads. Dental PPC, dental SEO, and social media advertising do not have a verification process but may require other types of quality control measures such as monitoring ad performance and responding to customer inquiries in a timely manner.

Overall, each type of online advertising has its own strengths and weaknesses, and dental practices may choose to use one or several types of advertising depending on their marketing goals, budget, and target audience. Google Local Services Ads can be a powerful tool for dental practices looking to generate leads and build trust with potential customers in their local area.

What types of dental services can be advertised through Google Local Services Ads?

Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) can be used to advertise a wide range of dental services, including:

General Dentistry: Cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding.
Orthodontics: Braces and Invisalign.
Oral Surgery: Tooth extractions, dental implants, and jaw surgery.
Endodontics: Root canals and other treatments for the pulp and nerves of teeth.
Periodontics: Gum disease and other gum-related issues.
Prosthodontics: Dentures, bridges, and other types of dental prosthetics.

In general, LSAs can be used to advertise any type of dental service that is legal and in compliance with Google’s advertising policies. However, dental practices should be mindful of local regulations and professional standards when advertising their dental services, and ensure that their ads accurately represent the services they offer.

What are some best practices for optimizing Google Local Services Ads for dental practices?

Here are some best practices for optimizing Google Local Services Ads for your dental practice:

Complete Your Business Profile: Remember to complete all sections of your Google My Business profile and ensure that your information is accurate and up-to-date. This includes your business name, address, phone number, website, services offered, and hours of operation.
Select the Right Services: Choose the dental services that you want to advertise carefully, and only select the services that you offer. This will help ensure that your ads are relevant and useful to potential customers.
Use High-Quality Images: Use high-quality images that showcase your dental practice and the services that you offer. Images should be clear, well-lit, and visually appealing.
Encourage Customer Reviews: Encourage your customers to leave reviews of your dental practice on Google. Positive reviews can help improve the visibility and effectiveness of your LSAs.
Respond to Customer Inquiries Promptly: Respond to customer inquiries in a timely manner, and provide helpful and informative responses. This can help build trust with potential customers and increase the likelihood that they will choose your dental practice. Businesses with a 100% response rate rank higher in Google Local Business Ads!
Monitor Your Ad Performance: Regularly monitor the performance of your LSAs and make adjustments as needed. This may include adjusting your budget, targeting criteria, or ad content to improve the effectiveness of your ads. Don’t have time? Hire a dental marketing professional to review and maintain your LSA account.
Focus on Local SEO: In addition to LSAs, focus on local search engine optimization (SEO) to improve the visibility of your dental practice in organic search results. This may include optimizing your website content for local keywords, building local citations, and improving your online reputation through customer reviews.

By following these best practices, dental practices can improve the effectiveness of their Google Local Services Ads and generate more leads from potential customers in their local area.

Can dentists track the performance of their Google Local Services Ads?

Yes, dentists can track the performance of their Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) using the Google Ads dashboard. The dashboard provides detailed information on ad performance, including metrics such as:

Impressions: The number of times your ad has been displayed to potential customers.
Clicks: The number of times users have clicked on your ad.
Cost: The total cost of your ads, based on your budget and the cost-per-click (CPC) for your selected services and location.
Phone Calls: The number of phone calls generated by your ads.
Reviews: The number of reviews generated by your ads.
Lead Forms: The number of lead forms completed by users who have seen your ads.
Conversion Rate: The percentage of users who click on your ads and take a specific action, such as calling your dental practice or filling out a lead form.

Dentists can use this information to evaluate the effectiveness of their LSAs and make adjustments as needed to improve their performance. For example, if a particular service is not generating many clicks or leads, dentists may want to adjust their targeting criteria or ad content to make it more appealing to potential customers. Similarly, if a certain service is generating a high volume of leads, dentists may want to allocate more of their budget to that service to maximize their return on investment (ROI).

HOWEVER, Google’s tracking features aren’t always the best. They can be cumbersome or just lacking in detail. For Local Service Ads, Gravity Dental Marketing adds another layer of verification & reporting with call tracking. Our call tracking and recording allow us to accurately track leads and even dispute “bad” leads.

Here’s an example of how call tracking can flag “bad leads”

A new patient searches for “dentist near me”
Sees your local service ad and Clicks to call
Calls your office and hangs up after 5 seconds

If you aren’t tracking your leads, you could be billed for this call!

Gravity Dental Marketing’s call tracking system would see that this was too short to be a viable lead and would ask Google for a refund. Working with Gravity can save you from losing $1000s in lost ad revenue.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using Google Local Services Ads for dental marketing?

As a lot of beginners have experienced, one wrong click when setting up online advertising can be very costly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) for dental marketing:

Incomplete or Inaccurate Business Information: Failing to provide complete and accurate business information can hurt the effectiveness of your LSAs. Make sure to include all of your business information, including accurate contact information, hours of operation, and service offerings.
Poor Quality Images: Low-quality images or images that are not relevant to your dental practice or services can reduce the effectiveness of your LSAs. Make sure to use high-quality, relevant images that accurately represent your dental practice.
Ignoring Negative Reviews: Negative reviews can harm your dental practice’s online reputation and reduce the effectiveness of your LSAs. Respond to negative reviews in a professional and helpful manner to demonstrate your commitment to customer service and improve your online reputation.
Lack of Call-to-Action: Failing to include a clear call-to-action in your LSAs can reduce the effectiveness of your ads. Make sure to include a clear call-to-action, such as “Call Now” or “Schedule an Appointment”, to encourage potential customers to take action.
Not Tracking Results: Failing to track the results of your LSAs can make it difficult to determine their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Use the Google Ads dashboard to track key performance metrics and adjust your LSAs as needed to improve their performance.
Neglecting Local SEO: LSAs are not a replacement for local search engine optimization (SEO). Neglecting local SEO can reduce the visibility of your dental practice in organic search results and reduce the overall effectiveness of your online marketing efforts.

By avoiding these common mistakes, dental practices can improve the effectiveness of their LSAs and generate more leads from potential customers in their local area.