Google Introduces Local Listing Ads, to San Francisco & San Diego

Matching Yahoo’s local ad unit model, Google is finally rolling out its own version of short ad listings for local businesses. These Local Listing Ads will contain only basic information about a business, such as contact info and a link, and will display in regular search results pages as well as Google Maps listings.

The ads are not intended to compete with Google AdWords and will be more or less self-serve for business owners.

To participate though, businesses need to first be listed and verified in Google’s Local Business Center. The ads will be free of creative (artwork and images), with results also linking to Google’s version of Yelp, Place Pages.

Formal pricing has not been released, but it’s believed to start around $20 per month and possibly go as high as $200, with the first month being free. Pricing may also vary depending on what market a business is in.

Currently, the program is only being tested in San Francisco and San Diego.

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