Good morning, search marketers, have you heard any local ads on your Google Home?
There have been lingering questions around how Google (and Amazon) plan to generate revenue via smart speaker devices, and it looks like we may soon have an answer. Reuters reports Google is delivering local services ads in voice search results for local queries.
A search for a plumber, for example, takes the user through a series of questions to determine their location and service needs, and then offers to call available plumbers and emails a list of results. While the email list includes Google's green badge that identifies Local Services advertisers, there is no ad or "sponsored" disclosure in the email or in the voice interaction on Google Home.
The move to include Local-Services ads in Google Home results likely means Google will have to make new disclosures around the ads so that they do not violate FTC regulations and incur fines. For search marketers, though, we're getting a glimpse of Google's latest plans to generate ad revenue from its smart home devices.
Keep reading for tips on conducting a major content migration audit and news on Google's Search Console.
Amy Gesenhues,
Staff Reporter
Quick links to stories mentioned above:
+ Local services ads appearing in Google Home voice results.