The phrase ‘Google it’ has become so imbedded in contemporary language that it is the answer and solution to many questions and problems. There’s no secret that Google is the alpha search engine so don’t be surprised if the phrase ‘Google Maps it’ becomes just as common.
A recent study reveals that paid ads on the Google extension have been on the rise for smartphone devices. Data indicates that in mid-2016 shows desktops, tablets and phones on par in terms of ad clicks however since this period there has been a 5% increase last recorded March 2017.
Investing in Google Maps ads shows promising investments for brick-and-mortar stores. This is particularly true for small local businesses as they have a different avenue to contend with their larger competitors particularly if this is combined with a local SEO strategy.
However, it is important to keep in mind that although there may be more store visits, it will be recorded as an online conversion decrease. This is because these advertisements are recorded as coming from Google, however, no conversions online are actually made, rather they are made in-store.