Google will soon require businesses who want to advertise using Google Local Service Ads to also have a Google Business Profile. Google posted a notice that reads, "By Thursday, November 21, 2024, your Local Services ad will need a matching Google Business Profile to continue appearing in search results and to display your customer reviews."
This was first spotted by Ben Fisher who notified me of this X - he said, "Your Google Business Profile is now the source of truth for LSA. LSA ads will be paused if you do not have a GBP attached to an LSA."
We heard rumblings about this change back in August and I guess it will be official on Novmeber 21st.
Here is the notice:
Ben also wrote:
- If your GBP name or address information does not match LSA, you will be paused. The same goes for unverified and suspended GBPs.
- A few notes as the messaging from LSA is horrible.
- Please do not make new GBP's if you already have one.
- Please do not make a new LSA just because they say so; consult an expert.
- Additionally, GBP will be the only source of reviews for LSA. I think that it make sense that "verified" reviews will port into GBP.
As we covered in August, Google is now confirming - Google wrote, "When you complete the profile affiliation, your new customer reviews will be managed from Google Business Profile, not your Local Services Ads account."
Google added, "Beginning in early 2025, your existing customer reviews will also be managed from your Google Business Profile. Reviews will surface on both your Local Services ads and your Google Business Profile."
Here is another screenshot of a Google document Ben posted:
Huge Local Service Ads News: Your Google Business Profile is now the source of truth for LSA. LSA ads will be paused if you do not have a GBP attached to an LSA.
— Ben Fisher (@TheSocialDude) October 9, 2024
If your GBP name or address information does not match LSA, you will be paused. The same goes for unverified and… pic.twitter.com/GkuYR76QUj
Ben also sent me this link to the Google help document with more details.
Forum discussion at X.
Update: Around October 30, Google has begun the notices:
Well, looks like Google rolled out their requirement to have a Google business profile to run a local services ad. pic.twitter.com/tVdIuWK1FM
— Joy Hawkins (@JoyanneHawkins) October 30, 2024
2. Some #LSA accounts already quit working: "You need at least 5 reviews for your Local Services ads to appear in search results".
— Len (@lenraleigh) October 30, 2024
This screenshot is from an acct which has til 1/22/2025 to affiliate their account, but has 200+ reviews already.
cc: @adsliaison @rustybrick pic.twitter.com/ymGhoqddbh
