Google Local Service Ads App To Stop Working in Two Months

In a major update for advertisers using Google Local Services Ads (LSA), Google has announced that it will be discontinuing its mobile app on January 6, 2025. This means that users will no longer be able to rely on the app to manage and view their Local Services Ads campaigns after this date. While this change might seem sudden to many, it’s not completely unexpected given the app’s underperformance and limited usage.

In this post, we’ll dive into what this change means for advertisers, how it will impact your campaign management, and what alternatives Google is providing to replace the app.

What are Google Local Services Ads?

Before understanding the impact of this change, let’s briefly review what Google Local Services Ads (LSA) are and how they help businesses.

Google Local Services Ads are a form of advertising designed to help local businesses connect with customers in their area. They appear at the top of Google search results, typically above the standard Google Ads. When users search for a service provider, such as a plumber, electrician, or lawyer, LSA ads show up with a small badge verifying the business’s trustworthiness through Google’s certification.

LSA ads offer local businesses the ability to advertise their services with a pay-per-lead model. Unlike pay-per-click ads, businesses only pay when a customer contacts them through the ad. This makes it an appealing option for small businesses looking for a way to reach customers without paying for clicks that don’t lead to direct engagement.

The Discontinuation of the Google Local Services Ads App

Google has recently sent out an email to advertisers explaining that it will stop supporting the Google Local Services Ads mobile app on January 6, 2025. In that email, Google reassured users that their existing campaigns and related data would not be affected by this change. In other words, advertisers won’t lose any of their current data or be prevented from creating new campaigns after the app’s removal.

However, the announcement has left many wondering how they will manage their campaigns without the mobile app. Here’s what we know so far.

Why is Google Discontinuing the LSA Mobile App?

While Google has not provided an official detailed explanation for discontinuing the app, we can speculate based on a few facts:

1. Poor Reviews and Low Usage: The Google Local Services Ads app has not received great reviews from users. The app has often been criticized for its bugs, glitches, and limited functionality. Additionally, usage rates for the app have been reported to be relatively low compared to other Google tools. It seems that the app did not gain the traction Google hoped for.
2. Limited Support on Android Devices: The Android version of the app has already stopped working for a significant period, and many users have experienced issues with functionality. Since it wasn’t widely supported, it seems Google has decided to focus its resources on the web-based version of LSA, which offers greater versatility and support.
3. Focus on Web Platform: Google is pushing advertisers toward using the LSA website, which can be accessed on both mobile and desktop devices. This decision aligns with Google’s broader strategy of streamlining its platforms and focusing on the web for a more consistent experience across devices.

What Does This Mean for Advertisers?

For advertisers who have been using the Google Local Services Ads app, this change will mean that the mobile app will no longer be available for managing their campaigns. Here’s what will happen:

• Current App Users: If you have the Google Local Services Ads app installed on your phone, it will continue to function until January 6, 2025. After that date, the app will stop working. Until then, you can continue to use it to view and modify your campaigns, but you will need to transition to the website for campaign management in the future.
• Campaign Management via Website: The Google Local Services Ads website will become the primary platform for managing your campaigns. Whether you are working on a mobile device or desktop, the website will offer all the necessary features to create and modify ads. Google has emphasized that the functionality of the website will not change, and it will be the only way to create and manage Local Services ad campaigns moving forward.

Transitioning to the Google Local Services Ads Website

For those who have been relying on the app, the transition to the website may take some time to get used to. However, Google’s website for managing LSA campaigns is robust and user-friendly. Here’s a brief look at the features you can expect to find:

• Campaign Creation: You can still create and set up new Local Services Ads campaigns directly from the website. You will be able to define your target area, set up your budget, and choose your business category just as you could within the app.
• Lead Tracking: The website will allow you to track leads generated through your ads, including phone calls and messages. This functionality will remain largely unchanged, allowing businesses to monitor the performance of their campaigns.
• Ad Performance Reports: Detailed performance reports will still be available through the website, giving businesses insights into how their ads are performing. You will be able to track the number of leads generated, cost per lead, and other key metrics to measure the success of your campaigns.
• Mobile-Friendly Website: Google has designed the LSA website to work seamlessly on mobile devices, meaning you can manage your campaigns while on the go, even without the app. The website is responsive and should provide a smooth experience on both smartphones and tablets.

How to Prepare for the Change

If you’ve been using the Google Local Services Ads app and are concerned about the upcoming changes, there are a few things you can do to prepare:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Website: Now is the time to get comfortable with the Google Local Services Ads website. Take some time to explore the platform, learn how to create and manage campaigns, and get used to the interface. This will help ease the transition when the app becomes unavailable.
2. Monitor Campaign Performance Regularly: As the transition approaches, it’s essential to stay on top of your campaign performance. Since the app won’t be available for much longer, monitoring performance via the website will become your primary tool for ensuring your ads are running smoothly.
3. Seek Support If Needed: If you run into any issues or have questions about how to manage your campaigns on the website, Google offers customer support for Local Services Ads. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance during this transition period.

Transform Your Local Services Ads Strategy – Contact Us Today!

The discontinuation of the Google Local Services Ads app is a significant change for advertisers who have relied on the mobile app for managing their campaigns. However, Google’s transition to a website-only model will not impact the functionality of Local Services Ads campaigns. You can continue to create, view, and modify your campaigns on both mobile and desktop devices through the website.

While this change may take some getting used to, it’s important to adapt and familiarize yourself with the web platform ahead of time. By doing so, you can continue to take full advantage of Google Local Services Ads to connect with local customers and grow your business.

If you’re unsure about adapting to the changes or want to maximize your Local Services Ads campaign, the team at Attorney Marketing Network is here to assist. We specialize in helping law firms navigate digital advertising and SEO strategies to stay ahead of the competition. Contact us today to learn how we can help you succeed with the new platform.