How to Use Google Ads for Google My Business

By Himanshu Shekhar · 10 Feb 2026

Google Ads for Google My Business (Complete Local Advertising Guide)

Google Ads can significantly boost your Google My Business (GMB) visibility by placing your business in front of nearby customers exactly when they are searching for your services.

This guide explains Google My Business advertising from a strategic and practical perspective — covering setup, campaign types, targeting, optimization, and common mistakes for local businesses.

💡 This guide focuses on local intent advertising, helping businesses generate calls, directions, and real customers — not just clicks.

📌 What Is Google My Business Advertising?

Google My Business advertising allows local businesses to promote their verified business profiles using Google Ads. These ads appear when users search for services or businesses near their physical location.

Your business may appear at the top of:

✔ Google Search local results
✔ Google Maps listings
✔ Mobile search with call & direction buttons

✅ GMB ads focus on local intent, meaning users are already close to making a purchase or visiting a store.

🚀 Why Google Ads + GMB Works So Well

✔ Reaches customers searching “near me”
✔ Generates instant phone calls
✔ Drives real store visits
✔ Faster results than SEO
✔ Budget-friendly for small businesses

💡 Local ads work best when business profile quality and location accuracy are strong.

🔧 Step 1: Optimize Your Google My Business Profile

Before running ads, your Google My Business profile must be fully optimized. Google prioritizes complete and trustworthy business listings.

✔ Correct business name, address, and phone number
✔ Accurate business category
✔ High-quality photos and logo
✔ Updated business hours
✔ Positive customer reviews

⚠️ Poorly optimized GMB profiles often result in higher ad costs and lower conversions.

🔗 Step 2: Link Google My Business with Google Ads

To run local ads, your Google Business Profile must be linked to your Google Ads account. This allows Google to use your location, phone number, and directions automatically.

Log in to Google Ads
Go to Tools & Settings → Linked Accounts
Select Google Business Profile
Choose your verified business location

🎯 Step 3: Choose the Right Campaign Type

Google Ads offers multiple campaign types suitable for local businesses. Choosing the correct one affects automation, reach, and results.

Local Campaigns – Optimized for calls & visits
Search Campaigns – Best for service keywords
Performance Max – Fully automated local reach

💡 Beginners should start with Local Campaigns or Performance Max for faster results.

📍 Step 4: Location Targeting Strategy

Location targeting is the most critical element of GMB advertising. Ads should be shown only to users who can realistically become customers.

✔ Target your city or service area
✔ Use radius targeting (5–20 km)
✔ Exclude irrelevant locations

🚨 Overly broad targeting is one of the biggest reasons local Google Ads campaigns fail.

💰 Step 5: Budget & Bidding Strategy

Local Google Ads campaigns do not require a high budget. Small daily budgets can still produce strong results.

✔ Recommended budget: ₹300–₹500/day
✔ Focus on calls, directions, and visits
✔ Allow Google to auto-optimize bids

📝 Step 6: Create Effective Local Ad Content

Your ad message should immediately answer three questions: what you offer, where you are located, and why users should choose you.

✔ Clear service description
✔ City or area name
✔ Strong call-to-action

📊 Step 7: Track Performance & Optimize

Measuring results ensures your budget generates real business outcomes.

✔ Phone calls from ads
✔ Direction requests
✔ Website visits
✔ Cost per lead

⚠️ Campaigns that are not reviewed regularly often waste budget over time.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Targeting large regions unnecessarily
❌ Ignoring call tracking
❌ Running ads with poor GMB profiles
❌ Not optimizing campaigns

✅ Final Thoughts

Google Ads combined with Google My Business is one of the most effective local marketing strategies available today. When configured and optimized correctly, it delivers real customers, measurable growth, and fast results.

Start small, focus on local intent, track performance carefully, and scale your campaigns as results improve.