How (and Why) You Should Take Advantage of Google’s Coronavirus Relief Advertising Credits
What Is Google Offering?
Alphabet Inc.’s Google has announced that it is pledging $340 million in digital advertising credits to small and medium-size businesses as just a part of their $800 million relief package to help fight against the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
Here’s a direct quote from Google on why they’ve decided to help in this way:
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our communities. They represent about 90 percent of all businesses and more than half of employment worldwide, according to the World Bank. COVID-19 has posed a particular challenge to these businesses, who may be facing closures and declining revenue even as they find ways to support and protect their employees. Through ad credits, we hope to alleviate some of the cost to stay in touch with their customers.”
Who Will Get Google Ads Credits, And When?
Any small or medium-size business that has had an active Google Ads account since January 1, 2019 and has complied with all of Google Ads’ terms and conditions. They will receive a notification that the credits have been added to their accounts, “in the coming months”; Google has not disclosed an exact date. The credits will be valid to use for the rest of the year, expiring on December 31, 2020.
How Can Google Ads Credits Be Used?
The credits will work with every Google Ads platform, including:
- Search: Text-based advertisements that appear as “sponsored results” alongside organic results when someone searches for targeted keywords; search ads are great for capturing traffic from consumers who are ready to buy.
- Display: Graphic advertisements that appear across Google’s network of over 2 million websites, videos, and applications; these use cookies to retarget interested prospects who didn’t convert so that you can stay top-of-mind until they are ready to buy.
- Youtube: Video advertisements that appear before and during videos on the popular platform Youtube.
The credits will also be valid for all campaign types.
Why Does This Matter?
Small businesses across all industries are taking major hits due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the stay-in-place orders happening across the country, and the economic downturn that has come as a result. When connecting with customers physically is a health concern, connecting through other remote channels becomes a priority.
Businesses that plan on succeeding in this difficult time need to rethink their marketing strategies and adjust to connecting with their customers digitally. These free Google Ads credits will give many businesses an opportunity to try new things with their online advertising without risking their own budgets. Taking advantage of these credits and making the right advertising choices could help your business thrive as many of your competitors exit the market.
How Should I Start?
If you have had an active Google Ads account since January 1, 2019 and expect to see ad credits in your account in the coming months, it’s time to start thinking about how they can be used effectively. Advertising is different for every industry and every individual business.
A digital advertising specialist at Plum can assess your business’ unique situation and needs in order to develop a customized plan to use your credits. We understand how each Google Ads platform works and how different types of businesses can utilize ads to improve their sales pipelines and increase conversions. We encourage you to get in touch with us to start discussing your situation and planning for campaigns in the near future. Now is the time to adapt and prosper; we’re here to guide you through it.
Call (508) 717-3509 or email SUPPORT@PLUMDIRECTMARKETING.COM to learn more and get started today.