Using the Adwords Campaign Diagnostic tool, I have discovered a problem when I click "local".
I am a custom location serving a 7 mile radius. It has been working well until the "Local" function was added to Google Search.
For example:
Adword list has two entries:
abc123def456 service
"abc123def456 service"
etc.
Do a Google Search abc123def456 service
and my ad shows up #1
Click "Local" and I get a "Location: blank form.
I put in my zip code. Click "Go"
On Results, Default=45 miles.
select 1-mile or 5 mile or any, and...
I vanish.
I don't exist any more.
The Google Diagnostic tool gives this explanation:
What does this mean?
We could not identify the location of the user for this search term and therefore could not match it to the geo-targeting settings of your ad. When you have specified a target location and we are unsure of a user's location, our default action is to not serve your ad to the user.
I guess that means Google does not know where I am.
Huh?
I selected a Zip code (required for Local search)
Why does Google not know where I am?
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Population: uninhabited
and Ralph, who I assume is in a less remote place, can't be identified.
patient2all
Google response...
...
We collect U.S. and Canadian business information from numerous web sites, Yellow Pages directories, and other sources to populate Google Local search results. With the large amount of information we're currently managing, it's possible we haven't reached your listing yet.
etc.
Huh?
Did they just tell me that because I am not listed in the local Yellow Pages or any of thier "business" directory listing, I am not qualified to be "local"?
The cost of a business telephone line in this community is more than I gross each month. I don't have a business line.
I am not really a "business", but I certainly am "local", and I file a1040 Schedule C. All I am doing is a little supplement to my Social Security check.
Besides that, my Google account has a zip code. When I Google Search on that Zip Code and other close by zips, My AdWords ad do not show up. Otherwise they do.
What's wrong with this picture?
Oh, by the way, Overture works correctly in that regard. It has other "local" issues.
This is just a guess, but I have a feeling that Google has a "need" to be able to verify anyone who wants to be a local business listing through some source. There is probably some potential scam that honest people like us haven't thought of that could exploit the "local business listings".
Perhaps a national entity could apply for a local listing in virtually every city and guarantee showing as a "special local search" all over the country....
Why can't your home phone be your business phone? Or do you have a cell phone. I doubt a small single line entry (not a display ad) in the Yellow Pages can cost more than a few bucks a year. It could even bring in customers.
It's a bit of an inconvenience, yes, but I have a feeling they must verify your location just to keep every scam out there from turning up "locally".
I'd verify with Google that will "do the trick" before proceding though.
A bit OT, but I made the well-intentioned mistake of including my cell phone # on many of my sites that are featured nationally in AdWords and throughout the SERPs. I ended up getting calls from customers of my affiliate merchants anxious to talk to a human about customer service issues they had with the merchants. Like most major businesses, you've no doubt been through the scenario of calling a company, answering 10 automated prompts then listening to an hour of Muzak waiting for a "customer service rep". Hey, why don't you call Google :)
patient2all
Call your local phone company about a "business line" cost. By default, that gets you a one line entry in respective Yellow Page sections. That is not an ad.
Before making the call, take a heart pill, and be sure you have a seat close to the floor in case you still fall out of your chair.
"Business Line" is like "search Engine" for the internet business. There is only one way to get web site exposure... advertise. Money, perpetual money.
When you have the "only" game in town, pricing reflects that "no choice" position. Wanna make money? Then spend money, and your traffic is directly proportional to how much you spend if you do it right. If you don't do it right, spend some more.
Well, in this town, the price of a business line/month is more than my net income for a month on the average.
Since I am living on another income source, I don't need to get real serious about this. I'm earning Mad Money. All I need os for the tools I am using to actually work right. Spamer issues should not be my issues. Overture got it right, and Google seems to get it right BEFORE the "Local" link was added.
Spamer issues should not be my issues.
Raleigh,
Agreed, but it's just par for the course. In almost every aspect of AdWords, we pay for the sins of others. We pay in lost keywords due to the poor performance of other people's ads. I can't use innocent words because their use has been abused by others. We pay click frauders almost like a tax to advertise.
AdWords Advertiser's choice: heart pill, stiff drink, tranquilizer :)
I would think the phone company would be happy for listings these days. Since the 'net came along, I just toss the heavy thing in the trash when it arrives every year when it arrives.
patient2all
