Google Home Services Only Benefits Google
While it has been talked about for quite a while now, Google has finally launched a beta test for its Home Services ad program in San Francisco, and plumbing companies happen to be one of the included local businesses at this time. When the generic keyword plumber is preceded or followed by a geo-modifier three paid ads hit the top of your screen on a Google search. These paid ads supersede organic results and simply list the name of the company, a phone number, location, service perks like free estimates, photograph of the professional, and perhaps accreditations like an A+ rating from the BBB.
The 3 top companies that Google has decided upon (which actually can be dropped down to about 10) are commonly being referred to as a snack pack. However, those who are unhappy with Google’s new program are voicing their opinions loudly calling it a “crap pack” that provides no benefits to online viewers.
Paid Home Services listings trump organic results
Google has always prided themselves on continually creating a more user-friendly experience for both customers and the small businesses they seek out. However, in this case their implementation of the Home Services ad program seems to be a bit more self involved, as the message they are sending is you have to pay us before you get noticed.
The 3 plumbing companies that appear at the top of the screen have undergone an extensive background check from Pinkerton Consulting and Investigation, Inc., and based on customer and mystery shopper reviews Google can make a better decision as to who is included. Except it seems strange that the top ranking company in organic search is not even given entry into Google’s snack pack.
Google Home Services lacks pertinent information
Google Home Services may let you consult with multiple plumbing companies at one time in order to compare quotes and other things of that nature, but what is supposed to be a more streamline approach to locating a service provider is anything but. Even Google responded by stating that, “The goal is not a website visit, but a call for booking.” Well, I don’t know about you, but I would certainly want to get a sense of the company I was contacting before calling, which is why viewing their website is such an important part of the overall process.
Small business owners be warned
Needless to say that both small businesses and consumers feel that Google is once again in it for themselves and masking such a program by claiming that opting for services from local companies will only become easier. It is another dark time for small business owners if the program goes into full launch. At least the mobile-friendly algorithm that went into effect on April 21st did something positive for smartphone users. While the Home Services ad program is pretty much a lose/lose for everyone expect for… well…Google. People be warned that another digital apocalypse may be on the rise, resulting is heavy hits to organic search and Google Map listings. Continue to stay abreast of the ongoing search epidemic and stay tuned for more information about what to do if Google Home Services does become a World Wide Web reality.
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