Linking Google campaigns with Google Maps for stores

Introduction

As competition between shops in cities increases, shop owners are looking for smarter ways to reach potential customers. One of the most prominent tools offered by Google today is the combination of Google Ads and the Google Maps service. The store can appear directly in map results when users search for a product or service near them.

This feature not only helps increase foot traffic, but also makes it easier for customers to find and contact the store or ask for directions with one click. In this article, we will talk in detail about how to link Google advertising campaigns with Google Maps, what are the benefits, and practical steps, with advanced tips to maximize results.

First: Why is linking campaigns with Google Maps important for stores?

1. Increase local visibility when someone searches for “nearby coffee shop” or “seafood restaurant,” Google Maps results appear first. Having your ad there increases your chances of attracting customers.

2. Convert your search into an actual visit. Most local searches on phones turn into visits within less than 24 hours.

3. Building trust with the customer. Appearing on maps with customer reviews and photos of the store gives credibility and increases the likelihood of customers choosing your store.

4. Facilitating access to the site, the customer does not need to memorize the address or question; A click of a button on “Directions” brings him directly to the door of the store.

5. Measuring performance accurately thanks to linking with Google Ads, You can see how many customers asked for directions or called the store directly.

   
   

Second: Basic requirements for linking

Before you start creating your campaigns on Google Ads linked to Google Maps, you need:

1. A Google My Business account (now called Google Business Profile): You must have an activated business profile that includes:

   • Store name

   • correct geographical location

   • working hours

   • contact numbers

   • clear pictures of the place and products

2. an active Google Ads account. You will need to set up your campaigns and link them to the business account.

3. Linking the two accounts together through the Google Ads control panel. Your Google My Business account can be linked so that your data appears directly in the ad.

   
   

Third: Steps to link Google campaigns with Google Maps

Step 1: Log in to Google Ads

Go to your advertising account and click Settings.

Step 2: Choose Extensions

Choose from the Location Extensions list.

Step 3: Link Business Account

Link your Google Business Profile with Google Ads.

Step 4: Select Locations

Choose the branches or locations you want to display in ads.

Step 5: Run the campaign

Start your campaign targeting users near your geographic location (Radius Targeting).

Fourth: Strategies to improve campaigns linked to Google Maps

1. Use local keywords such as: “Jeddah Pizza Restaurant”, “Coffee Shop in Al Salamah District”, “Riyadh Perfume Shop”.

2. Mobile Advertising More than 80% of place searches are done on phones. Make sure your ad displays perfectly on phones.

3. Encouraging customers to rate Positive reviews on your Google Business Profile increase your chances of being seen and attracting customers.

4. Take advantage of Local Search Ads, which are a special type of advertisement that appears directly in Google Maps with the location highlighted.

5. Google Ads traffic data tracking provides reports such as:

   • The number of people who clicked “Call”

   • The number of people who asked for directions

   • The number of times your ad was viewed in Maps

   
   

Fifth: Practical examples

Example 1: A restaurant in Jeddah

launched a Google Ads campaign linked to Google Maps, and when you searched for “a nearby seafood restaurant” it appeared in the first results. The result: a 40% increase in the number of reservations within two weeks.

Example 2: A women's salon in Riyadh

Relied on local extensions, and was able to attract 300 new clients within one month thanks to the appearance of ads on maps at the time of searching.

Sixth: Possible Challenges

1. An Inaccurate Location If the store’s location is not precise on the map, the customer may get lost.

2. Negative reviews even with ads, Negative reviews may prevent customers from visiting the place.

3. Strong competition in big cities, many stores target the same keywords.

   
   

Seventh: Advanced tips to maximize results.

• Use Call Ads next to maps to make the customer communicate directly.

• Combine Google Maps and YouTube Ads for visual impact and increased awareness.

• Try targeting peak time areas like “lunchtime” or “weekend.”

• Make special offers for visitors coming through Google Maps (such as a special discount when the maps screen is shown).

Eighth: The future of linking campaigns

with maps With the development of artificial intelligence at Google, ads will become more personalized. example: If a customer searches for “quiet coffee shop for work,” he will be shown ads related to the profiles of stores that offer this feature.

Conclusion

Linking Google Ads campaigns with Google Maps is no longer a secondary option for stores, but rather an essential tool for converting local search into actual visits and increases in sales. Stores that invest in this integration today are steps ahead of their competitors and building a stronger digital presence in their local environment.

In short: If you run a restaurant, café, salon, or any local store, the first step towards increasing your customers starts with linking your ads to Google Maps.

Related reading

• How to increase the visibility of your local store on Google Maps?

• A beginner's guide to setting up a Google Ads campaign for your business

• How do you start a successful Google Ads campaign for your store?

• Google Maps photos: which ones customers actually look at