Google has redesigned its local ad formats for Google Maps for Mobile. The company says the new formats have performed well in tests, increasing click-through rates by 100%.
The calls to action, like “click to call” or “get directions” have been made more prominent in the new formats, making them more clickable, according to Google. There’s a new hyperlocal marker, which shows how close the user is to the advertiser’s business location.
Additionally, when a user clicks the ad, it will take them to the advertiser’s website within the app itself.
You can see the difference in how the new formats look, compared to the old here:
“Ads in Google Maps for Mobile are one of many ways advertisers are delivering relevant local answers to people’s questions on mobile,” said Mobile Ads product manager Jay Akkad. “Likewise, a recent campaign from T-Mobile shows how search ads, combined with location extensions, enabled them to reach users close to their store locations across mobile search and maps.”
“Mobile technology is enabling people to connect with businesses in new ways via smartphones and tablets,” said Akkad. “People use search and click to businesses’ websites, but they are also clicking to make phone calls, find directions to walk into local stores, and more.”
The new design is rolling out today to newer versions of Android.