Reaching local customers through Google Ads is a powerful way to drive traffic to your business, store, or website. Whether you run a small business, restaurant, or service-based company, targeting local audiences ensures that your ads reach the right people at the right time.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best strategies for effectively targeting local customers using Google Ads.
1. Use Location Targeting
Location targeting is the most important feature for local Google Ads campaigns. This allows you to only show ads to people in specific locations, ensuring your budget isn’t wasted on irrelevant clicks.
How to Set Up Location Targeting:
- Go to Google Ads and open your campaign settings.
- Find the “Locations” section.
- Enter the city, region, or radius around your business.
- Choose “People in or regularly in your targeted locations” to ensure ads only reach local customers.
🔹 Pro Tip: Use radius targeting (e.g., 10 miles around your business) to attract customers nearby.
2. Optimize for “Near Me” Searches
Many users search for businesses near them (e.g., “coffee shop near me” or “best plumber in [city]”). To rank for these, follow these steps:
✅ Use location-based keywords, like:
- “Best digital marketing agency in London”
- “Affordable PPC services Manchester”
- “Reliable electrician in Birmingham”
✅ Include your city/region in ad copy & landing pages.
✅ Enable Google My Business extensions to show your address & reviews.
For expert local SEO strategies, check out our Google My Business services.
3. Leverage Localized Ad Extensions
Google Ads offers several extensions to make your ads more appealing to local customers.
Must-Use Ad Extensions:
📌 Location Extensions – Show your business address & map in the ad.
📞 Call Extensions – Let customers call you directly from the ad.
💬 Message Extensions – Allow users to send messages from their phone.
📅 Sitelink Extensions – Add extra links like “Book Appointment” or “Find Store”.
By adding these, you increase CTR and make it easier for people to contact you.
4. Schedule Ads for Peak Local Times
Your customers may be more active at certain hours. Running ads during peak business hours ensures maximum engagement.
How to Set Up Ad Scheduling:
- Go to your Google Ads campaign settings.
- Find “Ad Schedule” and set your best-performing hours.
- Increase bids during busy hours and lower them during off-hours.
🔹 Example: If you’re a restaurant, show ads around lunchtime & dinner hours.
5. Use Geotargeted Landing Pages
Sending local traffic to a generic page lowers conversions. Instead, create geotargeted landing pages with:
✅ Local keywords in headlines & meta descriptions.
✅ Maps, contact details & testimonials from local customers.
✅ A clear CTA (Call-To-Action) like “Call Now” or “Get a Free Quote in [City]”.
🚀 For custom landing page optimization, explore our website development services.
6. Leverage Retargeting for Local Customers
Not all users convert on the first visit. Retargeting ads remind them about your business after they leave your site.
How to Use Retargeting Effectively:
📌 Show ads to past visitors who didn’t convert.
📌 Offer discounts or special deals to bring them back.
📌 Retarget users within a specific local area.
Retargeting boosts brand recall and increases repeat visits from potential customers.
7. Track Performance & Optimize Regularly
The key to Google Ads success is constant optimization. Use Google Ads reports to analyze:
✔ Which locations bring the most conversions.
✔ Which keywords perform best.
✔ Which ad copies get the highest CTR.
Make data-driven adjustments to lower CPC and maximize ROI.
Conclusion
Targeting local customers with Google Ads is a game-changer for businesses looking to grow their customer base. By using location targeting, ad extensions, local keywords, and retargeting, you can ensure your ads reach the right audience at the right time.
Need Help with Local Google Ads?
At Social Media Max, we specialize in high-converting, location-based Google Ads campaigns. Get in touch today!
📞 Call us: 0161 399 3517
📩 Email us: Syed_66@hotmail.com
🌍 Visit our website: Social Media Max