A few years ago Google promised to create a simpler option of advertising for local businesses that didn’t require the time and management commitment that Google AdWords does.   The solution has been announced at the Google Local Markets Symposium and is called ‘Google Local Listing Ads’. 

The basic components of these ads are: 

• These are new ad units that will appear both on Google.com (above the “10 Pack”) in local results and in Google Maps.  They will not therefore compete with AdWords
• They will not carry any creative, just business name and contact details — and a link/URL
• The URL in the ad can be directed to Place Pages (confirming this earlier speculation from last week) or to a website
• The ads are priced on a flat-fee basis (but prices vary by market and category).  Google has not disclosed the range, but according to Greg Sterling, Search Engine Land, they begin at $20 per month and may go up to $200 or more dollars.  They’re experimenting with pricing and the first month is free.
• To participate the business must have a verified presence in the Google LBC

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