LSA- benefits of the blue checkmark even if not running ads?

[Kaycie Smith]

I have a client who is being told by another marketing professional that "getting verified for Local Search Ads will help you rank higher in organic search, AI driven search and appear more times in the local 3 pack even if you don't run LSA's"

Basically saying the verification alone is a benefit- while not spending a cent.

I am always looking to learn new things but I don't believe this to be true and the claims seem laughable to me (btw, this client is doing paid ads with Adwords so already showing in maps with ads).

I don't have a ton of experience with LSA's so double checking with others who have more experience. TIA

 

[keyserholiday]

I seriously doubt that this is true.

 

[chadkimball]

Is it possible that the checkmark increases CTR which over time increases ranking?

 

[Kaycie Smith]

Is it possible that the checkmark increases CTR which over time increases ranking?

Hi Chad! Makes sense if you are running ads but if you aren't running ads, I think your check mark would not be visible. The suggestion above is that there is a benefit to getting verified and not even running and LSA campaign.

 

[chadkimball]

I wonder if verification is somehow a trust factor with google maps that causes them to rank you higher. Just brainstorming why your colleague would come to this conclusion.

 

[Kaycie Smith]

I wonder if verification is somehow a trust factor with google maps that causes them to rank you higher. Just brainstorming why your colleague would come to this conclusion.

Appreciate it!

 

[keyserholiday]

If they aren’t running ads, being verified means nothing. They won’t see any increase in local seo rankings or CTR.

 

[Local Edge Marketing]

I have a client that has a GBP where their address is not showing (they want to keep it that way). They have seven 5-star reviews, that are recent as of the past two months.

When I set up their LSAs, one lead came in, that was back in early March. We’ve raised the budgets and bids, but still no leads since then. I can’t prove this, but I’m beginning to think if a GBP is not showing their address, I know visibility tanks, I’m wondering if it’s the same for LSAs, as Google might only want to prioritize GBPs that have the address showing, any ideas?