Advertiser Verification for Google Local Services Ads
Advertiser authentication for Google Local Services Ads is a vital step that many business owners overlook, frequently because the process does not begin directly within the LSA platform. While the Local Services advertisements dashboard manages many parts of your account, you will eventually be requested to complete advertiser verification through your Google Ads account. If you do not do so, your advertisements may be hidden.
Here's what you should know about this often-overlooked yet necessary procedure:
Why Is Advertiser Verification Required?
Google is committed to building a more transparent and trustworthy advertising economy. The advertising verification process is part of this initiative. Google verifies your identity and business operations to ensure that your ads are legitimate and that customers know who they are doing business with. The goal is to increase user confidence while reducing misleading or fraudulent adverts. Once validated, some of your business information will appear in ad disclaimers and the Ads Transparency Center, which gives context for your company.
How to Complete the Advertiser Verification
- Go to Google Ads and sign in to your account.
- Once signed in, locate the "Billing" section.
- Select "Advertiser Verification" from the menu.
- You will be given a list of tasks. These are usually basic and are intended to verify your identification and business authenticity. Common tasks include:
- Answering the question of who pays for your ads: This certifies your company's affiliation with the campaign financing source.
- Confirming your SSN is an important step for individuals, and it may be required to validate your identification. Google promises that your SSN will be destroyed after the task is completed.
- If there are any other "Start task" buttons showing, complete those as well to ensure you have completed all requirements from Google.
What Happens After Verification?
After completing the verification process, you will receive an email confirming that you have completed all of the actions required on the platform. Additionally, you will see in your Google Ads account that all tasks have been completed. However, Google Ads may require you to do other tasks in the future, so keep an eye out for any follow-up emails.