Google announced a few new features for AdWords including target ads by zip code, a new way to insert locations in your ads and "clearer and more powerful" targeting options.
Zip Code Targeting
Why didn't they have this before? I am not sure. But Google said you can now target over 30,000 US ZIP Codes with your AdWords campaigns. You will be able to add up to 1,000 postal codes at a time to your search ad campaigns with AdWords Location Targeting.
Here is a picture:
New Dynamic Location Insertion
Instead of manually creating ads that have the city or state name in it, you can now use the location insertion option to dynamically create these ads. So instead of making hundreds or thousands of ads, make one and use the syntax {lb.city:Local}. How does it work? Well, turn on the location extensions and then when you create ads insert that syntax. For example, “Find a {lb.city:Local} Store or Shop Online,” a user viewing your ad in Chicago would see: “Find a Chicago Store or Shop Online.”
More Clarity and Control
Your location targeting method allows you to:
- Target using physical location: Reach customers who are likely to be physically located in your targeted geographic areas.
- Target using search intent: Reach customers whose searches or search settings show that they're interested in your targeted geographic locations.
- Target using either physical location or search intent: Reach customers with both options.
Your location exclusion method allows you to:
- Exclude by physical location only: Exclude customers who are likely to be physically located in your excluded geographic areas.
- Exclude by physical location and search intent: Exclude customers who are likely to be physically located in your excluded geographic areas OR searching for keywords related to your excluded geographic locations.
Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.
