Google has done it again, it has shown ads from competitors directly above the reviews section of a Google local listing. We've seen Google do this before with LSA listings numerous times, with Google local listings and branded knowledge panels and LSA messaging.
Anthony Higman spotted this and posted screenshots and a video of this in action on X - I will say, I tried to replicate it and it did not come up for me. But here is what Anthony saw:
This is a screenshot from his videocast:
This is what I see - no ads:
Here is his video:
— Anthony Higman (@AnthonyHigman) October 7, 2024
There is also this:
Recently, many clients have had a sudden influx of calls or hangup calls from paid search ads. When reviewing the calls, the consumer thinks they are calling the competitor (not bidding on them). It's been a nightmare to navigate and negate. Plus, several brand's name cpc went up
— Nate Louis (@N8Louis) October 8, 2024
Forum discussion at X.
Update: Matt McGee spotted a variation of this too and it isn't any better:
Not cool, Google.
— Matt McGee/SEO Savvy Agent (@seosavvyagent) October 8, 2024
Right in the middle of my wife's Google Business Profile, Google has inserted a carousel of Local Services Ads from other agents. 😡
Shows 10 agents with a "View All" link at the far right of the carousel.
Is your GBP showing this, too? pic.twitter.com/Z8SmyIwK7k
