AdWords To Require Verification For Call And Location Extension Phone Numbers

Ads without verified phone numbers will be disapproved.

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If you’ve checked out the new call-only campaigns in AdWords, you’ve probably noticed the phone verification piece to prove the phone number is associated with the business that’s advertising. Google has announced that verification will also be rolling out to all call and location extension phone numbers starting in June 2015.

Phone numbers that haven’t been approved will be listed as “Unverified” or “Unverified phone” in the Ad extensions tab.

To get phone numbers verified, you’ll need to take one of these steps.

  1. Have the phone number being used in the extension listed on the website (in text).
  2. Link your AdWords and Google Webmaster Tools accounts.
  3. Add your AdWords conversion code snippet to the landing page in your ad.

Before you panic if you’re using a third-party system, Google adds:

 Note: If you’re using 3rd party call tracking you can still use options 2 and 3 to verify your numbers. If applicable, your account team may update your account’s verification status on your behalf.

If your phone numbers aren’t verified, your ads will be disapproved. Again, this goes into effect June 2015.


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About the author

Ginny Marvin
Contributor
Ginny Marvin was Third Door Media’s former Editor-in-Chief (October 2018 to December 2020), running the day-to-day editorial operations across all publications and overseeing paid media coverage. Ginny Marvin wrote about paid digital advertising and analytics news and trends for Search Engine Land, MarTech and MarTech Today. With more than 15 years of marketing experience, Ginny has held both in-house and agency management positions. She can be found on Twitter as @ginnymarvin.

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