Ads On Google Maps Now Show In New Scrolling List View, In-Map Ads Get A New Look

Google has formally announced that it is surfacing and displaying ads on Google Maps and Google Maps for Mobile in the scrolling list view it debuted recently.

The ads appear above the organic listings and can include location extensions and call extensions. Location extensions are what allow advertisers to include ratings, store hours and the Street View image of the business in their ads. Location extensions also enable businesses to be spotlighted with an in-map ad, or an ad marker. The in-map ad shows an offer or description and can be expanded to show more business information.

On desktops, When users hover on an ad marker, the ad and possibly ratings display (see example in the lower right in the screenshot below). Clicking on the ad marker pulls up a more complete set of details in the list view (upper left).

Ad markers on Google Maps for Mobile are shown with the yellow “Ad” icon. They show for the ad headline and one additional line of copy on the map. Users can tap or swipe upward on the ad to see more business details.

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About The Author

Ginny Marvin

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, Marketing Land 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.