Small businesses need to prepare for Google's change to Local Services Ads. (Photo Illustration by Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

There’s a big change coming that small business owners need to know about.

Starting on November 21, Google Local Services Ads will only show up in search results if they’re linked to the business’ Google Business Profile. If they’re not, the ads will be paused and won’t appear at all.

Google Local Services Ads connect businesses directly with local customers. They appear at the top of Google search results and allow businesses to pay only for leads related to their service. Many small businesses rely on these ads to attract new customers, with studies showing that 98% of U.S. consumers look for local businesses online. They’re highly effective. Over 80% of these searches lead to sales, according to Fit Small Business, a small business industry publication.

A Google Business........

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