Google is Offering $340 Million in Free Ads for SMBs: What Dealers Need to Know

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published April 3, 2020 and has since been updated with the latest information on eligibility criteria and ad credit details from Google.

The coronavirus outbreak has hit small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) especially hard. To support companies through this period of instability, Google has committed to $340 million in free ads for SMBs through a Google Ads credits program.

What SMBs Need to Know

The Google Ads credits program was designed to support small and medium sized businesses during the economic slowdown from COVID-19. To alleviate the cost of keeping in touch with customers and help with their subsequent recovery, Google is offering ad credits to all SMBs with an active Google Ads account over the past year.

Here’s how it works:

• Advertising Credit: Eligible businesses will receive a one-time advertising credit to use within their Google Ads account. This includes search, display, and YouTube advertising. Ad credits cannot be transferred between accounts. They will not be applied or invoiced for past or current Google Ads spends, and can be used at any time before expiring on December 31, 2020.
• Eligibility: Ad credits will go to SMBs in every country where Google Ads is available. To be eligible, a small or medium sized business must have advertised for 10-12 months in 2019, as well as January and/or February of this year.
• Amount: The ad credit amount will vary by customer based on past Google Ads spend and the country and currency where the business and Google Ads account is set up. If your business is eligible, you will be informed through an in-product notification that will include the exact credit amount.
• Timing: Credits will be made available to eligible customers in phases beginning in late Q2 and can be used to offset future advertising with Google until the end of 2020. Eligible SMBs will see the credit directly applied to their account and do not need to opt in or take any further action to take part in the Google Ads Credits program.

Adpearance will continue to monitor our advertising accounts and will alert clients as soon as the credit is made available within their account. Reach out to hello@adpearance.com if you have any questions or are unsure if you qualify. We’re happy to assist and want to help as many SMBs as possible take part in the coronavirus help package from Google.

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