The details
As reported on August 21, pre-badge ads require a business licence or registration, reviews and completed billing, and professional services also need headshots. They are not available for garage door services, health care or locksmiths. New categories split broad trades into specifics. Auto repair now includes options such as brake shop, auto glass repair, oil change and transmission shop. Beauty adds categories such as eyebrow salon, facial spa and makeup artist, and dining gains many cuisine types. State limits on barber, hair and nail salons were lifted. The verified badge is not available for the auto, beauty and dining groups.
Our read
Google is widening Local Services Ads while it moves the product into Google Ads, a migration expected to run through 2027. More categories and faster entry mean more advertisers in the same space. Read this together with the change to missed call charges from October 1. Both push in one direction: the advertisers who answer quickly and keep their details exact will pay less for each job.