Free Google Ads Credits for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

There is no doubt that the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has a massive impact on the lives of people across the globe. Besides its effects on our health and society, the coronavirus pandemic has also caused the world to experience an economic recession, decimating the livelihoods of many people. According to the International Monetary Fund or IMF, the economic damage brought about by the global pandemic is “mounting across all countries,” causing ripples that are expected to be worse than the global financial crisis. 

Amidst the economic uncertainties caused by the outbreak, there is a silver lining for owners of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Just recently, search giant Google has announced that it will assist business owners in helping them stay in touch with their customers during these trying times.  

Google Offers Ad Incentives for Business Owners

Google is giving away $340 million worth of ad credits to small and medium-sized businesses worldwide. Those who are qualified can use the ad credits across various Google Ads platforms at any point until they expire at the end of the current year. Google said the initiative is a part of a more extensive programme aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises, as well as health organisations, governments, and health workers. 

The search giant recognises small and medium-sized businesses as the “backbone of our communities.” Based on a study conducted by the WorldBank, SMBs account for 90% of all companies and more than 50% of employment across the globe. Over the last few weeks, many of them have temporarily shut down or reduced their operating times to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. As a result, some of them are experiencing a decline in revenues or at risk of closing down permanently, while still looking for ways to protect their workers. 

Through the ad credits, Google is hoping that the multinational firm can help ease the plight of struggling small and medium-sized businesses. 

What Business Owners Should Know about the Ad Credits

Google’s announcement is indeed great news for businesses that are currently facing hardships due to the global pandemic. If you think you are qualified for the ad credits, here are some of the most important things you should know.

1. Eligibility

As mentioned earlier, the ad credits are intended for small and medium-sized businesses that directly advertise with Google or through the search giant’s partners. To qualify, a company must be an active advertiser since January 1, 2019, and complies with Google Ads’ terms and conditions. 

2. Receiving of the Ad Credits

The receipt of the ad credits varies from one business to another. Google said those who qualified for the programme would receive notifications within their Google Ads account in the coming months. These notifications will let them know when and how they will receive their ad credits. 

3. Ad Credits’ Validity

Qualified SMBs can use their ad credits anytime within the year until they expire on December 31, 2020.  If there are unused credits when the expiration date rolls by, they will be removed from their Google Ads accounts. 

4. Where to Use the Ad Credits

Business owners can use their ad credits in all campaign types across Google’s various ad platforms. These include Google Search, Display, and YouTube. 

Meanwhile, Google urged everyone to remain patient. Since the search giant is still in the process of incorporating the specialised ad credits into their customers’ Google Ads account,  the notifications are unlikely to appear immediately. However, Google assured qualified businesses and advertisers that they would receive the promised ad credits and notifications in the coming months. 

Other Financial Assistance for SMBs

Apart from offering $340 million worth of Google Ads credits, the search giant has also set up a fund for non-government organisations and financial institutions in different parts of the world. In return, these institutions will use the funds to provide additional capital for small businesses. 

Google is also supporting non-profits with $15 million worth of cash grants to help them assist SMBs. At the same time, community financial institutions are receiving $20 million in ad grants so they can run relevant public service announcements intended for small and medium-sized businesses. 

Make Sure to Take Advantage of Google’s Assistance

With Google being the most widely used search engine in the world, having the opportunity to advertise on their various platforms for free is indeed a huge help for small and medium-sized businesses, especially in these trying times. As such, it certainly helps to take advantage of the incentives the search giant is offering. With Google’s free ad credits, you can give your digital marketing efforts a much-needed boost. 

If you don’t know how to make the most of Google’s free ad credits, we can help. At Springhill Marketing, we have a team of SEO and Google Ads experts who can help you put into good use the incentives you received from the search giant. Contact us today and let’s discuss where your free ads will make the most impact.