Google has introduced a new automatic enrollment feature for Local Services Ads (LSA) that has raised concerns among business owners. The company is now pre-opting accounts that have a booking link on their Google Business Profile (GBP) into the booking feature on LSA.
Automatic Enrollment Details
According to a message shared by Anthony Higman, Google has begun automatically enabling the booking feature on Local Services Ads for businesses that already use booking links on their Google Business Profiles. The notification from Google states:
"You're receiving this message because a booking link was detected on your Google Business Profile that will start appearing on your Local Services Ads."
The update means that customers can now book services directly through Local Services Ads using the same HighLevel or LeadConnector booking link that appears on the business's Google Business Profile on Search and Maps.
Google clarified in their notification that bookings received through ads will be charged similarly to calls and messages. These leads will be visible in the Local Services Ads lead inbox, allowing businesses to manage bookings from both Google Business Profile and Local Services Ads in one centralized location on the HighLevel or LeadConnector platform.
Opt-Out Concerns
A significant point of frustration expressed by Anthony Higman is the lack of immediate opt-out options. In his post, he described the pre-opt-in approach as "SUPER Annoying" and noted: "They Pre-Opted Everyone Into This And There Is NO Setting In Accounts To Opt Out Yet."
While Google's message indicates that businesses can disable this feature by going to the Settings section in their Profile & Budget page, it appears this option might not be readily available to all users yet.
According to Google's communication, businesses do not need to take any action if they wish to keep the new booking feature enabled. However, those who prefer not to allow customers to book online appointments directly from their Local Services Ads should look for the opt-out option in the Settings section of their Profile & Budget page once it becomes available.
