Google has some updates regarding their pledge of free ad credits to SMBs, including eligibility and an official roll out period.
Back in late March, Google announced a $340 million kickback initiative to SMBs, to roll out as free ad credits for advertising through Google Ads.
Not much information was available at the time of the announcement regarding eligibility, requirements, and expectations as to WHEN it would actually happen.
Today, however, some good news – and some important info – has now surfaced on the Google Ads support page for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Updates.
What you need to know…
The details on what qualifies an SMB under this program are still under wraps. Google employs a team of specialists who work directly with these businesses and it is through them that they will determine eligibility.
Also, each eligible account will be given a single ad credit. There has been no mention of additional efforts to roll more out at this time.
Who is eligible?
- “Small and medium sized businesses globally, who have spent with a Google Ads account in ten out of twelve months of 2019, and in January and/or February of this year. Eligible customers are those who advertised directly with us or through a partner, and adhere to our advertising”
When will ad credits become available?
- “Starting in late May, we will begin rolling out the ad credit in phases. Over the following months, eligible customers will be notified and will see the ad credit applied in their Google Ads account”
How much is the credit worth?
- “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”
Do the ad credits expire?
- “This ad credit can be used throughout the year and must be used by 31st Dec 2020. After 31st Dec 2020, the ad credit expires and any unused portion will be removed from your Google Ads account”
We’re monitoring closely…
Any account connected under our Google Ads Manager Account will remain eligible for the ad credits as it is on an account by account roll out basis and not governed by a higher level authority such as the Manager Account access levels within Google Ads.
We’re remaining in close contact with our Senior Partner Management team at Google.
At this point though all we can say is keep your eyes on your Google Ads account and look for any notifications indicating the receipt of your ad credit starting late next month!