That’s a good question, and one for which I do not have an answer. But you can bet they will be redirecting the millions of dollars they have spent on Google Adwords ads into some other medium.
With their deep pockets they will put those ad dollars anywhere they think it will be most productive for them. Their unstated but clear goal is to use those advertising dollars to attract business that might other wise go to local home town independent computer repair shops. ie, the little guys. That’s what the big guys do.
And now that the little guy, no longer has Google adwords, how are they to out advertise the giants? While adwords were relatively expensive, they worked. Now that Google wont accept ads in the niche, is the little guy expected to plunge their dollars into Facebook, the local newspaper, mass media?
In my opinion, no. That could be a mistake. The big boxes will forever be able to out mass market the little guys in terms of sheet budget and reach.
The one possible advantage the little guy has is that they are one of the top three closet (insert keyword here such as PC repair, fix computer, .. etc) NEAR ME.
Near Me is the key change that emerged out of cell phone use. Once people were able to verbally ask for information on the phone they started asking for restaraunts near me, gas near me, etc etc.
And Google has responded in force with its current algorithm that governs its Google Maps and what is referred to as the Google 3 pack on desktop. It is highly location sensitive. While proximity is not the only factor, it clearly is an important one.
And that is why many businesses show up on the three pack for their immediate area. Especially on the owners own computer. This can cause a false sense of comfort.
What many businesses do not understand is that people a few blocks away may not be seeing the same results, because someone else may be closer, or stronger in one or more of the “non-proximity” factors.
Most small businesses get their customers from a relatively short distance from their place of business. And this is the exact angle such businesses need to emphasize. The Near Me, factor is
And while the big box guys seem to be in every community, it is usually possible for the small guy to also get into the Google 3 pack if they have verified, set up and optimized their Google My Business (GMB) Page.
See my article below to learn how.