The Shark Tank

In late March, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced that the company is donating over $800 million to help businesses and organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes $340 million in Google Ads credits that will be available to qualifying small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across the world. Since the initial announcement, Google has released more information about their ads credit program. The new information answers many questions asked by SMBs about the Google Ads program, including how and when credits will become available to them.

Who Qualifies for Google Ads Credit?

In the new information posted, Google has provided more clarity on which businesses may be eligible for ads credit. To qualify for ads credit, a SMB must have been an active Google Ads advertiser for at least 10 months in 2019 and in January or February of 2020. This includes businesses that have a third party, such as an advertising or digital marketing agency, manage their Google Ads account. While Google has yet to define what a small or medium-sized business is, the company has stated that their team is ready to support, answer questions, and help the needs of SMBs.

How much will I Get from Google, and When?

Currently, each SMB will receive a Google Ads credit only once in the Google COVID-19 response. The value of the ads credit may vary depending on several factors. This includes the previous amount spent on Google Ads, the country where the SMB is located, and the currency that is used in the SMBs listed country. Google will start issuing ads credits to SMBs in late May and will continue for the following months. The ads credits will be valid throughout 2020 and will expire on January 1, 2021.

Advice from Google for Advertising During COVID-19

In addition to the $340 million ads credit program, Google is offering many tips for businesses and organizations that are advertising during COVID-19. Some suggestions include:

• Edit your location settings to show ads to areas near your business
• Consider how to best use your budget
• Reflect your current capabilities in ads (including curbside pickup and shipping times)
• Make sure that advertisement images and tone are still appropriate during COVID-19

Google is offering advertisement credits to SMBs to reduce the cost of staying in touch with customers during the Coronavirus pandemic. During this unique time, SMBs can capitalize on the ads credit to maintain their current advertisements, reach new audiences, or increase conversions.