What is a call-only ad?

A call-only ad is a type of advertisement specifically designed to encourage users to make a phone call to the advertiser directly from the search results page on mobile devices. These ads are primarily used by businesses that prioritize phone calls as a primary form of customer interaction or lead generation.

Key characteristics of call-only ads include:

1. **Phone Call CTA**: Call-only ads prominently display a phone number as the primary call-to-action (CTA), encouraging users to call the advertiser directly. Instead of linking to a website or landing page, clicking on a call-only ad initiates a phone call to the advertiser's business phone number.

2. **Mobile-Friendly Format**: Call-only ads are specifically designed for mobile devices, where users can easily tap on the phone number displayed in the ad to initiate a call. These ads typically appear at the top of the search results page on mobile devices, providing high visibility to users searching for relevant products or services.

3. **Location and Business Information**: Call-only ads may include additional information about the advertiser's business, such as the business name, location, hours of operation, and relevant ad extensions (e.g., location extensions, callout extensions). This information helps users make informed decisions and encourages them to call the advertiser.

4. **Tracking and Measurement**: Advertisers can track the performance of their call-only ads using tracking tools provided by ad platforms, such as call tracking and conversion tracking. This allows advertisers to monitor key metrics such as call volume, call duration, and cost per call, and optimize their campaigns for better results.

5. **Targeting Options**: Call-only ads offer various targeting options to help advertisers reach their desired audience effectively. This may include keyword targeting (e.g., targeting specific search terms relevant to the advertiser's business), location targeting (e.g., targeting users in specific geographic areas), and device targeting (e.g., targeting users on mobile devices).

Call-only ads are particularly effective for businesses that rely on phone calls to drive sales, bookings, appointments, or inquiries, such as local service providers, professional services, healthcare practices, and more. By encouraging users to call directly from the search results page, call-only ads help businesses connect with potential customers in real-time and convert them into valuable leads or customers.