Can you import location data from external sources into Bing Ads for location extensions?

As of my last update, Microsoft Ads (formerly Bing Ads) does not natively support the direct import of location data from external sources for location extensions. However, you can still manage location extensions effectively using the following approaches:

### 1. **Manual Data Entry**

- **Direct Input:** You can manually enter location information directly into your Microsoft Ads account. This involves adding business addresses, phone numbers, and other relevant details for each location extension.

### 2. **Using Microsoft Ads Editor**

- **Bulk Edits:** If you have a large number of locations, Microsoft Ads Editor can streamline the process. You can use the Editor to make bulk edits and upload location data in a more efficient manner compared to manual entry.
- **Import and Export:** While you can't directly import location data from external sources, you can export your current data, make changes in a spreadsheet, and re-import it using the Editor.

### 3. **Google My Business Integration**

- **Linking Accounts:** If you have locations listed in Google My Business, you can sync your Google My Business account with Microsoft Ads. This ensures that your location data is consistent across platforms, although the integration process primarily updates your Google My Business data and may not fully automate location extension updates in Microsoft Ads.
- **Manual Updates:** Periodically review and manually update your location extensions in Microsoft Ads based on the latest information from Google My Business.

### 4. **API Solutions**

- **Custom Integration:** For advanced users or larger businesses, custom solutions using Microsoft Ads API can be developed to handle location data more dynamically. This involves creating scripts or tools to manage and update location information based on external data sources.
- **Data Feed Management:** Some third-party tools or services might offer data feed management that can integrate with Microsoft Ads API, allowing for automated updates to location extensions.

### 5. **Third-Party Tools and Automation**

- **Advertising Management Platforms:** Certain third-party advertising management platforms offer features to integrate and manage location data across multiple ad platforms, including Microsoft Ads. These tools might support importing and syncing location data from external sources, though integration features can vary.

### Best Practices for Managing Location Extensions:

- **Consistency:** Ensure that your location data is consistent across all advertising platforms and external directories to avoid discrepancies and confusion for users.
- **Regular Updates:** Regularly review and update location information to reflect any changes in your business locations or contact details.
- **Monitoring:** Track performance metrics related to location extensions to ensure they are effectively driving traffic and conversions.

By leveraging these approaches, you can efficiently manage and optimize location extensions in Microsoft Ads, even if direct import from external sources is not supported.