Local Services Ads: Partner Updates [May 2021]

Welcome to the latest release of Local Services Ads Partner Updates, where Google brings you up-to-date with the latest events in Local Services Ads. Here’s what’s happening:

General Updates

1. Local Services Ads User Permissions Update

Google has revised the available User Permission Access Levels, as detailed in the following matrix:

The enforcement of these permission levels is already active.
Providers & Partners will gain access to these new permission levels by June 4th.
Google is actively working on updating the Local Services Ads Help Center Page on Access Levels in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please refer to this matrix (TBD – In Progress).
Access to billing information is controlled by AdWords payment profile settings.

Providers won’t be able to make edits, initiate background checks, or upload documents if they don’t have the correct level of access, as listed below.

We will display error messages to users to inform them if they lack permission in certain areas when attempting to make changes or access information they don’t have the appropriate level of access for.

	Email-only	Billing-only	Read-only	Standard	Administrative
View leads, business profile and settings			X	X	X
Receive reports and important announcements	X		X	X	X
View users, managers			X	X	X
View and edit billing information		X		X	X
Edit business profile				X	X
Respond to leads				X	X
Add email-only users				X	X
Edit bidding and budget					X
Manage users and access					X

2. New Local Services Ads Best Practices Guide

Google introduces a fresh Local Services Ads one-sheet on best practices for providers and partners advertising on the platform. Access can be promptly requested and granted. The guide offers recommendations such as emphasizing differentiators (e.g., ‘family-owned,’ ‘BBB approved’), setting budgets based on the desired number of new calls, bidding strategies for increased leads, and more.

Verifications & Onboarding Updates

1. What If A Business Failed Background Checks & The Individual Wants To Dispute Their Results?

Not all providers who undergo background checks (BGCs) will pass them. Individuals at the company have the right to dispute the results of their BGCs under the Fair Credit and Reporting Act (FCRA). Evident and Pinkerton handle disputes directly. Here’s how agents can redirect the pro if this question arises:

If a dispute is requested, the individual to whom the background check belongs can dispute the results directly with Pinkerton or Evident through the following contact methods:

Submit the Evident Support Form (under the topic submit “other”).
Contact Pinkerton Disputes via one of the following methods:
- Call Pinkerton disputes line at (800) 635-1649.
- Email them at Pinkerton.Disputes@pinkerton.com.
- Send a fax to (443) 281-5637.
- Send a letter to 11019 McCormick Road, Suite 200, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 (Attn: Compliance Department).

Have Questions?

If you have any inquiries or need further assistance, please consult the Local Services Ads on Google Help Page, or get in touch with our Local View team for comprehensive guidance.