A warning about Google Local Service Ads for doctors, lawyers and other professionals
If you don’t know what Google Local Service Ads are go here.
I investigated using Google Local Service Ads for a law firm client. Turns out that there are some privacy issues which were of concern. They may be of concern to you too.
Let me explain…
When a potential client contacts your business via a regular Google Search Ad they fill in the form on your website or call on your phone number. The conversation goes through your infrastructure.
When a potential client contacts your business via a Local Service Ad the conversation goes through Google’s infrastructure.
Google reserves the right to record and review the calls, emails and texts between you and your potential client. (See here)
I don’t think that Google sets out to misuse this information. But, the mere existence of recordings of confidential conversations in someone else's hands might be enough to violate client confidentiality requirements.
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