What is Geofencing, and How Can It Help Me?

Not to be mistaken for geographic targeting, geofencing is a campaign that prompts a response when someone enters a defined area at a certain time or date. For instance, if a bakery wanted to offer their goods to people who specifically work near their location, they could use a geofencing campaign to set the days (workdays), times (4am-7am) and only target those driving or walking into their set geographic perimeter (for this case we will say .5 miles around their shop location), to allow people to start seeing deals as they are browsing the internet, checking the email, or checking social media. Geofencing lets businesses take advantage of customer’s immediate needs and more establish themselves in their community.

What is Google Map Advertising?

Another form of advertising based on geographic location is Google Map Advertising. This tool can be used by connecting your Google My Business listing to your Google Ads campaigns, which allows you to display ads in the maps section of search that match your other Google Ads. As everyone knows Google Maps is utilized constantly both on desktop and even more so on mobile devices. On the app you can bid for the single placement for the advertising slot that appears over the organic results. Organic results are also important so please also see information on our Local SEO section with more information on the Google My Business Listing.

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What is Waze Advertising?

Waze Advertising is another map program owned by Google. On waze there are multiple different ad options to take. They are Branded Pins, Promoted Search, and Zero-Speed takeovers, that are part of an advanced Waze ad program. Each of these programs offers different capabilities, but all are driven by either your current location or your destination.

The Branded Pins from Waze are like little reminders that if someone is driving nearby, it gives them the opportunity to learn more about you and what you have to offer. Promoted Search from Waze helps you come up higher in search as people are searching for a service or business type similar to yours. And Zero-Speed Takeovers give drivers an ad in real-time as they stop at a stop sign, stop light or business, giving them the option to drive to your location which is nearby or on the way. All of these options from Waze can give you the advantage of working with an advertising platform like Google, while people are driving and have a real-time need for your business.

Even if you are unsure of your marketing or advertising goals, there is good chance you will need some form of geographic targeting, geofencing, or extensions like those in a Google Ads campaign. If you need help with geofencing, Google Map advertising, or would like to explore Waze Advertising, reach out to us today. We would love to help create a custom marketing and advertising strategy that gives you an extended reach with your digital advertising campaigns.