COVID-19 Google Ads Credit: Updated FAQ and Actionable Tips

by Daniel Estevao |

June 12, 2020

COVID-19 Google Ads Credit: Updated FAQ and Actionable Tips - VitalStorm

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) around the world are suffering from the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19). To help businesses keep their doors open, Google has pledged $350 million in ad credits to qualifying SMBs. Here’s some updated information on the Google ad credits.

What is the COVID-19 Google Ads credit?

This credit (up to $1,000 USD) is for advertising on the Google Ads, including Search, Display, YouTube, and all campaign types. It cannot be sold, transferred, refunded, converted into cash, or applied to Google Ad spend prior to receiving the credit.

Only eligible Google Ads customers will receive the credit. You may receive multiple credits if you have multiple Google Ads accounts or multiple campaign types within an account.

How much is the ad credit?

The ad credit amount will vary depending on past Google Ads spend, your billing address, and currency of the Google Ads account. The maximum amount you will received is $1,000 USD, or its equivalent.

Who is eligible to received the COVID-19 Google Ads credit?

You will receive one ad credit if you are a small or local business that has used Google Ads in 10 out of 12 months in 2019 and in January and/or February of 2020.

Do I have to do anything to receive the ad credit?

There is no application process and no action required on your part. Small and medium-sized businesses (determined by Google) can expect to see the ad credit automatically applied to their Google Ads account. Once the credit is applied, Google will send a notification email to the primary account holder.

Does the ad credit expire?

If you receive an ad credit, you must use it by the end of the year (31st Dec 2020). Any unused portion of the credit will be removed from your Google Ads account on January 1, 2021.

Why haven’t I received my COVID-19 Google Ads Credit?

Google is currently rolling out the credits world wide since their customers are located in nearly every country and it takes time to make sure the infrastructure is sound across languages and currencies. The have already applied the credits to accounts in New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, Italy and Germany.

The ad credits are currently being rolled out in the USA. American SMBs will just have to be patient until the ad credits are applied, but you can always check back with Google for further updates.

Where can I find the ad credit?

The ad credit will appear in the “Promotions” page of your Google Ads account.

  1. Sign in to your Google Ads account.
  2. Click the tools icon  at the top of the page, and under “Billing” select “Promotions.”
  3. View the amount used per billing cycle on the “Transactions” page.
    1. Click the tools icon  and under “Billing” choose “Summary.”
    2. From the menu on the left, click “Transactions.”
    3. You will see the percentage of your credit that was spent during that billing cycle. Remaining credits will be rolled over into future billing cycles.

Where is the ad credit for my eligible accounts if I manage multiple accounts?

If you have a manager account on Google Ads, you will see the ad credit information for your eligible accounts on the “Notifications” page of your manager account.

  1. Sign in to your Google Ads manager account.
  2. Click the tools icon  in the upper right corner of your account.
  3. From the lefthand menu, click “Accounts,” then click “Notifications.”

Actionable Tips for Maximizing Your COVID-19 Google Ads Credit

Actionable Tips for Maximizing Your COVID-19 Google Ads Credit - VitalStorm

Business owners are relying on digital tools and technology more than ever. While you should already have many of the elements in place to succeed in this time of social distancing, here are some tips for maximizing your ad credit.

  1. Consider YouTube and Display Ads

While many people think of Google as Search only, there are many other ways to reach and engage your customers, such as YouTube and Display ads. YouTube ads are a great way to gain exposure at a low cost. It only costs a couple of cents per view compared with the high costs of traditional PPC ads. The Display Network “reaches 90% of Internet users worldwide, across millions of websites, news pages, blogs, and Google sites like Gmail and YouTube.”

  1. Request YouTube’s Free Video Builder

If you don’t have the resources to create a video ad from scratch, you can get started using Google’s YouTube Video Builder, which is a free beta tool that allows you to make 6- and 15-second videos. You can request access to Video Builder here. You will be notified by email when access has been granted.

  1. Take Advantage of Google’s COVID-19 Resources

Google has published a list of resources to help businesses during COVID-19. Get free digital skills training and more.

  1. Double Down on Social Media

Social media and web browsing has increased across all channels during the pandemic. One study showed web browsing increasing by 70% and “social media engagement increasing by 61% over normal usage rates.” According to Facebook, messaging on their apps (Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp) have increased 50% in countries hardest hit by the virus.

As customers increasingly turn to social media for updates and information, now is the time to double down on your social media efforts and prioritize conversations over conversions.

Learn more marketing tips for navigating COVID-19 and watch our webinar recap on the upcoming busy season.

If you have any questions about Google COVID-19 ad credits or want to learn more about taking advantage of digital tools to run your business, contact VitalStorm for a free consultation: 877-311-5695.