Google is testing out a new program that connects people looking for home service professionals with pre-qualified providers in their local area. The company confirmed with Marketing Land that it is running a very small test in the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on plumbers and locksmiths to start.
Google’s entry into this increasingly heated market — Angie’s List, Yelp, Thumbtack and Amazon’s own nascent Home Services program are all in the mix — could have a significant impact on current players and local service providers. According to Reuters the home improvement and repair market represents a $250 billion opportunity in the US.
From the new Google ad units, searchers will be able to find out more about local service professionals in their area and contact providers directly or submit requests for a follow-up right from the search results. To be eligible to participate in the program, service providers must go through a background check.
For a walk-through of the user experience with Google Home Services Ads, see our complete coverage of the test on Search Engine Land.
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