Getting a client started with the uLSA program involves a structured process to ensure their Local Services Ads are set up correctly for success. The process is divided into two main parts: the initial setup within the Umbrella dashboard and the official onboarding call with our fulfillment team.
This part is completed by the Umbrella Member within the dashboard.
Step 1: Create the Client Contact
First, the client must be added as a contact in your dashboard.
Navigate to Contacts: From the left-hand menu, click on Contacts.
Add New Contact: Click the blue "+ Add contact" button in the top-right corner.
Enter Details: Fill in the client's information. The essential fields are:
First Name
Last Name
Status: Set this to CLIENT.
Submit: Click Submit to create the contact record. You will be taken to their contact page.
Step 2: Add the uLSA Product & Configure Pricing
Access Products: On the contact’s detail page, ensure the Products tab is selected.
Add New Product: Click "+ Add a new product".
Select uLSA: From the product list, scroll down and click on Local Search Ads subscription.
Configure Markup: On the "Configure markup" screen, set the prices you will charge your client:
Setup fee retail price: Enter the one-time setup fee
Monthly fee retail price: Enter the recurring monthly management fee
Click Set markup to proceed.
Step 3: Fill Out the Intake Form
You will now be on the "Fill intake form" screen. This form is critical and sends all necessary information to the fulfillment team. You must complete this with information gathered from your client.
Key Sections of the Intake Form:
Short name for easy reference: A nickname for the campaign (e.g., "John Smith LSA").
Contact & business information: Business Name, contact person's name and title, business address, phone, website, and corporate structure (e.g., LLC).
Insurance information: Confirm liability insurance, coverage limit, expiration date, and upload a PDF of their certificate of insurance.
License information: If applicable, provide the license type, number, expiration date, and upload a PDF copy of their license.
Google Services:
Indicate if the client has attempted the Google Guarantee/Screening process before. If so, describe the results (e.g., "Approved, but didn't see great results").
Note if they have an existing Google Badge and provide the Customer ID of any existing LSA account you want the team to manage.
Confirm if they have a Google Business Profile and enter the exact name on the profile.
Specify the number of new leads they want per week and their monthly ad spend budget.
Additional Business Details:
Service Areas: List the specific cities, zip codes, and neighborhoods the client services.
Type of Business: Choose Physical location, Service area only, or Hybrid.
Business/company attributes: Select up to 6 attributes that apply (e.g., Locally-owned & operated, 24/7 emergency service, BBB accredited A+ rated).
LSA COVID-19 Precautions: Select any applicable service, health, safety, and payment options.
Submit Form: Once all details are accurately filled, click Submit.
Step 4: Set Payment Information
After submitting the form, you must process the payment for the one-time setup fee.
Option A (Enter Card Directly): Enter the credit card information yourself and click "Pay with new card."
Option B (Send to Client): Click the "Send to contact to complete" tab. Copy the unique payment link and send it to your client so they can enter their payment information securely.
The onboarding process will not begin until this setup fee is successfully paid.
Once the intake form is submitted and payment is made, our fulfillment team (operating under the gray-label name "Search Programs") will reach out to schedule the official onboarding call.
Step 1: Prepare Your Client
It is crucial that your client is prepared for this call to ensure the process is smooth and successful.
The Welcome Letter: Use the "Welcome to Local Services Ads" letter (available in the LSA Training Course) to inform your client of what to expect. You can brand this letter and send it directly.
Schedule the Call: Use the gray-labeled calendar link in the welcome letter to schedule the onboarding call: https://searchprograms.zohobookings.com/#/LSA_Onboarding
Join the Call: It is highly recommended that you join the onboarding call to facilitate communication, but it is not mandatory. The "Search Programs" team can handle the entire call on your behalf.
Step 2: Items the Client MUST Have Ready for the Onboarding Call
The client must have the following items available during the call:
A Gmail or Google Business (Workspace) Email Account, including login information (email and password).
Mobile Phone for verification purposes.
Driver's License or other form of ID.
Social Security Number (US) for the background check.
Credit Card Info for Google Billing (for their ad spend).
Access to the Google Business Profile (if it exists).
The Onboarding Call Process:
The call is conducted via Google Meet. The client must be at a computer, especially if setting up a new LSA.
During the call, the Search Programs team will:
Add the client to the LSA account and have Google send an access invite.
Guide the client through completing the Background Check information.
Add the client's credit card to the dashboard to be charged by Google for the leads.
Review all information from the intake form to ensure service areas and job types are correct.
Once this call is complete, the client's LSA account is fully set up and will be managed by our team. For future reference, the client will be able to log in at https://ads.google.com/local-services-ads/.
FAQs - General Onboarding Process & Timeline
Q: What is the first step after I submit the LSA onboarding form for my client?
A: Our fulfillment team will review all the submitted details. This typically takes 48 to 72 hours. They might reach out if any clarifications are needed and will then complete the initial LSA profile configuration.
Q: How long does the Google verification process take?
A: This is the most variable part of the onboarding and can take up to 3 weeks. It includes Google's background checks, license verification, and insurance checks, and the timeline is largely dependent on Google and their third-party background check providers.
Q: Is the Google verification process faster for certain professions?
A: Yes, medical and education professionals ("Licensed Verified by Google") may experience faster verification. This is often because they have pre-existing qualifications and checks that Google can leverage.
Q: When will my client's LSA ads go live?
A: The ads will go live as soon as Google approves the background check and all other required verifications.
Information Collection (Onboarding Form Details)
Q: What kind of business information do I need to collect from my client?
A: You'll need their full legal business name, DBA (if applicable), physical address (if they have one), phone number, and company website.
Q: What information is needed about the business owner?
A: Details for the business owner are required by Google for background checks.
Q: Why are insurance details so important for LSA?
A: Insurance details are crucial for LSA approval, especially for home service businesses. You'll need to provide proof of liability insurance, coverage limits, and expiration dates.
Q: What type of license information is required?
A: You'll need copies of relevant business and professional licenses for the client.
Q: How specific does the service area information need to be?
A: You should provide specific zip codes, cities, or regions that the business serves.
Q: What are the different "business type" options for LSA?
A: There are three main types:
Physical location: Customers visit the business.
Service area only: The business visits customers (no physical storefront for customers).
Hybrid: The business has a physical location customers can visit, and they also travel to customers.
Q: What other information is needed on the onboarding form?
A: You'll also need to provide a detailed list of services offered by the client and their business hours (for ad scheduling).
